Top Palm Springs Nature and Wildlife

Explore the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree National Park with a customized, guided hiking tour that takes in the best of the region. Tailor the trip to your interests and abilities, and walk to soaring granite formations with sweeping views of the arid terrain. Learn about the plants and animals that thrive in this unique ecosystem, then see Joshua Tree’s fascinating geological history laid bare in the rock record. Choose between a 1- or 2-day hiking tour, and immerse yourself in one of America’s most distinctive National Parks.

I provide water, a snack, a backpack & a hiking pole for each hiker, all sanitized for you. The hike to the summit of Murray Hill is considered one of the best around because the views along the way & from the top are spectacular. We'll be hiking in the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on some the best trails in Palm Springs. You'll be able to see desert plants & cacti close up as we hike along the trails in a pristine desert landscape. You'll see from the desert valley floor below all the way up to beautiful mountain peaks, all while getting in some great exercise. I'll point out interesting landmarks along the way, like Mount San Gorgonio the tallest mountain in Southern California, Indian Canyons & other points of interest. Now that it's winter the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep have returned so maybe we'll see some, I've seen them in this area before. There will be lots of opportunities for taking beautiful scenic photos during the hike.

Explore the uncanny landscape of Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-hour van tour from Palm Desert, near Palm Springs. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned van or SUV as you navigate soaring granite formations and groves of the park’s famously spiky trees, and capture unforgettable images of terrain that spans the Colorado and Mojave deserts. Trace a gentle trail into the rocks at Hidden Valley and Keys View, watch for the park’s reclusive wildlife, and experience the unique beauty of one America’s most remarkable national parks.

The lush resorts of Palm Springs will feel a million miles away when you get out in the wilds of Joshua Tree National Park on this small group Jeep tour. Leave the city behind as you head off-road and over a rocky landscape some people say feels like being on another planet. See plants and rock formations that are unique to the desert, and learn what makes Joshua Tree so special.

Explore the geology around California’s legendary San Andreas fault during a Jeep tour from Palm Desert. See a desert oasis fed by an underground spring as your naturalist guide describes how the Native American Cahuilla tribe used the desert's plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Marvel at steep-walled canyons and tall twisted rock mountains, and learn about the plant and animal life of the area. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that includes light snacks, bottled water, and round-trip transport from Palm Desert.

Tour the history, culture, points of interest, and local favorite spots in town by solving scavenger hunt and trivia style riddles on this engaging walking tour. Your team will earn points and be guided farther along the route with every riddle. Play from the convenience of your smartphone whenever you’re ready for an adventure!

Go deep into Palm Springs’ Indian Canyons on a 3-hour, small group Jeep and hiking tour to the ancestral home of the Cahuilla tribes. Take in views of the rugged desert landscape as you ride into the rocky canyons, and learn the rich history of the Cahuilla; take a 1-mile (1.6-km) walk along a palm-lined stream to see the traces of historic Native American settlements. Visit a shady desert oasis, walk to a seasonal spring and browse a tribal trading post, then finish the tour at your Palm Springs hotel.

This guided trail ride is private and limited to 2 people to ensure a personal experience. Before and during your ride you will get to know your trusty horse. I love sharing information about the horse your on, horses in general and the environment around you, so ask away! Your horse will be equipped with a standard sized water bottle holder and a pocket to store your keys and phone. So, bring water to stay hydrated and your phone to capture some great photo opportunities.

I'll provide each hiker with water, a granola bar, a backpack, & a hiking pole. We'll be hiking in beautiful south Palm Springs in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on Native American land. I know these trails very well and the best lookout points along the way to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Palm Springs desert & far beyond. From the trail we'll see the Bob Hope house, the windmills, Joshua Tree, Mount San Gorgonio (the tallest mountain in So Cal at 11,501 feet high), the San Jacinto Mountains & the Indian Canyons. You'll also see desert vegetation/plants & cacti close up as we hike along & enjoy amazing views of the desert valley floor below all the way up to beautiful mountain peaks, all while getting in some great exercise. Hopefully we'll see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep or other desert animals. We'll stop along the way for any needed breaks & scenic picture taking.

Have a virtual guide with you on this downloadable app to come with you into Joshua Tree National Park. Instead of missing the highlights in this park, our "guide in your pocket" comes with you. This is the best Covid-safe way to have a guide take you into this park at far less than the cost of a guide to come with you. When you purchase this download, you will be asked what day you estimate you will come to Joshua Tree. We will provide a code for this GPS tour GOOD FOR 1 YEAR of the date of purchase. This tour is narrated by a park geologist who will accompany you into the national park. Major sights in the park will be pointed out as well as great optional hiking areas.

Explore the lush palm oases of the Indian Canyons on this morning or afternoon 3-hour eco-tour from Palm Springs. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians as you ride a jeep their ancestral homelands with your knowledgeable guide. Take an easy 1-mile guided walk up Andreas Canyon for captivating views and see a stunning palm oasis from the rim of Palm Canyon. This small-group open-air outdoor adventure is limited to seven people per Jeep for a more relaxed, intimate experience.

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.

I provide water, a snack, a backpack & a hiking pole for each hiker, all sanitized for you. We'll be hiking in the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on some the best trails in the area. I know these trails very well and the best lookout points along the way to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Palm Springs desert & far beyond. You'll see desert plants & cacti close up as we hike along the trails. You'll see from the desert valley floor below all the way up to beautiful mountain peaks, while getting in some great exercise. I'll point out interesting landmarks along the way, like the very unique Bob Hope house, Mount San Gorgonio (the tallest mountain in So Cal), Indian Canyons & other points of interest. During the winter I've seen the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep in the area. There will be lots of opportunities for taking beautiful scenic photos. For a certain date/time not shown for this or my other hikes ask me.