Desert Queen Ranch and the Keys Family Fall 2015

Join John Hale for an exploration of the history of the Desert Queen Ranch. In the high desert country that was to become Joshua Tree National Park, rugged individuals tried their luck at cattle ranching, mining, and homesteading. William F. Keys and his family are particularly representative of the hard work and ingenuity it took to settle and prosper in the Mojave Desert. This class will explore the colorful story of the 60 years Bill and Frances spent working together to make a life and raise their five children in this remote location. The ranch house, school house, store, and workshop still stand; the orchard has been replanted; and the grounds are full of the cars, trucks, mining equipment, and spare parts that are a part of the Desert Queen Ranch story.

Suggested reading: “Growing Up at Desert Queen Ranch” by Art Kidwell and Willis Keys, which is available at the Visitor Centers or purchase online through the JTNP Association store.

Download the course outline: Desert Queen Ranch and the Keys Family Fall 2015

Please review this pdf package that contains pertinent information about your class, the Joshua Tree National Park, camping reservations and lodging in the area around the park: enrollment attachments.