26mi from Dolan Springs · 1 siteYour Grand Canyon base camp, away from the crowds.
Mohave Sunset House (Blackbrush Wilds on Instagram) is a handcrafted 107 sq ft pine cabin on 1.25 private acres, tucked against Iron Mountain at 3,800 feet. You're just 19 miles from Grand Canyon West's iconic Skywalk. The drive in takes you straight through a protected Joshua tree forest. The cabin sits at its edge, where the trees thin out and the views open wide. From the cabin you can see the Grand Wash Cliffs, Meadview, and on a clear day even Lake Mead.
Best for one guest or two close companions. The bed is a single, so a second guest should bring a sleeping pad.
STARGAZING
At 3.6 on the Bortle scale, the skies are dark enough for excellent stargazing. On a clear night you can see the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Orion Nebula. Mornings and evenings are cool, the air smells of sage, and the desert breeze is wonderful.
THE CABIN
- A brand-new single mattress on a built-in daybed, with fresh linens and a lightweight cotton throw
- Two large windows and a door window that open for cross-ventilation
- A fold-down table and sturdy handmade benches, one covered in sheepskin and the other in old lace
- Solar lights around the cabin at night (I can take them down on request for darker skies)
KITCHEN
- Propane stovetop with a fresh canister
- Butcher block counter with a sink and grey water system for dishes and brushing teeth
- Glass potable water dispenser
- Vintage steel beverage cooler, big enough for a quart of milk and a couple of steaks (bring ice)
- Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, and cutlery for two
- Pot, pan, ladle, knife, can opener, and drip coffee maker
- 36" fire ring with firewood, a small saw, and a new 44" grill grate for steaks and veggies
BATHROOM & SHOWER
The "bathroom" is a private olive-green tent with a toilet, toilet paper, and a solar light. As in many national parks, you bag your waste (bags provided) and pack it out. There's also a pressurized solar camp shower, which takes 4 gallons of water for a warm shower.
WATER: PLEASE READ
There's no well or water storage on site. At least one gallon will be waiting for you. Plan on about 2 gallons per person per day, plus 4 gallons to fill the solar shower.
Skip the water run: I can have 5 extra gallons waiting for you for $15. Just request it when you book.
Prefer to bring your own? The Chevron and Dollar Store in Meadview have water at reasonable prices.
SLOW DOWN
This place is intentionally simple. Borrow the knitting needles and vintage yarn, or browse books on Buddhism, Tibetan mysticism, the Grand Canyon, and Longfellow's Hiawatha. It's perfect for a digital detox or a quiet weekend. If you knit yourself something, I'll replace the yarn.
NEARBY
- Grand Canyon West Skywalk: 19 miles
- Grand Canyon West Ranch: 5 miles, with horseback riding, helicopter rides, a gun range, a petting farm, and nightly entertainment
- Meadview: 7 miles, with gas, groceries, diners, shops, a farmers market, ice cream, a post office, and a library
- Lake Mead (South Cove): about 15 miles, for swimming and sightseeing
- Further out: Las Vegas is under 2 hours away; Zion and Bryce are about 4 hours
RESPECTING THE LAND
- Please stay within the property. The corners are marked with rock piles, and the eastern edge is about 20 feet past the big juniper.
- The road up the mountain leads to public BLM land. Check a map first; purple flags or signs mark private property.
- Rockhounds welcome! On BLM land, you can collect up to 25 pounds of rocks per day for personal use (up to 250 pounds per year). Hand tools only, no machinery, and please don't sell what you find. Respect any posted signs or mining claims.
- Please don't step on, collect, or cut plants for firewood. Agave and cholla take many years to regrow.
- Please leave the quartz on the property in place, though you're welcome to take one souvenir piece from the driveway.
QUESTIONS?
Message me anytime. This is my happiest place, and I hope it becomes yours too.