🌵 GPS: Joshua Tree Reunion
November 7-10, 2026 · San Diego → Pioneertown → Morongo Valley
NOV 2026
The plan: Reunion at UCSD on Friday, then drive up to Pioneertown Sunday for 2 nights at The Outlaw. Pappy & Harriet's for dinner Sunday, Kaleidoscope Desert on Monday, BBQ night also Monday, everyone departs Tuesday at checkout.
Trip Overview
| Date | Day | Plan |
|---|---|---|
Fri, Nov 7 | Day 1 |
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Sun, Nov 8 | Day 2 |
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Mon, Nov 9 | Day 3 |
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Tue, Nov 10 | Day 4 |
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Stop 01
Reunion — UCSD, La Jolla
Fri, Nov 7
- Details TBD — confirm exact venue + time
Stop 02
Airbnb — House in Pioneertown (The Outlaw)
Sun Nov 8 – Tue Nov 10 · 2 nights
- Sunday night: dinner at Pappy & Harriet's
- Monday night: BBQ at the Airbnb — need to order food/supplies
Pioneertown is a 1940s movie set turned actual town at the edge of Joshua Tree. High desert character, one main drag, and Pappy & Harriet's is basically the whole nightlife scene — which is not a complaint.
Stop 02b
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace
Sun Nov 8 · Dinner + possibly a show
- Classic American BBQ, full bar, live music in a Mojave Desert saloon
- Ranked among the 100 greatest American music venues (Consequence of Sound)
- Check the calendar — shows run through November 2026
- Sunday evenings are when local desert rock bands play
Email for a reservation before arrival. Check the calendar periodically as it gets closer to see if anything good is on Nov 8 or 9.
Stop 03
Kaleidoscope Desert — Animal Sanctuary + Art
Mon Nov 9 · Day visit
- 5-acre nonprofit animal sanctuary: emus, mini horses, mini cows, zebras, tortoises, peacocks, pigs — all roaming free
- Surrounded by murals, sculptures, and immersive art installations
- Founded 2020 · Featured on HGTV's Wild Vacation Rentals
- Guided sanctuary tour — meet the animals, ends with cuddle time
- Day Pass — full access (hot tub, pool, animals) 12 PM–6 PM
- All guests must be 18+
- No refunds — reschedule with 1 week notice
Only 24 minutes from The Outlaw — the perfect weird, only-in-the-desert Monday activity.
Action Items
Who's Coming
| Name | Status | Payment |
|---|---|---|
Arjan | ✓ In | 1st half paid |
Caro | ✓ In | 1st half paid |
Gwen | ✓ In | Not paid |
Wrangler | ✓ In | 1st half paid |
Courtney | ✓ In | ✓ Paid in full |
Ricky | ✓ In | ✓ Paid in full |
Noelani | ? Maybe | Not paid |
Macsun | ? Maybe | Not paid |
Joaquin | ? Maybe | Not paid |
Henrique | ? Maybe | Not paid |