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.
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
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
791 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun & informative!!
Zooey58,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Darrell our tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. It was a fun and informative morning. Plenty of great picture opportunities. We really enjoyed it and recommend it!!!
Go book this experience!!!!
Chanda S,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Mike was great. So knowledgeable and Such a wonderful attitude about life! We had a blast!!!
Great tour
David F,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chris was a knowledge, friendly, and wonderful tour guide. Was traveling with friends and we talked about the information he gave us for days. This was a highlight of our visit to Palm Desert.
Unprofessional
Stephanie G,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We had an unforeseen circumstance push our schedule slightly back and we would have been 15 minutes late for the tour. The tour operators refused to wait for us. We even called and let them know about our small delay. They offered to reschedule us to the following day, which we agreed upon and booked. Then they called us back later and said they would not be able to accommodate us the following day anymore and they refused to refund us the money or give us a rain check for another day.
A worthwhile tour
Lillian F,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super fun- we learned so much from our guide (Gary) about the Cahuilla tribe, geology of the San Andreas fault, fauna, etc. Enjoyed squeezing through the slot canyons. Highly recommended tour!
Great learning experience
Dean T,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience learning about the Coachella valley and San Andreas Fault. Our guide was very knowledgeable and even I learned some things I didn’t know about the area.
I did not go with my...
Connie O,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00I did not go with my family, but my family had a fabulous time on the tour. They truly enjoyed the tour Director and it was a nice experience.
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!
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Operated by Desert Adventures - Palm Springs