San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
San Andreas Fault
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
Gratuities
Food and drink (unless otherwise specified)
Hotel Transfers
Options
Jeep Tours
Duration: 3 hours: Time from Metate Ranch in Indio, CA.
Granola Bar & Bottled Water
7-Passenger CJ-8 Scramblers
Sunset Tours: Tours after 2:00 PM are sunset tours - witness the magic hour when the desert comes alive with color.
Reviews
785 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent way to spend a...
Cynthia M,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent way to spend a morning while in Palm Springs. Learned many things I never knew about the San Andreas Fault as well as the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Hiked a couple of slot canyons and saw a desert oasis!
Great Tour of the fault line!
Karen C,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mike did an excellent job explaining the fault, the historical changes to the rock formations and impact to the ecosystem. We enjoyed hiking into the canyons too.
Fascinating explanations...
Mary C,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fascinating explanations of the San Andreas Fault, amazing rock formations and hiking in a small canyon! Ron was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, a great guide!
This tour was a highlight...
Deborah J,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a highlight of our visit to Palm Springs! It was fun and informative! Our guide, Pace, was knowledgeable about all the things/areas he showed us! We would definitely recommend to family and friends!
Ask for Travis!
Colleen A,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip! Travis was spectacular and made the evening! Super knowledgeable, passionate and has great dinner suggestions! 10/10
Morning Jeep Tour
John K,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful vegetation of CA palms and distinct linear layers of sand and stone. Our guide, Greg, was well informed, answered all our questions, was mindful of the limitations of guests on short hikes. Thanks for the water and snacks. Thanks Greg!
Steve the wonder guide
P5590XBmaryc,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly
Interesting outing
Ronald M,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice tour and Ron was very informative. Not exactly what we expected (thought we might see more of the effects of the San Andreas fault). Jeep was nice and restroom availability was a nice surprise. Learned about effects of geology and local indigenous people.
Happy from Ohio
Michael W,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a really interesting tour. Tom was awesome and very knowledgeable. I definitely would recommend this.
Red Jeep Tour, didn’t disappoint!!
Lisa W,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A must do in Palm Springs!! Kelly was our tour guide and he was simply the BEST! This tour is not only educational, learning all about the indigenous people of the land but also the San Andreas fault. It has some light hikes, lots of laughs and photo ops. Request Kelly for your tour and you won’t be disappointed. Definitely a highlight of our vacation. Thank you.
From US$175.00
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Operated by Desert Adventures - Palm Springs