High Desert Lodge

27180 Twenty Mule Team Rd, Boron, CA 93516, California City, United States

Guest rating: 4.2 / 5

Overview

High Desert Lodge is a modest, budget-friendly motel-style property located in Boron, California, in the Mojave Desert region near California City. With a public rating of 4.2 from 50 reviews, it is known among travelers as a practical, no-frills stopover rather than a resort-style destination. The lodge's homey interior and comfortable beds are frequently cited by guests as reasons to choose it over pricier alternatives in the area.

Rooms

Guest feedback describes the rooms as clean with a comfortable, homey feel, and beds that guests find restful. Some travelers note that value here can exceed what they've experienced at higher-priced properties, though noise from a nearby train line can occasionally be heard behind the motel.

Dining

While the lodge itself does not have documented on-site dining, it sits within easy walking distance of several restaurants, including Barrel (American), Domingo's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant, Fluffy's Kitchen, RINCÓN LATINO CAFE (Salvadoran), and Chester's. Love's Travel Stop, offering food service, is also reachable within about 1.4 km.

Location & Surroundings

The lodge is set right in Boron, within a few hundred meters of the 20 Mule Team Museum and the Boron Aerospace Museum, making it convenient for visitors interested in the area's mining and aerospace heritage. The Borax Visitor Center is about 5 km away, and Rogers Dry Lake, associated with the region's aerospace testing history, is roughly 18.5 km away. Two local bus stations are within a short walk, and Ontario International Airport is about 105 km away for those flying in.

Best for

High Desert Lodge suits budget-conscious road travelers, desert history enthusiasts, and those visiting the nearby 20 Mule Team Museum or Boron Aerospace Museum, given their proximity of just a few hundred meters. It's also a practical stop for travelers passing through on desert highway routes who want an affordable, clean place to rest for the night near dining options and Love's Travel Stop.

Travel tips

Book knowing that a train line runs behind the property, which some guests report causes noise at certain times, so light sleepers may want earbuds or to request a room farther from the tracks. Several dining options, including Barrel and Domingo's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant, are within a five-minute walk, making a car unnecessary for meals. The nearest airport, Ontario International, is roughly 105 km away, so plan for a lengthy drive if flying in, and consider visiting the 20 Mule Team Museum or Boron Aerospace Museum since both are essentially next door.

What guests say

Guest reviews consistently highlight friendly staff, clean rooms, and a comfortable, homey feel as the property's standout strengths, with several travelers specifically praising the comfort of the beds. Many reviewers also emphasize strong value, noting the rooms compare favorably in quality to pricier accommodations elsewhere. The most consistent complaint involves noise from a nearby train line running behind the motel, which some guests find disruptive at certain times of day or night.

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