San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

4.9 (799 Viator reviews) 3 hrs Palm Springs area

Fun photo opportunities
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour
Slot Canyon
Naturalist guided hikes

Photos: Viator · 1 more on Viator

About this activity

Only Red Jeep Tours can take you to Metate Ranch, located in the heart of the San Andreas Fault Zone.

On this awe-inspiring OPEN-AIR Jeep Tour, you will travel deep into the heart of California’s world-famous San Andreas Fault and witness the forces of nature that have created amazing, steep-walled canyons and the most twisted and tormented landscapes on Earth!

You will be awestruck by the spectacular scenery as your Jeep winds its way through the bones of the earth. During your adventure, you will stop several times for short nature walks, including a short hike through a slot canyon, if desired.

This tour also stops at a natural palm oasis, where water bubbles up from the ground year-round. Here you will learn about how the Cahuilla Indians used desert plants to survive in this inhospitable environment.

A final highlight is a guided tour of our recreated Cahuilla Indian Village that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the Cahuilla people.

Itinerary

  1. San Andreas Fault · 180 min

    Experience the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system as your guide describes the geology of the area and you explore the bones of the earth. Don't forget your camera - the photo opportunities are endless! Take a walk between the steep walls of deep canyons created by the powerful forces of plate tectonics, water, wind, and time. Explore a natural palm oasis where crystal clear water bubbles up from the underground aquifer year round. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter, and more as you tour a recreated Cahuilla Indian Village. Learn about the plants and animals of the California desert and take in spectacular views as your guide describes the geologic forces and local history that shaped the Coachella Valley.

What's included

  • Bottled water
  • Naturalist guided open-air Jeep eco-tour
  • Granola snacks
  • Land Use Fees

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drink (unless otherwise specified)
  • Hotel Transfers

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meet your Jeep at the Metate Ranch parking lot 10 minutes prior to your tour. Follow the signage for Red Jeep Tours. If you make it to the Granite/Hi Grade construction gate, you have gone too far.

End point: Meet your Jeep at the Metate Ranch parking lot 10 minutes prior to your tour. Follow the signage for Red Jeep Tours. If you make it to the Granite/Hi Grade construction gate, you have gone too far.

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A minimum of 2 guests per booking is required
  • Closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen are strongly advised
  • As desert temperatures may vary, dressing in layers would be advised
  • Please call the reservation's desk a day or two before your tour to confirm your pickup time and location. Failure to call, however, will NOT result in cancellation of the tour.
  • Tours departing after 1:00 PM are sunset tours
  • Guests with neck or back problems or pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester should consult with their doctor before taking a Jeep Tour.
  • This is not an extreme tour, but you are travelling on dirt trails and washes, so the ride is a little bumpy.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9/5

799 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star738
  • 4 star45
  • 3 star7
  • 2 star6
  • 1 star3

Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

23 RV rentals with pickup within 25 miles of the center of Palm Springs; showing the top 6.

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of Palm Springs (Viator lists this tour under Palm Springs; it has no meeting-point coordinates).