Alchemy Sky Homestead
A place to be fearless and connected.
Desert Sky:
An Off-Grid Cabin on the edge of the Alvord Playa
Tiny cabin | Fully off-grid | Vast Alvord playa views | Endless high desert silence
The first thing you will notice is the silence.
Not the kind of quiet you get when you turn off the TV, the kind of silence that only exists when you are 160 acres deep into Oregon's high desert, standing on the shoreline of an ancient lake that has not held water in 13,000 years. The Steens Mountain rises from the playa like a cathedral wall. At night, the Milky Way does not just appear, it dominates, so bright it casts shadows.
This is not a vacation rental with a wilderness theme. This is actual wilderness with a cabin in it.
Desert Sky sits on Alchemy Sky Homestead, our working regenerative agriculture project on the floor of what was once Lake Alvord. We are building something here that will take decades. It includes earthworks, food forests and perennial systems designed for 7 inches of annual rainfall and 80 degree temperature swings. The land is the main character. You are a guest in its story.
The cabin itself is our compromise between comfort and authenticity. Fully solar powered. Thoughtfully built with real woodwork. Two queen beds (one in a cozy loft), a kitchenette, comfortable seating, and a dining table. Outside has a propane grill, hammocks, seating, and views that will make you forget your phone exists (which is good, because cell service is spotty).
This is for people who want to actually disconnect. Who understand that off grid is not a buzzword, it is a different way of being in the world. Who can handle a composting toilet and outdoor shower because the tradeoff is worth it. In exchange you get solitude, stars, space, and the chance to remember what silence sounds like.
THE SPACE
Sleeping:
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Main floor: Comfortable queen bed with quality linens
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Loft: Queen bed accessed by ladder, under a knotty pine ceiling
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Sleeps up to 4 adults comfortably
Living Area:
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Dining table with seating for 4
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Comfortable seating area
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Woodworking throughout (we actually built this, not assembled it)
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Windows positioned for cross breeze and views
Kitchenette:
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Propane cooktop (2 burner)
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Basic cookware and dishes
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Drip filter for coffee
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Mini fridge running on solar power
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Dry goods storage
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Note: Limited during cloudy stretches, plan accordingly
Outside:
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Propane grill for cooking
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Two hammocks for maximum horizontal contemplation
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Fire pit (when fire restrictions allow)
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Picnic table
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The entire Alvord Desert as your front yard
OFF GRID REALITIES
What does off-grid actually mean?
Power: 100% solar powered. This runs lights, the mini fridge, phone charging, and small devices. What it does not run: AC, space heaters, hair dryers, or anything else that pulls significant amps. We have sized the system for realistic cabin use. Cloudy weather means conserving power. You will need to be mindful.
Water: We provide drinking water in jugs. There's a hand-washing station. The outdoor shower uses solar-heated water - warm during day, tepid by evening. This is high desert - you'll use less water than you think and appreciate every drop.
Bathroom: Composting toilet a short walk from the cabin. If you have never used one, it is cleaner than you expect, does not smell, and is significantly more ecological than flushing gallons of water into the desert. It is as simple as sprinkling a layer of pine shavings over the top of each use. We manage the rest. The outdoor shower is private, under the stars, and honestly one of the best parts of staying here.
Climate Control: No AC. Summer temps can hit 100°F+ during the day (it's the desert). The cabin is designed for passive cooling, open windows at night, close them during the day. Winter can drop below freezing. There is a propane heater that keeps winter stays cozy.
Connectivity:
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Cell service: Spotty on the drive in, but everyone so far is able to contact us at the gate
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WiFi: Not available
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This is the point
The Tradeoff: In exchange for these "inconveniences," you get: solitude, star visibility that will blow your mind, the sound of absolutely nothing, sunrise over the Alvord and sunsets that make it look like the mountain is on fire. It is the chance to remember what it feels like to be a small, temporary organism in a landscape that has been here for 13,000 years.
THE LOCATION
Where You Are: We are in Oregon's Alvord Desert, on 160 acres on the eastern edge of the state where few visit, at the base of Steens Mountain (9,733 ft), sitting on what was the bottom of ancient Lake Alvord. When that lake catastrophically drained through Big Sand Gap 13,000 years ago, it left behind this playa, one of the flattest, most surreal landscapes in North America.
Practical Distances:
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Denio Junction: 44 miles south. Great Food, service and Fuel
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Hot Springs (from 3-50 miles away): Alvord Hot Springs, Willow Creek Hot Springs, Borax Hot Springs, Mickey Hot Springs, Dufurrena Pond, Bog Hot Spring
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Frenchglen: 68 miles
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Burns, OR: 110 miles
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Nearest airport: Burns Municipal (110 miles)For Pilots: We have a 40 acre private playa landing area. If you are flying in, contact us for coordinates and conditions. Landing on an ancient lakebed in the middle of the Oregon high desert is exactly as cool as it sounds.
Access: When approaching from the south, the last 10 miles are graded gravel. When approaching from the north, the last 35 miles are graded gravel.
WHAT TO DO HERE
The point is not to stay busy. The point is to stop being busy.
But when you inevitably need to do something:
On Property:
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Stargaze (bring binoculars or a telescope if you have one)
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Photography (golden hour here is legitimately breathtaking)
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Read an actual book
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Watch weather patterns develop over the Steens
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Try to identify more than three constellations (harder than you would think with this many visible stars)
Nearby:
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Alvord Hot Springs: Natural hot springs, $25/person for day soaking (4 miles)
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Steens Mountain Loop Road: Epic 66 mile scenic byway (seasonal)
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Alvord Desert Playa: Drive/walk/land on the ancient lakebed (seasonal)
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Hiking: Multiple trails accessing Steens wilderness
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Mickey Hot Springs: More adventurous, geothermal features (30 miles)
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Wildlife: Pronghorn, hawks, occasional wild horses, coyotes, golden eagles
WHO THIS IS FOR
You will love it here if:
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You have been saying "I need to actually unplug"
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You are comfortable with off grid systems
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You want to see stars the way humans saw them centuries ago
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You are okay with composting toilets and seasonal outdoor showers
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You value space, silence, and solitude
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You are a pilot looking for a unique fly in experience
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You are a couple or friends wanting isolation for a few days
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You are trying to remember what the world feels like without notifications
WHAT TO BRING
Essential:
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All your food and drinks
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Flashlight/headlamp (it gets DARK)
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Sunscreen (you are at 4500’ altitude in the desert)
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Layers (80°F to 32°F swings are normal)
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Your own biodegradable toiletries and towels
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Books, journals, art supplies - whatever you do when screens are not available\
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Adventurous attitude about off-grid living
Nice to Have:
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Binoculars or telescope for stargazing
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Camera gear (photographers go nuts here)
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Hiking boots
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Swimsuit for hot springs
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Cooler with ice (the mini fridge is small)
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Music instrument (the acoustics in the desert are amazing)
Leave at Home:
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Expectations of WiFi, cell service, or constant connectivity
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Hair dryers, space heaters, or high power devices
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The need to be busy
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Pricing: $165 a night for 2, Additional guests $30 a night.
Minimum Stay: 2 nights (you need at least one full day to decompress)
Check-in/Check-out: 12:00pm/10:00am
Cleaning Fee: $40 if animals are in bed
Max Occupancy: 4 adults
Pets: Pets are welcome. All animals must be on leash, when behind the fence. They can be off leash, on the playa. No animals in the beds, there will be a $40 cleaning fee if evidence of animals in bed is found. Be aware that you will be staying in wilderness that has seen coyotes, bobcats, cougar, rattlesnakes and countless raptors. Keep your pet on leash for their safety.
Cancellation Policy: [Your terms]
House Rules:
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Respect the working livestock guardian dogs. Do not engage and do not feed, they are doing a job.
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Pack out all trash.
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Pack out all recycling. Harney County has no recycling services.
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Leave no trace principles apply.
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Park vehicles in designated areas only.
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If using a pop-up shade, ask about best setup space so you do not damage sensitive ecosystem.
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Fire restrictions observed when in effect. You must have specific approval before starting a fire.
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This is a working homestead. Your space is a distance from the homestead. For your safety, exploring the property without our accompanying is prohibited. If you would like a farm tour, just ask!
SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Spring (April-May): Wildflowers emerge. Temps moderate (60-80°F days). Occasional rain. Steens Mountain still has snow on top. Best time for photography.
Summer (June-September): HOT during the day (90-100°F+), cool at night (50-60°F). This is peak star season. The atmosphere is nearly always crystal clear. Bring sunscreen. Bring more sunscreen than that. This area at dawn is transcendent.
Fall (October-November): Golden hour lasts all day. Temps drop (40-70°F). First snow on Steens. Incredible light for photographers. Quieter season means more solitude.
Winter (December-March): Cold (20-50°F), occasional snow. The most dramatic season that is stark, empty, and unforgiving. Steens is snow-covered. This is for people who really want isolation. Road conditions can be challenging. Contact us before booking winter dates.
ABOUT OUR HOMESTEAD
This isn't just a cabin rental business. It is part of a regenerative agriculture project.
We are working to enhance this landscape using permaculture practices, nurturing water, food forests, and perennial systems designed for extreme desert conditions. The cabin exists to help fund the bigger vision: working with the land rather than against it, creating a sustainable system in a place that gets 7 inches of rain per year. Check out our YouTube as we are documenting the whole messy, honest process.
When you stay here, you are supporting that work. You are also becoming part of the story of this place, the ancient lakebed, the catastrophic flood that formed Big Sand Gap, the 13,000 years since, and whatever happens next.
The land is the main character. We are all just passing through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is this really off-grid?:
Yes. Fully solar powered, composting toilet, water management system, no grid connection. This is the real thing, not a marketing angle.
Q: Can I charge my phone/camera?:
Yes, via USB or standard outlets, but be mindful of power usage. Cloudy days mean conserving energy.
Q: What about the bathroom situation?:
Composting toilet inside (clean, doesn't smell, easy to use). Seasonal outdoor shower with solar-heated water. We provide detailed instructions. Thousands of people use these systems globally, it is only weird if you make it weird.
Q: Is it safe?:
Extremely. You are more likely to be injured by poor decisions (dehydration, getting lost) than by anything external. We have emergency contact procedures. Cell service is limited, but we are available.
Q: What if I have never stayed off-grid before?:
Perfect! We provide clear instructions for everything. The systems are intuitive. Most people are surprised how easy it is.
Q: Can I see the Milky Way?:
On clear nights, absolutely. This is Bortle Class 1 dark sky territory. The Milky Way is so bright it casts shadows. Bring binoculars.
Q: What is the best time to visit?:
Depends what you want. Late spring/early fall for moderate temps. Summer for maximum star visibility (and heat). Winter for dramatic isolation (and real cold).
Q: Do you have other cabins?:
Yes! Desert Bliss Horse Trailer is our other rental. Different vibe, same location and ethos.
Q: Can I tour your permaculture projects?:
Yes! Ask when booking, or checking in. We are usually happy to show interested guests what we are working on, time permitting.
Q: I am a pilot, tell me about landing here.
We have a 40-acre playa landing area. Contact us before booking for current conditions, coordinates, and wind information. This is legitimate backcountry flying, come prepared.
BOOKING
Questions? Contact us: alchemyskyhomestead@gmail.com
A Final Note:
If you have read this far and you are still interested, you are probably the right person for this place.
We are not trying to compete with hotels or polished glamping operations. We are offering something different: a chance to remember what the world feels like when you are not constantly managing it. When the only thing demanding your attention is the color of the sky changing over the Steens.
The cabin is just the excuse.
The land is the reason.
Welcome to our Homestead.
