Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is the hand-built home and history museum of artist, explorer, entrepreneur, and Desert Hot Springs founder Cabot Yerxa at 67616 E Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, in central Desert Hot Springs. Built from 1941 until Yerxa’s death in 1965, this remarkable, Hopi-inspired desert structure draws travelers for its maze of rooms, Native American art and artifacts, and an unusually personal view of the Coachella Valley’s early settlement story.
What to Expect at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
The Pueblo itself is the principal exhibit. Yerxa constructed its stacked, earthen-toned forms using reclaimed materials, found objects, and hand-worked details, creating a four-story building with 35 rooms, 150 windows, 65 doors, and 30 rooflines. Its exterior has the massing and small openings associated with Pueblo architecture, while the interior reveals a distinctly individual, improvisational house: tight passages, eccentric doorways, built-in features, and rooms that feel assembled rather than conventionally planned.
Guided and self-guided visits introduce Yerxa’s eventful life, his connection to the desert, and displays of Native American art and cultural material. Take time with the changing sightlines from the upper levels and terraces, then visit the museum shop for Pueblo-inspired gifts, books, and local souvenirs. The site also hosts Pueblo Sessions and other cultural programs; check the official calendar before planning a visit. Photography and access to particular spaces can change for programs, so confirm current rules at check-in.
- The 35-room Pueblo: Explore Yerxa’s hand-built, four-story residence, completed over 24 years and shaped from salvaged and natural materials.
- 150 windows and 65 doors: Notice how the building’s many openings frame desert light, mountain views, and unexpected interior perspectives.
- Native American art and artifacts: See cultural displays that give context to the Pueblo’s Southwestern visual language and regional history.
- Cabot Yerxa’s story: Learn about the 1864-born homesteader and civic figure whose vision helped shape Desert Hot Springs.
- Museum shop and events: Browse gifts after the tour or return for music, talks, and community gatherings held at the Pueblo.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 67616 E Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Central Desert Hot Springs, Coachella Valley |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday noon–4 p.m.; closed Monday |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission; $ price level. Buy current tickets through the official website. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | SunLine Route 2 serves Palm Drive; on-site visitor parking is available for drivers. |
| Official Website & Phone | cabotsmuseum.org · +1 760-329-7610 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near the 9 a.m. opening from Tuesday through Saturday for cooler temperatures and a quieter look at the building’s compact rooms; Sunday visitors have a shorter afternoon window. Purchase tickets online when schedules are firm, especially for a guided visit or an evening event. The museum is just east of Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs’ main north-south corridor. Drivers will find on-site parking, while SunLine Route 2 is the practical public-transport option; allow extra time for the walk from Palm Drive.
This is a historic, multi-level handmade building, not a modern gallery: narrow passages, stairs, uneven thresholds, and elevated rooms limit wheelchair and stroller navigation. Contact the museum before arrival to discuss the most accessible route and available ground-level experience. Pair a visit with the independent restaurants and shops along Palm Drive, or continue to the Desert Hot Springs Library and civic center area. The city’s hot-mineral-water spa district is also a short drive away, making the Pueblo an effective cultural stop before an afternoon soak.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Cabot’s Pueblo Museum open, and what is the best time to go?
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.; it is closed Monday. Go close to opening for milder desert conditions and more room to examine the Pueblo’s small-scale architectural details.
How much does admission cost, and should I reserve ahead?
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum charges admission and falls in the $ price range. Current ticket types and prices are listed through the museum’s official ticket link; advance purchase is a sensible choice for guided visits, special events, and dates when you are traveling from Palm Springs.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow about 60 to 90 minutes for the house, collection displays, exterior details, and museum shop. Travelers especially interested in vernacular architecture should allow longer, as the 30 rooflines, window placement, and construction details reward a slow circuit.
Is Cabot’s Pueblo Museum suitable for children and visitors with limited mobility?
Curious older children often enjoy the building’s unusual rooms and doors, though adults should keep them close on stairs and tight passages. Because the historic Pueblo has multiple levels, stairs, and uneven surfaces, visitors using wheelchairs or managing strollers should call ahead to plan a ground-level visit.
When planning your Joshua Tree travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Joshua Tree, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Tiny Pony Tavern, SureStay Plus by Best Western Yucca Valley Joshua Tree, The Good House, and Field Station Joshua Tree (17.5 km away).
