The Rock Inn: Where Every Stone Tells a Story—Now Up for Sale
- Richard Sykes
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
LAKE HUGHES, CA—Nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, in the quiet mountain town of Lake Hughes, stands a fortress of stone that has been welcoming travelers, locals, and dreamers for nearly a century, and that fortress is now for sale for the first time in a half-century. Septuagenarian Rock Inn proprietor Warren St. John served his last free Thanksgiving meal for Lake Hughes, California community members last week as he is retiring after 20 years of running the historic establishment.
The Rock Inn is more than a restaurant or roadhouse—it is a living piece of California history, a place where every visitor finds their own story written into its walls.
A Place of Many Journeys
For some, The Rock Inn is love at first sight. They arrive on winding canyon roads, step inside, and are swept away by its rustic charm. Others come for the food, the music, or the camaraderie. Still more are drawn by the building itself—its towering three-story rock exterior, its massive stone fireplace, its aura of timelessness. Each guest experiences The Rock differently, but all leave with a sense of belonging.
“Every rock tells a story of over a billion years.”
It is a gathering place for hikers fresh off the Pacific Crest Trail, bikers roaring up the mountain curves, and families celebrating milestones. Girls’ nights out, retirement parties, post-race dinners after the grueling Leona Divide 100-mile run—all find a home here. The Rock Inn is not just a restaurant; it is a community anchor, a hub where strangers become friends and locals feel rooted.
Born From Ashes
The Rock Inn’s story begins in April 1927, when the original Lake Hughes Trading Post, a wooden structure, burned to the ground. Its owner, Joel B. Hurd, made a bold decision: to rebuild not in timber, but in stone. Using local river rock and granitic gneiss, Hurd created a fortress-like compound that opened two years later. Out of the ashes rose a building that would endure for generations.
The Rock Inn quickly became a retreat for Hollywood’s Golden Age stars. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were among those who found solace in its mountain setting, adding a touch of glamour to its rugged appeal. Nearly 100 years later, the inn still carries that aura of storied past, its walls whispering tales of both everyday life and celebrity escape.
The Atmosphere
Step inside, and the Rock Inn feels like a time capsule. The handcrafted wooden bar—built in 1978 from salvaged San Francisco pier wood—anchors the room. A piano and pool table invite casual play, while the fireplace roars in winter, offering warmth against the mountain chill. The vibe is Americana at its most authentic: casual, cozy, and welcoming. Guests linger over cocktails, share stories, and soak in the atmosphere of a place that feels both timeless and alive.
“Casual, cozy, and welcoming—guests feel at home.”
Food That Matches the Setting
The Rock Inn serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails seven days a week. Its menu is hearty, generous, and deeply satisfying—comfort food that perfectly complements the rustic setting. Tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, prime rib, and vegetarian options are staples, while daily specials keep the offerings fresh. For hikers, bikers, and travelers, the food is more than a meal; it is fuel for the journey, a reward after the climb, a taste of home in the mountains.
A Legacy of Ownership
In its long history, The Rock Inn has had only three owners. The Hurd family held it for 45 years, followed by the Shrouts for five. Since 1975, actor Paul Koslo and his family have been its stewards, with his daughter Chloe Koslo now carrying the torch. Each generation has preserved its character while adding their own touch, ensuring that The Rock Inn remains both historic and alive.
Now, as the inn approaches its centennial, the question looms: who will be the next caretaker? With every stone telling a story that spans over a billion years, The Rock Inn is more than a business—it is a legacy. To own it is to become part of California history, to join a lineage of storytellers, hosts, and dreamers who have kept its spirit alive.
“Escape from the ordinary to enjoy this historic gem built by hand.”
A Timeless Escape
In Lake Hughes, where the town motto is “Where Nature is Your Neighbor,” The Rock Inn stands as both a destination and a symbol. It is a nostalgic escape, a reminder of an earlier era, and a living hub of community life. Whether you come for the food, the music, the ride, or simply the feeling of being part of something larger, The Rock Inn offers an experience that is as enduring as the stones from which it was built.
Contact Information Related to the Sale of the Property
Contact Commercial Broker Group, Seffi Toneman
661-600-1269
Contact Howard Harris: 661 492-3801
Video tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4-TMzkECLk
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