Anyone interested in local history and lore should take the 90-minute guided tour of this ranch that’s also known as Keys Ranch after its builder, Russian immigrant William Keys. He built a homestead here on 160 acres in 1917 and over the next 60 years turned it into a full working ranch, school, store and workshop. The buildings stand much as they did when Keys died in 1969.
Tour reservations are highly recommended; remaining tickets may be available one day in advance at the Cottonwood, Joshua Tree and Oasis park visitors centers.
The ranch is about 2 miles northeast of Hidden Valley Campground, up a dirt road. Drive as far as the locked gate where your guide will meet you.
