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The Keys Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park was built by Bill Keys, a pioneer miner and rancher. It was originally named the Desert Queen Ranch for the nearby Desert Queen Mine which he successfully operated.
He married Frances Lawton in 1918 and brought her to the ranch where they raised a family under pioneer conditions - the full story is in the book Ambush by Art Kidwell, available at the local Bookworm book store, or at the Park Visitors Center.
Guided trips to the ranch are available only through the Park Service with a Ranger guide. Trips begin at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday only, October through December only. For more information, please call the Park Visitors center at (760) 367-7511.
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