Welcome to The Deserts
There’s something undeniably artistic in the way the landscape unfolds in the California desert. Weathered volcanic peaks stand sentinel over singing sand dunes and mountains shimmering in hues from mustard yellow to vibrant pink. Hot mineral water spurts from the earth’s belly to feed palm oases and soothe aching muscles in stylish spas. Tiny wildflowers push up from the hard-baked soil to celebrate springtime.
Top experiences in The Deserts
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The Deserts activities
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The world's largest rotating tramcars carry visitors from an elevation of 2,643 feet to a Mountain Station located at the 8,516-foot level of Mt San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. It has the steepest vertical cable rise in the U.S. and the second steepest in the world. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California. What is remarkable about the ride, aside from the breathtaking views of the valley, is the change in temperature. At the bottom of the tram route, the temperature on the desert floor can reach 120 degrees. Rising up through mountain canyons and chimneys, you arrive in an arctic-alpine forest with giant Ponderosa pines. The thrilling vertical ascent gives you views of the Chino Canyon and the San Jacinto Mountains from the front of the car, while the Sonoran Desert is splayed out below from the rear of the car. Look to the top of Chino Canyon, snap a few photos, then look behind and below as you move from one ecological zone to another. At the Mountain Station, you can walk from the car into the large, 3-story facility which has a cocktail lounge, dining facilities, gift shop and observation decks. The station theater features "Building on a Dream", an 18-minute film on the history of the history and construction of the Tramway. At the top you can also explore the 14,000-acre Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area, which has 54 miles of hiking trails, rustic campgrounds, and granite outcroppings providing clear views of the cities below. During the winter months “mid-November to mid-April” you can strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and head into the packed powder of a winter wonderland at the Top of the Tram. There are so many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains but snowshoeing is perhaps the most exhilarating family adventure. The Tramway’s Adventure Center (snow conditions permitting) is open for snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals.
Palm Springs Celebrity Grand Tour
Hop on a 36-passenger luxury charter bus and have a ball with award winning guides as you visit famous neighborhoods, legendary secret spots, and wondrous homes claimed by legendary stars like Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Sonny and Cher, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Liberace, Nat King Cole, Dinah Shore Estate, and dozens more. Mid-tour you will be taken to one of the favorite secret spots for a quick stop and complimentary treat. The Windmill Market in Palm Springs is a local hot spot favorite of ours for proudly serving the best dates in the Coachella Valley, voted so by the people for the last three years. See views and snap photos of the windmills as you stop at the market for delicious complimentary date shakes. Discover and learn the history of Palm Springs and our valley. Get the current Palm Springs news while you stroll around. What's new? Where to go? What to do? These tour guides will show you Palm Springs in a way you never thought possible. You are encouraged to bring your camera or smart phone to take photos and videos as you slowly pass the homes and wonderful Palm Springs spots.
San Andreas Fault Small-Group Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
The adventure begins when you board your “Big Red Jeep” and depart on an open-air Jeep ride into the desert. Your expert guide explains the ecology of this desert environment and takes you to see one of its unique features: an oasis of native palms. There you can see water from the underground aquifer that is forced up to the surface by the movement of the earth along the fault, creating a green oasis that supports a range of plant and animal life. Then go to a recreated Native American site that illustrates how the native Cahuilla people managed to live in this harsh climate. See kiches, a sweat lodge and artifacts, and hear details about survival skills needed for living in the desert. Your guide also shares details about life for early American and European settlers in the area. Next up, get a close look at the San Andreas fault on an easy walk into a slot canyon. Your guide shows you parts of the rock that reveal the region's unique geology and discusses the impact of the collision of the Pacific and North American plates, including earthquakes. Drive through other sections of the fault for another perspective.
Joshua Tree Hummer Adventure from Palm Desert
Start your 4-hour tour by making your way to the meeting point in Palm Desert. Jump in a Hummer and check out a landscape that this tough vehicle was made for. At the San Andreas Fault, the epicenter of so many earthquakes, your National Park–approved guide will lead you on a geological journey. Some of the oldest canyons in the planet are here. Gawk at the strange rock formations and keep an eye out for bighorn sheep.Visit Thousand Palms Oasis, the third-largest oasis in the world. Expect to be dazzled by the sight, as you take a 30-minute eco walk here. Learn the fascinating history of the local Cahuilla Indians and visit the cabin of the first settler who resided in the area. The tour continues to Berdoo Canyon, also known as the Big Game Corridor, going past the point where most tours stop to view the splendid natural scenery. Watch for the golden eagles, coyotes and bighorn sheep that give the canyon its nickname. Learn about the area’s geology and history from the expert guide, as you make your way via Berdoo to magical Joshua Tree National Park, taking back roads that are off-limits to the general public. Take some time to bask in the ambience of this magical place, home to the famous Joshua trees, some of which are 1,000 years old.Your 4-hour tour concludes at the meeting spot. A snack and water are provided along the way; you can also bring beer, wine, soda and snacks of your own.
Joshua Tree National Park 4.5-Hour Van Tour with Guide
Take a trip to the unique and pristine desert wonderland of this local national park. In the comfort of a 15-passenger van or enclosed SUV guests will see firsthand the contrast between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts while enjoying a running narration from an expert guide. World famous rock formations, unique vegetation, mining history and wild west stories make this tour a must-see for the Palm Springs visitor. The tour includes stops at the Park Visitor Center for souvenirs, Hidden Valley and Keys View for optional nature walks. Tour price includes water, snacks, entry fee to the park and pickup and drop-off from Palm Desert or select local resorts.
Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bike Adventure
The Earthquake Canyon Express – Riders are treated to a geologic extravaganza on this 20 mile tour that descends through the heart of the San Andreas Fault zone on a paved road to the heart of grape country near Mecca. There are no cross roads, no turns, and very little traffic which makes this a relaxing sightseeing adventure. Riders will see the stark beauty of the desert as they descend a total of 1200 feet over the route.The course takes riders from the transition zone between the Colorado and Mojave Desert, winds its way through the narrow canyon walls of Box Canyon and finishes with spectacular views of the Salton Sea, Mt. San Jacinto, the All-American Canal, and the agriculture of the eastern Coachella Valley. The tour finishes with a visit to the Oasis Date Gardens for a date shake and restroom break.