Explore Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum stands as one of Southern California’s most striking architectural wonders, a four-story, hand-built Hopi-inspired masterpiece rising from the desert floor in Desert Hot Springs. This isn’t just another historic site—it’s the extraordinary creation of one relentless pioneer whose life reads like an adventure novel spanning continents and cultures. A day trip here from Palm Springs delivers a deep dive into desert history, Native American respect, and raw ingenuity that still captivates visitors today.
Hot and Cold Springs on Miracle Hill
After his family’s Riverside orange grove froze out in 1913, Cabot Abram Yerxa homesteaded 160 acres in the Coachella Valley on what he later called Miracle Hill. There, he discovered both hot and cold springs separated by a fault line—a find that helped spark the development of Desert Hot Springs as a mineral water destination. In 1941, at age 58, Yerxa began constructing his ultimate legacy: a multi-level pueblo designed as both home and museum to honor Native American cultures, especially the Hopi.
Building his Ultimate Legacy
Working mostly alone with basic tools, Cabot spent over two decades shaping it from reclaimed materials salvaged from abandoned homesteads, old telephone poles, buckboard wagon parts, and whatever the desert provided. He even carved into the mountainside to create a fitting setting. The result? A 5,000-square-foot structure with 35 rooms, around 150 windows, 65 doors (no two alike), and 30 distinctive rooflines. Every element tells a story of resourcefulness and vision.
The Visionary Behind the Pueblo
Yerxa filled his creation with treasures from a lifetime of travels and curiosity. Native American pottery, baskets, and artifacts share space with early 20th-century photographs, Alaskan adventure relics, his own artwork, and souvenirs gathered worldwide. The pueblo serves as a tribute to indigenous peoples and early desert homesteading. Yerxa opened it to the public around 1950 as a trading post and gallery, operating it with his wife, Portia, until his death in 1965.
Inside the Hand-Built Masterpiece
Wandering the narrow hallways, stairways, and unique entrances feels like stepping into a living time capsule. The irregular layout, hand-formed adobe-style bricks, and clever use of found objects create constant surprises—re-purposed windows catching desert light, hand-carved details, and rooms layered with history. It’s folk art on a grand scale, blending function, creativity, and cultural homage.
Tours bring it all alive. Knowledgeable guides (or self-guided audio options) share tales of Yerxa’s exploits, the building process, and how the site nearly vanished after his death. Abandoned and vandalized, it was saved when friend Cole Eyraud (a city council member and admirer) stepped in—famously using a shotgun to halt bulldozers—then purchased, restored, and eventually helped donate it to the City of Desert Hot Springs. Today, the Cabot’s Museum Foundation operates it as a vibrant community and tourist hub.
What to Expect on Your Tour
Guided or self-guided tours last about 45-60 minutes and explore the pueblo’s interior rooms packed with artifacts. Beyond that, wander the grounds, courtyard, outer buildings (including “Nellie’s House” for Yerxa’s mother), the exhibition gallery, and the Water Gallery, which highlights the area’s famous springs. The gift shop features work by local and Native American artists—perfect for unique souvenirs.
Museum Hours:
- June–September (Summer): Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.
- October–May: Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m. (closed Mondays).
- Grounds-only access is cheaper ($5); full pueblo tours cost around $13–16 for adults (discounts for seniors, military, kids; under 5 free).
- Group tours and special events run year-round. Book ahead, especially for smaller tour groups.
- Confirm hours at cabotsmuseum.org as they can vary
Visitor Information
- Address: 67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240.
- Directions from I-10: Exit north onto Palm Drive and drive about 5 miles. Turn right on Desert View Avenue (fourth street past the Palm/Hacienda light). Continue roughly 1 mile—the museum is on the left at Desert View and Miracle Hill. Plenty of parking available.
Wear comfortable shoes for stairs and uneven surfaces. Mornings often feel cooler and less crowded. Combine with Desert Hot Springs’ hot mineral spas for a relaxing full day.
Nearby Stops to Extend Your Adventure
Enjoy A Date Shake At Shields Date Garden
Shields Date Garden has stood at the same location as a historic landmark since 1924. It opened its doors on Christmas Day of that year and has provided high-quality dates, citrus, and organic food products to customers worldwide. Don’t forget to try their delicious date shake and take home some date samples or gift packs. 80225 CA-111, Indio, California.
Hadley Fruit Orchards, Cabazon, California
Hadley Fruit Orchards, located in Cabazon near Palm Springs, has been a popular stop for travelers since 1953. Though the original building was replaced in 2016, the orchard continues to serve its famous date shakes and delicious dried fruit snacks to visitors. The address is 47993 Morongo Trail, Cabazon, California.
Why Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a Must-Visit
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum captures the heart of desert pioneering spirit—resourceful, respectful, and endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re drawn to the architecture, the artifacts, or the larger-than-life story of Cabot Yerxa, a visit here leaves you inspired by what one determined individual can create against the odds. Add it to your Southern California desert itinerary for a memorable, off-the-beaten-path experience that connects past and present in the California sunshine.
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