Adventure

Palm Springs: San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour

Adventure

Palm Springs: San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour

From US$ 150 per person

Experience an extraordinarily scenic 4WD tour of the San Andreas Fault Zone as your naturalist guide entertains you with stories about the plants, animals, geology, and history of the California desert.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • See the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system
  • Walk through deep canyons created by plate tectonics, water, and wind
  • Explore a natural palm oasis where water bubbles up from the underground aquifer
  • Listen to your guide describe the geologic forces and local history of the Coachella Valley
  • Learn about the culture of the Cahuilla Indians and the plants and animals of the desert
Full description

Board your open-air Jeep and embark upon a scenic and informative exploration of the stunning landscape of an active earthquake zone where you will travel across private property only accessible by 4WD and only open for this specific tour.

This exciting 4WD adventure to the private Metate Ranch reserve on the San Andreas fault line is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any visitor to the Coachella Valley.

Discover the unique geography of this tortured landscape as you explore the skeleton of the earth. Visit a natural oasis and uncover the mysteries of the hardy plants and animals carving out an existence in the dry barren landscape. 

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.

You will have an opportunity to walk among the stone corridors and sheer granite walls of ancient canyons as you learn the fascinating history of the primal forces that shaped the valleys and surrounding landscape and the people that called this place home for millennia.

Includes
  • Narrated 4WD tour
  • Local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Granola bars
  • Admission fees
  • Food or additional drinks
  • Gratuities
Not suitable for
  • Children under 3 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Desert Adventures Metate Ranch.

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Camera

Not allowed

  • Intoxication
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • There is a minimum number of 4 people required for the tour to operate
  • It is recommended to consult with your doctor before booking a 4WD tour if you have neck or back problems, serious injuries, or are pregnant
  • CHILD POLICY: Children must be at least 3 years of age AND 1) weigh over 40 pounds OR 2) be at least 40 inches tall to ride in our Jeeps. Children under the age of 8 or 4’9″ tall must ride in a booster seat (supplied by the guest and secured by a 2-point seat belt in the back of the Jeep)
  • Tour vehicles are open-air Jeeps with shade tops
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 10 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.3/5
  • Value for money
    4/5

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Star rating:

March 9, 2023

Richmond was an excellent guide, he was well prepared and extremely knowledgeable. He had visual aides to help explain certain items and was able to read his audience to make sure we all had an enjoyable and interesting time and would definitely recommend him to anyone. His good sense of humour added to his charm.

November 30, 2022

August 18, 2022

Product ID: 249947