"Our Weekend Homestead" Twentynine Palms by Echo_29

Twentynine Palms Travel Guide: 43 reviews and 78 photos

Homestead Supplies: Cactus Model - Twentynine Palms

Five Acres of Heaven

After 10 years of sitting on 5 acres of property in Joshua Tree we bought our Echo Park neighbors homestead cabin in 29 Palms, just down the road from fellow "Weekender" and offbeat LA Celebrity Huel Howser.

From the early 1950s through the late 1960s the US Government patented out land in the High Desert of California, for 5 acre weekend homesteads. Since the 1930s locals had petitioned the US Government to allow the 5 Acre Homesteads. Prior to this the Government only allowed homesteading on 140 acre tracts that required the petitioner to live off the land and to produce a crop.

Once the Government changed the rules the floodgates were open and tens of thousands of people petitioned the Government for their 5 acres and builders popped up everywhere to meet the governments requirements that in order to receive 5 acres free a dwelling of 400 square feet and of adequate construction be built.

Today as you drive across the high desert you’ll see hundreds of decaying homestead houses or “Claim Shacks” strewn across the desert.

Fortunately for us our Echo Park neighbors spent an extra $330 and had theirs built of masonry. Today due to their excellent care our little desert house stands strong.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Life is Fine in 29

Last visit to Twentynine Palms: May 2005
Intro Updated May 3, 2005
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Reviews (4)

Bungalow, moon and the Oasis - Twentynine Palms

Fine Food and Lodging since 1928 Hotels (3)

The 29 Palms Inn offers unique little bungalows set here and there on the extensive grounds in the midst of the Oasis of... more travel advice

Where We Stayed for Years Hotels (3)

We have stayed at Circle C for over 13 years. Whenever our place is full the overflow of friends always stay here. 12... more travel advice

The restaurant and pool - Twentynine Palms

Best Brunch or Dinner in 29 Restaurants (1)

The 29 Palms Inn has been around since 1929 and it is the best place for a high quality meal in all of 29 Palms. more travel advice

Bed and Breakfast Inn Hotels (3)

If you like potpourri and 'Bed and Breakfasts', this is the desert retreat for you. The Roughly Manor is such an odd and... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (6)

megakimi Mar 14, 2007 at 2:24 PM Report Abuse

How lucky you are! I miss the desert!
KristaB Feb 10, 2004 at 5:49 AM Report Abuse

Can't resist reasons nr. 1.,2.,3., 6., 8 ...16...20 .... gosh no wonder you love that place!
mtncorg Oct 23, 2003 at 1:49 PM Report Abuse

AAAhh, what is a 29 Palms page without the Marines?! That is another cheap way to see the High Desert at its most basic :-)
nepalgoods Sep 6, 2003 at 1:47 AM Report Abuse

Strange place!
vesna04 Sep 6, 2003 at 1:34 AM Report Abuse

well done!
diocletianvs Aug 4, 2003 at 9:37 AM Report Abuse

Looks like a nice place. From "Fine churches" to "Fine 8 lane bowling alley" and (guaranteed?) "Extended life for adults" - what more can you expect? :-)) Would like to see more today's pictures....