Desert Adventures Eco-Tours & Events

Valid until: Jan 31, 2013

This awe-inspiring journey in our classic Big Red Jeep Scramblers (CJ-8's) takes you deep into the heart of the San Andreas Fault. Witness the tremendous forces of nature that have created amazing steep walled canyons and some of the most twisted and tormented landscapes on earth.

On your adventure you will:

• Explore a lush natural palm oasis where you will see water seeping up through the underground aquifer as your expert naturalist guide describes how the Cahuilla Indians used the desert's plants for food, medicine, and shelter.
• Learn about the life and culture of the Cahuilla Indians lived as you explore our replica Cahuilla Village situated on a historic Indian site.
• Experience the awesome power of nature as you explore narrow slot canyons created by the collision of the Pacific and North American plates.
• Explore our Old Mining Camp which is filled with antique mining equipment and displays. You will also tour our enhanced gold mine exhibit and have the opportunity to pan for gold.

Valid until: Jan 31, 2013

Enjoy a cultural and historical journey along the San Andreas Fault as you witness the breathtaking transition from day to night. On your adventure you will explore a pristine natural palm oasis, learn how and why the Cahuilla Indians lived on the San Andreas Fault, wind your way through the twisted and tormented landscape of the San Andreas Fault line, and hear fascinating stories of our valley's pioneer settlers and gold miners. The sunset in the desert are spectacular and bring out amazing colors and shadows on the hills along the fault line.

Tour is approximately 2 hours long.
Available daily 2 hours before sunset.

Valid until: Jan 31, 2013

Stunning rock formations and the contrasting greens of magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants beckon travelers to these lush palms oases.

On your adventure you will:

• Visit the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians as an expert naturalist guide entertains you with the history, culture, legends, and stories of the Cahuilla People. Along the way you will learn about historic Rincon Village and the Cahuilla People'’s amazing understanding and use of desert plants.
• Enjoy a guided hike on a tranquil trail up Andreas Canyon that winds along a beautiful stream of cascading water features shaded by a canopy of Washingtonian Palms. At the top of the trail you will emerge above the palms to enjoy a breathtaking view across to the steep cliff walls on the opposite side. During this easy trek, you will visit ancient bedrock mortars, see a stunning array of desert flora, and look down towards the chasms of hot bubbling waters which gave the Cahuilla the name Agua Caliente (meaning "“hot water"”).
• From the rim of Palm Canyon you will be able to take amazing photos of the largest natural palm oasis in the North American hemisphere. Then you will enjoy a short nature walk to a magnificent water cave that frequently feeds water into the lush canyon below.
• Relax, refresh, and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs at the Indian Trading Post which features Indian art and artifacts, books, jewelry, pottery, baskets, weavings, refreshments, and more.

Valid until: Jan 31, 2013

Experience sheer canyon walls, fascinating geology, local agriculture, scenic vistas, abundant desert flora, and amazing hiking options on this excursion.

On your adventure you will:

• Join this incredible adventure that takes you to the eastern end of the Coachella Valley where you will find yourself immersed in our area's second largest industry: agriculture. Travel through fields of artichokes, cauliflower, and bell peppers to name just a few of the crops grown locally. Along the way you will see acres of grape arbors as well as groves of oranges, lemons, limes, and dates.
• Rise above the agricultural basin and cross the beautiful Coachella Canal which affords a magnificent view of the awe-inspiring Salton Sea.
• Head off-road into the majestic Mecca Hills where you will discover Indian fire rings that were placed precisely on the fault line by ancient people. Today, these rings clearly show the displacement produced by the fault's movement.
• Explore a lunar-like landscape reminiscent of Star Trek as you journey into Painted Canyon and marvel at the incredible billion year old rainbow-colored mineral striations towering above you - a result of the unusual movement of three blocks of the fault line.