High in the rocky folds of Palm Springs' Andreas Canyon lies one of California's most elusive and secretive communities, a place so exclusive that even the legendary Walt Disney was reportedly turned away.
A Century of Seclusion Above a Palm Oasis
Known as the Andreas Canyon Club, this off-grid enclave has perched above a palm oasis for more than a hundred years, operating entirely without electricity, running water, or any public utilities. The community was formed in 1921 by a circle of wealthy Los Angeles 'nature lovers' who purchased 509 acres from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Originally, 22 stone cottages were constructed from indigenous canyon rock, but today only 17 remain. They blend so seamlessly into the canyon walls that most hikers pass by completely unaware of their existence. Access is strictly controlled via a narrow dirt road guarded by two locked gates.
Impossible Membership and a Life Apart
Acquiring a home in this exclusive community is nearly impossible. The cottages cannot be sold or rented. When a member dies, the property automatically reverts to the club. Surviving family members may request to stay, but they must be formally nominated and approved for membership to retain access.
According to Palm Springs historian Renée Brown, the founding group was headed by Dr George L Clements, who managed the agricultural department of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Other prominent founders included civic booster Frank Wiggins, scientist Dr Frank Clark, and attorney Jack Haas.
Builder R Lee Miller, known for his Araby rock homes, supervised construction. The homes were designed to disturb the environment as little as possible, using minimal outside materials. For decades, residents have relied on generators for power, propane for heating and cooking, and water hauled in or drawn from the creek.
Even Fame Was No Guarantee of Entry
The club's strict gatekeeping is legendary. Jeri Vogelsang, director of the Palm Springs Historical Society, confirmed in a 2013 interview that Walt Disney—who had a home nearby at Smoke Tree Ranch—once attempted to buy in but was not approved.
"It doesn't matter who you are, or how much money you have," Vogelsang stated, underscoring the community's unwavering commitment to privacy and selectivity.
Life for members, who typically stayed during the winter months, involved hiking, swimming in the stream, and evenings on patios overlooking the Coachella Valley. They performed their own maintenance and followed rules prohibiting the killing of animals, with rattlesnakes being the sole exception.
The area remains under the stewardship of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, with controlled public access. An online notice now simply states that the club is 'permanently closed,' sealing the fate of this remarkable century-old experiment in secluded, off-grid living.
