Hey Daytrippers – July 2026 Newsletter
Ready for a Southern California escape that feels straight out of an adventure story? Just a short drive from Palm Springs lies Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs—a four-story, hand-built Hopi-inspired masterpiece packed with history, artifacts, and the remarkable spirit of one pioneering dreamer.
This isn’t your average museum stop. It’s a living testament to ingenuity, cultural respect, and desert resilience. Perfect for a refreshing day trip filled with stories, surprises, and that classic California desert magic.
The Man, The Vision, The Pueblo
Cabot Abram Yerxa (1883–1965) lived a life most only read about. Born on a Lakota Sioux reservation, he chased gold in Alaska, roamed Cuba and Mexico, served in World War I, and homesteaded in the Coachella Valley in 1913. There, he discovered hot and cold springs on Miracle Hill—helping put Desert Hot Springs on the map.
In 1941, at age 58, he started building his ultimate legacy: a 5,000-square-foot pueblo using reclaimed materials from the desert—old telephone poles, wagon parts, abandoned homestead finds, and more. The result? 35 unique rooms, ~150 windows, 65 one-of-a-kind doors, and 30 rooflines. No two elements are the same.
Inside, you’ll find Native American pottery and artifacts, Alaskan relics, early photographs, his own artwork, and souvenirs from a lifetime of global travels. It’s part museum, part folk-art wonder, and a heartfelt tribute to indigenous cultures.
Visitor Tip: Guided tours (or self-guided audio) bring the stories to life—expect tales of survival and creativity, and of how the pueblo was nearly lost after Yerxa’s death but saved by a determined friend with a shotgun and a big heart.
Plan Your Visit –Details
- Summer (June–Sept): Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.
- Oct–May: Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.
Admission: Grounds ~$5; full pueblo tours ~$13–16 (discounts for seniors/military/kids; under 5 free). Tours last 45–60 minutes. Book ahead for smaller groups.
Getting There from I-10/Palm Springs: Exit north on Palm Drive (~5 miles), right on Desert View Ave, continue ~1 mile. Museum on the left at 67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs. Easy parking.
Extend the Adventure – Nearby Favorites
- Shields Date Garden (Indio): Legendary date shakes, fresh dates, and citrus since 1924.
- Hadley Fruit Orchards (Cabazon): Classic roadside stop for shakes and dried fruit snacks.
Why Visit Now?
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum captures the heart of desert pioneering—resourceful, respectful, and endlessly inspiring. Whether you’re into history, architecture, Native American art, or just love quirky hidden gems, this spot delivers an unforgettable experience.
It’s the perfect quick escape from Orange County, LA, or Palm Springs, leaving you energized and full of stories to share.
Ready to go? Head to the full guide here: Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Day Trip for complete directions, more photos, and tips.
What’s your favorite desert day trip? Reply and let me know—I might feature it next!
Safe travels and happy exploring,
Trippen
daytrippen.com | @RateMyTripps
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P.S. Support independent spots like this and local artists in the gift shop.