Moonlight Mesa Retreats

Joshua Tree, United States

4.8

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 760-401-3289
Website:
www.moonlightmesaretreats.com
Address:
Joshua Tree Vacation Rentals 61584 Terrace Dr, Joshua Tree, CA, 92252
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Local time (Joshua Tree) 14:02 Saturday, 24 May 2025

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Description

Specialties

Escape from the city life and experience the solitude, stars and endless blue skies in our desert vacation rentals. Just 120 miles from L.A. and 30 miles from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is a short drive to an oasis of discovery. Its nearly perfect year-​around weather and smog free air attract people from all over looking for a place to get a way from it all.

Moonlight Mesa Retreats currently offers four rentals. All homes are located in the town of Joshua Tree just minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park. It is important to us that all of our guests have a comfortable, clean and relaxing visit while staying in one of our homes. For this reason, all of our homes are individually owned and professionally maintained.

Joshua Tree National Park welcomes over a million visitors every year. The park offers rock climbing, hiking, sight seeing, biking, camping, bird watching, star gazing, and exploring.

History

Established in 2007.

We are full time residents of Joshua Tree, CA and this is our independently owned and operated business. Christa answers all of the e-​mails and calls, while Mark maintains the website and handles the maintenance of the properties. This is our livelihood and we love what we do — creating beautiful spaces for our guests to experience a relaxing getaway. By supporting us, you are supporting a small homegrown business and which in turn supports other local businesses. It’s the philosophy this community is built on and one of the many reasons we love Joshua Tree for more than its inspiring park. If you wish to journey here on your next vacation, we welcome you. For those of you who keep coming back, we welcome you home!

«All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware» ~Martin Buber

Meet the Business Owner

Christa and Mark C.

Business Owner

We enjoy travel, music, rock climbing, art and being parents.

Nearby

Near this location:
1
mi
The Red Arrow Gallery
61597 29 Palms Hwy
1
mi
Joshua Tree International Film Festival
1
mi
Club Napoleons
6393 Sunset Rd
1
mi
Joshua Tree Art Gallery
61607 29 Palms Hwy Ste B
1
mi
Mallants Group
6393 Sunset Rd
1
mi
Pie For The People
61740 Twentynine Palms Hwy Ste B

20 reviews of Moonlight Mesa Retreats

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Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
WORST experience ever. The customer service of this place is beyond atrocious. I was accused of underpaying by the management, even though I payed thru vrbo, and ended up having to overpay for our accommodations at Roca Vista, one of the homes of Moonlight Mesa Retreats. When we arrived there, there was dirt in the hot tub, no instruction on how to turn the hot tub off, so it just ran for hours. There were dead flies and dead spiders in the windowsills and someone’s used food in the fridge. Gross. Do NOT recommend staying here. There are many other beautiful, affordable homes in Joshua Tree, with views and hot tubs. Stay elsewhere!
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
I stayed with some coworkers at the Sunset Terrace house and we absolutely loved it. It is very centrally located to the Joshua Tree Park entrance and the main area of the town. It had everything we needed from toiletries to kitchen supplies. The backyard is the best part of the place with the jacuzzi, fire pit and plenty of seating. I would recommend to others and stay there again myself
Place rating: 5
La Canada Flintridge, CA
We had a much needed family vacation at the Desert Casa — kid number one is heading off to college in the fall and we wanted a quiet place where we could be together. The house is really well appointed with everything you could need. The hot tub was great after a day of hiking, and the fire pit was perfect for making smores. We had a great time and hope to return!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Rio House Review:
My friends and I adored this house! It’s spacious, clean, well lit with beautiful views. We came in the winter so the hot tub was glorious as well as the fire pit outside. There was already some fire wood there which we used and replaced with some more for the next guests. I want to thank Christa for allowing dogs because this trip would not have been complete if we didn’t have our pups there. There were so many utensils for our use which we really appreciated since we cooked most of our meals. The house is very close driving distance to Joshua Tree — we can not wait to stay here again!
Place rating: 5
Marina del Rey, CA
We stayed at Sunset Terrace — it was our first time to Joshua Tree which is amazing. The house is super easy to find — though easier in the daytime as there’s a small dirt road which isn’t so obvious.
The house was the easiest place to stay. Every detail was taken care of with small little notes everywhere that would have answered any question you might have had. We were just two people, but the bedrooms were all very nice and it could easily accommodate 6. We made all our meals in house — all the necessary equipment was provided for all kinds of meals.
The outdoor space was really well planned — hot tub worked great and was easy to just open and get in then close up when done. Grill was a little confusing for us city folk who don’t have much experience with them… Wish there had been just a little more lighting outside (but possible we just didn’t see it…)
They provided the most thorough guidebook of potential restaurants (dine in, takeout, and delivery), guides for the park, and other cool activities to do in the area. They also provided really easy instructions pre-​arrival which helped make everything just the best.
WOULD DEFINITELY STAY HERE AGAIN!
Place rating: 5
NEWBERRY SPGS, CA
Desert Casa was a great getaway for us. We thoroughly enjoyed morning hikes in the Coyote Springs Wash, the pool and hot tube. The home was neat, clean and had everything we might need. Crista was very helpful and responsive. We will be back.
Place rating: 5
Topanga, CA
My husband and I stayed at the Desert Casa while eloping in Joshua Tree last year. The house is comfortable and stylish, with such a unique charm. The view is stunning, and the home is spacious and bright. Christa was a lovely host who left us a kind note and a welcoming bottle of champagne upon our arrival. It is evident that great pride is taken into making this home a relaxing sanctuary for guests. We are so excited to return!
Place rating: 5
Covina, CA
We stayed at Roca Vista over Easter weekend. This is an amazing cabin with an amazing view! I hesitated to even write this review, because I didn’t want to let the secret out, and make it harder to get a reservation at this fantastic desert retreat.
We arrived tired and left rejuvenated. This is a great place to get away from it all, just don’t come in October (when we are booking a return visit!)
Place rating: 5
Huntington Beach, CA
We stayed at another Moonlight Mesa Retreats property called «Rio House» and had a great experience. It was our first time working with Christa & Mark Cranston, who are very pleasant and knowledgeable — truly nice people.
This year, we tried «Desert Casa», primarily for the pool/​spa, and fell in love with the place. In addition to all the amenities of Rio House, eg, fully-​stocked kitchen; a ‘Welcome’ book which provides all sorts of useful information about the house, Joshua Tree, businesses, etc.; DVDs & books & games; comfortable beds, etc., there were lots of fun pool toys; outdoor fireplace, carport. The floor to ceiling windows in the main room provide fantastic views and you can also hang out to watch the sunset/​sunrise/​moonrise on the wrap-​around deck.
We definitely plan to return to Desert Casa in the future. You cannot go wrong with any Moonlight Mesa property.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
We stayed at the Desert Casa for two nights and wished we could have moved in for two months (or 2 years!).
The house was perfect: furnished beautifully, nicely maintained, and with the most amazing pool and views you could ever imagine.
And, to make the ideal getaway even more perfect, the property owners are as nice as can be. I cannot recommend Moonlight Mesa highly enough and we cannot wait to go back!!!
Place rating: 5
Milwaukee, WI
Desert Casa is a FANTASTIC spot. Great house, perfectly usable kitchen, killer view of the moonrise, perfect location for lots of nearby JT hiking. My husband and I and our two teenage boys were delighted to stay here — cannot wait to return someday not too long from now…
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Book early because all of the houses fill up fast. I was in a rush to book so I chose Quail Crossing. Looking back, it seems like Sunset Terrace or Rio House might have been a better choice for us. Quail Crossing is described on Moonlight Mesa’s website as their «most secluded rental» so I expected some major seclusion but there were quite a few neighbors within a short distance. I suppose it’s like saying I am the tallest of the three Asian girls but it still doesn’t necessarily mean I’m tall. Get it?
Unfortunately, the weather was not very good the two nights we were there. We were only able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor space the first afternoon when we arrived. After that, it rained and was ridiculously windy. When the rain finally cleared up, it was 40 degrees outside so we spent the majority of the weekend indoors.
Parts of the house reminded me a little too much of Ikea. However, I do have to say that the house was very well equipped. It had all the condiments and spices you need for cooking, tons of toys for kids, lots of DVDs for entertainment, and all the miscellaneous items you don’t realize you need until you do like extra paper to make shopping lists, tape, and even a martini shaker. Each of the bathrooms had hair dryers and flat irons and although you had to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, they provided body wash.
Also, Christa was very easy to work with and responsive by email. I would recommend Moonlight Mesa Retreats to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and clean rental in Joshua Tree.
Place rating: 5
JOSHUA TREE, CA
Our stay at the Rio house was spectacular. The house is spacious, with plenty of private spaces for each of us, and large spaces for our group gatherings. Everything was spotless, and all the systems and appliances worked perfectly. Sitting out back, either in the hot tub or on the patio, the views and quiet are restorative.
We will be back!
Place rating: 5
Napa, CA
Holy smoke, what a great experience.
My wife and I rented «Sunset Terrace» for four nights and really didn’t want to leave. I’ve been in plenty of rental houses throughout the years and this was really the best I’ve ever had. The hot tub ruled, the WiFi worked, the house had everything you needed, and it was CLOSE to the «main drag» as well as being just minutes to the park.
Not much else to say except that the next time we go to Joshua Tree, there’s only one place we’re going to stay.
Place rating: 5
Long Beach, CA
It was very clean and extremely comfortable! What else can you ask for when you have WiFi, A/​C, massage chair, fire pit, Jacuzzi, hammock and a great view?!? It was perfect to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Friends!!!
Location is also pretty good as you are close to the entrance of the park and very close to head trails.
Next time I need to go to Joshua Tree, I know where to stay.
Place rating: 5
London, Canada
(This review is for the Sunset Terrace house of Moonlight Mesa Retreats.)
My friend and I spent two nights at Sunset Terrace. It is situated a few blocks off the highway down a dirt road, so it feels very secluded and peaceful. The house was beautiful: 3 bedrooms, a kitchen stocked with dishes (and some condiments, although we didn’t make use of them), a nice little living room with a huge picture window looking out towards Joshua Tree National Park (one of the park entrances is only a couple of blocks down the highway), and a backyard with a hot tub. Nothing like enjoying the beautiful desert sunrise from the warmth of a hot tub! The living room has a DVD player and some movies to choose from, which came in handy after a long day of hiking. I would definitely come back here!
Place rating: 5
Fullerton, CA
We just enjoyed an absolutely perfect stay at the Sunset Terrace House in Joshua Tree. The moment I walked through the front door, I could literally feel my stress evaporate. The kitchen: amazing. The backyard: tranquil. The bed: fluffy and comfortable. The location: close to town and one National Park entrance. The price: affordable. The result: everyone was jealous of our amazing digs.
Enjoy a bottle of wine or a pot of coffee on the back porch, watch the quail, bunnies, and road runners wander through, listen to the soft rustling of the leafy tree that covers the hammock, relax in the desert sunshine, and dip into the hot tub– you will feel absolutely amazing.
This was the perfect place to relax in J-​Tree.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
These guys have four amazing houses for rent, which is why reviewers typically ID the place in which they stayed. We stayed in the Sunset Terrace House. Want to hear about our wonderful Joshua Tree experience? Lemme break it down for you…
NOUNS: sanctuary, hot tub, private patio, stainless steel appliances, 3BR, wifi, coffee
VERBS: sleep, caress, drink, kiss, hike, inhale
ADJECTIVES:tranquil, restful, clean, romantic, warm, beautiful, perfect, restorative
ADVERBS: passionately, happily, sweetly, thankfully
PRONOUNS: I, she, we
INTERJECTIONS: oooh! cool! ahhh!!! mmm!!! awesome!
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Moonlight Mesa Retreats — Christa
Sunset Terrace House
61 584 Terrace Dr, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92 252
$ 135-​$ 185
(760) 401‑3289 ;
;
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
If you’re going to vacation in Joshua Tree, I say take your pick: either rough it up and camp, or spoil yourself lavish. My friends and I are divas, and we opted for the latter.
There is a two-​night minimum stay on the weekends, all for the better. Our first choice would have been the Sunset House, which has a hot tub in addition to what will be described next — but it was booked. ;\ Still, the Rio House was a dream desert sanctuary. For only $ 200 a night (if your group is between 2 – 4 people), you get a well-​decorated home that has a kitchen fully stocked with appliances and various condiments; three hulking bedrooms (the upstairs room is a loft with a vibrating bed) with two bathrooms; and a fenced-​in backyard area with a bonfire pit, barbecue equipment, and access to five acres of land to explore. One of the rooms has a flatscreen TV with a DVD/​book/​CD library. There is a friendly manager on call to answer any questions.
After a long day of trudging out in the Joshua Tree National Park, the entrance to which is under a mile away, it’s the perfect place to come back, pop open a few bottles of wine, cook up a nice little dinner while blasting your favorite CD, and have a bonfire while gazing deliriously at the stars.
Place rating: 5
Davis, CA
This review is the official notice of my resignation from the (dis)honorary title of «Dirt Bag Climber».
Moonlight Mesa Retreats currently offers two different homes for rent in Joshua Tree.
This review is for the «Rio House». The house is in the Monument Manor sub-​division uphill from HW 62, only a half mile from the entrance to the park. From the outside the house is pretty non-​descript. It sits on a five acre lot and has a fenced in backyard. Inside the house you will be stoked by the following features:
*Three huge bedrooms, we’re still not sure which room is the «master bedroom». One room has a Queen size sleigh bed w/​feather cover and a patio to the backyard. One has the bookcase, and stereo, and wide screen HD TV, and sofa. Upstairs is the (master?) with it’s own bathroom, and craftmatic vibrating bed!
*New kitchen with black granite counter top, ss gas range, convection toaster oven, dishwasher etc. All– Clad (copper core!) cook wear, lots of stem wear and assorted dishes.
*Dogs welcome
*Super quiet, and close to the park.
For five nights it cost $ 900.