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
777 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Worth going even in 102 heat!
862heatheri,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Worth the money! The San Andreas Tour with Darrell (Black Feather) was great! He was very knowledgeable and we learned way more than we expected! We liked the jeep ride even though it was hot they had water, spray bottles, snacks, cold rags, and a cover over the jeep. It wasn’t too hot even though it was 102. Don’t hesitate and book a morning trip even if there is a heat wave. You won’t regret it!
Morgan was a wonderful...
Kinga B,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Morgan was a wonderful guide. Very informative and a great photographer. We enjoyed learning about the area.
Unique Experience
Debra R,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time! Learned a lot. Loved the combo of the Jeep ride and a little bit of hiking. Unique experience.
Constant motion of San Andreas fault
MaryLou G,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is very bumpy but the guide was full of great information and made it so interesting. A fascinating adventure.
Jeep ride with Leroy
800maryluw,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our entire experience. From the minute we got in the jeep until we were done! Leroy was an amazing guide. He had us captivated for the entire tour.
Great trip with excellent guide
H9691JOdavidh,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Our guide, Steve, made it fun and educational. We'll done!
Jeeping with Bonnie on the San Andreas Fault
Krystal M,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bonnie our travel guide was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The time went by fast. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better tour experience before. The walking and/or jeep experience was top notch. Loved our experience.
From US$175.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Desert Adventures - Palm Springs