Far out in the desert past Joshua Tree, you’ll find Pioneertown, a curious relic of midcentury Hollywood Western filmmaking. The 1880s-themed community was developed as a live-in film set for around 200 Western movies and TV shows, and today it’s still home to a population of less than 600 people.
History of Pioneertown
Pioneertown was founded in 1946 by a group of Hollywood investors, including singer and actor Roy Rogers, the “Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry, and actor Russell Hayden. They designed the town buildings on Mane Street with false-front 1880s-themed facades holding real businesses like ice cream parlors, saloons, and motels.
Over 50 films and shows were shot here in the 1940s and 50s alone, with full production company teams living and working on site. Now, 8 decades after Pioneertown was founded, that number has risen to an estimated 200. Some of the most famous productions from these days include The Cisco Kid, which ran for 156 episodes between 1950-56 and included several feature films; The Gene Autry Show, featuring Pioneertown investor Gene Autry himself; and Annie Oakley, a popular 1950s Western series starring Gail Davis.
How to make the most of Pioneertown
Visitors to Pioneertown can still stroll through Mane Street’s old Western-style film facades, which continue to house operating businesses. Some popular stops include the Red Dog Saloon, one of the original watering holes, which now serves Tex-Mex food, and the Pioneer Bowl, a historic bowling alley that was a popular hangout for film crews. Perhaps the most essential attraction is Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, a hoppin’ music venue and restaurant built in Pioneertown’s original gas station—it’s hosted some surprisingly big names such as Robert Plant and CHVRCHES.
Pioneertown has also experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years. From the rustic Pionertown Hotel’s new firepits and outdoor bar, to the upscale La Copine restaurant in nearby Flamingo Heights, the area has been revitalized with a more recent influx of artists and entrepreneurs.
Even though you may witness staged gunfights on Mane Street, remember that Pioneertown is not a theme park, and there are year-round residents living there. The small community is free to visit, but weekends tend to be livelier—just make sure you’re respectful of “no parking” signs and keep the peace.
When planning your next trip out to Joshua Tree, consider checking out Pioneertown for a charming reminder of Hollywood history and California’s rustic desert charm.