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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
Options
Public Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Granola Bar & Bottled Water
Open-air Jeep with shade top: Our vehicles are classic Jeep Scramblers (CJ-8's) and they hold up to 7 guests plus your driver / guide.
Departure Time: Morning tours depart at 8:00 AM.
Afternoon tours depart at 1:00 PM.
Reviews
712 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rick was very...
Lori N,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Rick was very knowledgable and made the excursion very fun. Would recommend to friends. We are glad we took the excursion.
Great Red Jeep Tour
gordh455,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour. Leroy's excellent information and knowledge of the area made the whole experience memorable! Thanks Leroy.
Fun Jeep tour of the Cali desert!
Daydream554108,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour of Palm Desert with the Desert Adventures Company. it was fun being in an open air Jeep and viewing all of the cool in that area. Our tour guide was interesting and very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about geology of the region and the San Andreas Fault in particular. The hiking was easy and we took some great pics, building memories that we'll enjoy remembering.
A lot of interesting...
Jim R,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00A lot of interesting information about the fault and it’s affect on the area. Enjoyed the geological history.
Great tour with a fantastic guide!
Steve F,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Craig was a fantastic guide! A very interesting tour and you will learn about so much history and geology. Wear shoes with a good tread so you can hike outside at various stops. Highly recommended if you are visiting the Coachella Valley.
Glad we took the tour. Learned a great deal.
Richard T,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Made understanding the area much easier right understand. Guide was great . The three hour tour went too fast. This is a great way to see areas not open to the public.
Fun and informative tour!...
Angela S,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun and informative tour! The oasis was amazing, hiking through a slot canyon with my grandson was something we will never forget. Our guide Pace was amazing.
Experience San Andreas
Brenda N,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was very knowledgeable and made sure that everyone felt comfortable with the walking trails We had planned a three hour tour but it was more like 3 1/2 to 4, but worth it.
Nice Morning Experience
lisa s,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was good for all ages, the Jeep was comfortable and the information plentiful. Our guide knew great information and was very kind.
Exploring the San Andreas
Constance B,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Totally Unique adventure with lots of geological education. A must when your in the Coachella Valley
From $175.00
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Operated by Desert Adventures - Palm Springs