Discover the Wild Side of the Desert
Palm Springs isn’t just about pools and palm trees — it’s surrounded by some of the most breathtaking desert landscapes in the United States.
From the canyons of the San Andreas Fault to the iconic rocks of Joshua Tree National Park, adventure awaits just minutes from Lucille Palm Springs.
Whether you love off-road thrills, peaceful hikes, or desert stargazing, these Palm Springs desert jeep and nature tours offer the perfect way to experience the wild spirit of the desert.
1. San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour – Journey Through Earth’s History
The San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour is one of Palm Springs’ most iconic adventures.
Expert naturalist guides lead you deep into canyons carved by tectonic shifts, revealing millions of years of geological history.
Drive through towering canyon walls, explore hidden palm oases, and see the raw power of nature up close.
Highlights:
- Guided off-road adventure through fault-zone canyons
- Geological insights and desert ecology
- Panoramic photo stops
📍 Departure: Palm Desert / Cathedral City
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Best time to go: Sunrise or sunset, when the desert glows in golden light.
2. Indian Canyons Nature Tour – Sacred Beauty and Palm Groves
Just ten minutes from downtown, Indian Canyons offers a serene mix of nature, history, and culture.
Take a nature-focused jeep and hiking tour through Andreas, Murray, and Palm Canyons — ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Highlights:
- Guided hikes under California fan palms
- Waterfalls and ancient rock art
- Cultural storytelling from local guides
📍 Departure: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr
Duration: 2 hours (easy to moderate hikes)
Perfect for families and travelers seeking a peaceful, educational desert escape.
3. Joshua Tree National Park Jeep Adventure
For otherworldly rock formations and surreal desert beauty, the Joshua Tree National Park Jeep Tour is a must.
Full-day adventures include park entry, scenic photo stops, and short guided hikes through the park’s unique ecosystems.
Highlights:
- Iconic Joshua trees & boulder landscapes
- Wildlife and geology talks
- Optional sunset or stargazing add-on
📍 Departure: From Palm Springs or Palm Desert
Duration: 4–6 hours
For a magical experience, join a night sky tour — the stargazing here is unforgettable.
4. Coachella Valley Preserve Eco Tour – Desert Life Uncovered
The Coachella Valley Preserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Join a guided eco jeep tour or take a self-guided nature walk among palm oases, sand dunes, and desert flora.
Highlights:
- Protected wildlife sanctuary
- Wooden boardwalk trails through palm groves
- Desert wildlife spotting (lizards, owls, roadrunners)
📍 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms
Duration: 2 hours
5. Red Jeep Tours & Desert Adventures – Iconic Local Operators
No Palm Springs adventure list is complete without mentioning Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures, one of the area’s most trusted and recognizable operators.
Their fleet of bright red jeeps takes guests across dramatic desert terrain with customizable routes and expert local guides.
Highlights:
- Customizable routes (San Andreas, Joshua Tree, Indian Canyons)
- Local naturalist guides
- Private and small-group options
📍 74-794 Lennon Pl, Palm Desert
Reservations recommended — tours often sell out on weekends.
Lucille Palm Springs: Stay Where the Adventure Begins
After a day exploring dusty canyons and glowing dunes, return to Lucille Palm Springs — a serene retreat in the heart of the desert.
Unwind by the pool, sip a cool drink at sunset, and watch the mountains blush in pink as the day fades.
Because in Palm Springs, adventure isn’t just about what you see — it’s about what you feel.