Experience an extraordinarily scenic 4WD tour of the San Andreas Fault Zone as your naturalist guide entertains you with stories about the plants, animals, geology, and history of the California desert.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Private group
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Pickup included
- Meet your red Jeep and guide in front of your hotel or residence.
Experience
Highlights
- See the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system
- Walk through deep canyons created by plate tectonics, water, and wind
- Explore a natural palm oasis where water bubbles up from the underground aquifer
- Listen to your guide describe the geologic forces and local history of the Coachella Valley
- Learn about the culture of the Cahuilla Indians and the plants and animals of the desert
Full description
Begin your 3-hour tour from a central location in scenic Palm Desert, a short distance from the famous Palm Springs, or from your accommodation in Palm Desert or Indian Wells. Head out into the desert to start your scenic and informative exploration of the stunning landscape of an active earthquake zone. Be taken across private property only accessible by 4WD and only open for this specific tour.
This exciting 4WD adventure to the private Metate Ranch reserve on the San Andreas fault line is a once in a lifetime experience for any visitor to the Coachella Valley. Discover the unique geography of this tortured landscape as you explore the skeleton of the earth. Visit a natural oasis and uncover the mysteries of the hardy plants and animals carving out an existence in the dry barren landscape.
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. You will have an opportunity to walk among the stone corridors and sheer granite walls of ancient canyons as you learn the fascinating history the primal forces that shaped the valleys and surrounding landscape and the people that called this place home for millennia.
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Palm Desert or Indian Wells, subject to availability and if option selected
- 3-hour narrated 4WD tour
- Local professional guide
- Water
- Pickup and drop-off from Rancho Mirage or La Quinta, which is available at an additional charge of $25 per 4WD
- Food or additional drinks
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- Children under 3 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet your guide at the Desert Adventures Metate Ranch. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the activity.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Closed-toe shoes
- Face mask or protective covering
- Camera
Not allowed
- Intoxication
- Alcohol and drugs
Know before you go
- There is a minimum number of 2 people required for the tour to operate
- It is recommended to consult with your doctor before booking a 4WD tour if you have neck or back problems, serious injuries, or are pregnant
- CHILD POLICY: Children must be at least 3 years of age AND 1) weigh over 40 pounds OR 2) be at least 40 inches tall to ride in our Jeeps. Children under the age of 8 or 4’9″ tall must ride in a booster seat (supplied by the guest and secured by a 2-point seat belt in the back of the Jeep)
- Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all tours are private
- Tour vehicles are open-air Jeeps with shade tops.
