Private San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour

Ride Through Earth’s Story in Motion

Journey one mile into the fractured heart of the San Andreas Fault, where wind, water, and seismic force have sculpted a desert like no other.

Your adventure begins with more than just a ride—it’s a passage into the soul of the desert. As your open-air Jeep winds deep into the fault zone, your naturalist-guide becomes your storyteller, weaving together science and legend, geology and human history. With every twist of the trail, the desert awakens. Canyons whisper ancient secrets, stone formations speak of time measured in millions of years, and what once seemed barren now pulses with hidden life.

By journey’s end, you won’t just have seen the desert—you’ll have felt it. Not as an empty expanse, but as a living, breathing story etched in sand, stone, and silence.

Your journey begins at Metate Ranch, a secluded sanctuary in the Indio Hills, shaped by the titanic clash of the Pacific and North American plates. This is ground zero for one of Earth’s greatest geological dramas—and you’ll have front-row seats.

Tour Highlights:

• Shifting Earthscapes
  Traverse a fractured land sculpted by plate tectonics and time. Twisted canyons, jagged ridges, and sunlit rock corridors reveal the restless heart of the Earth.

• Slot Canyon Nature Walk
  Follow your guide on a walk through a slot canyon, where layered rock tells stories of ancient seas, seismic upheaval, and desert rebirth. Sunlight filters in from above, casting shifting patterns across the sculpted walls.

• Living Oasis
  Tucked along the fault lies a California Fan Palm Oasis—lush, cool, and fed by a hidden spring. This unexpected green haven has long sustained life in the desert, from native wildlife to the Cahuilla people who once made their home here.

• Desert Survival & Plant Wisdom
  Discover how the desert’s plants and animals not only endure—but thrive. Learn how the Cahuilla Indians skillfully used native plants for food, medicine, shelter, tools, and ceremony—an intimate knowledge passed down through generations of living in harmony with the land.

• Cahuilla Indian Village
  Step into a recreated village set atop the sacred site of Paltewet, where interpretive displays honor the history and culture of the Cahuilla. Learn how this ancient people lived in balance with nature, and feel their presence echoing through time.

• Optional Hike
  For those seeking a deeper connection to the land, follow your guide on a short climb to a centuries-old grinding stone, with panoramic views of the village and canyon below. Or take the adventurous ladder hike, ascending through narrow passageways to the top of the fault zone—where you’ll stand between two tectonic worlds, with the desert stretching endlessly beneath you.

What is Included:

• • Expertly Guided Experience: Naturalist-led tour in a classic open-air Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) with a removable shade top—seating up to 7 guests per vehicle. One guest rides up front with the guide, and six guests ride in the back on two inward-facing bench seats (three guests per bench) for a fun, shared adventure.  Guests with mobility challenges or who may need extra attention are encouraged to sit up front for easier access and closer interaction with the guide.

  • Customizable Itinerary: On private tours, your experience can be tailored to match your interests and comfort level. Whether you’re into geology, desert plants, cultural history, or scenic photo stops—just let your guide know!

  • Scenic Walks & Easy Hikes: Explore breathtaking desert landscapes on foot with guided nature walks and optional short hikes.

  • Complimentary Refreshments: Stay energized with bottled water and delicious granola snacks provided during your journey.

What is Not Included:

• Gratuities are not included but always appreciated. Most guides can accept tips via Venmo, Zelle, or cash. If you’d prefer to add a gratuity to your credit card after your tour, just let us know—we’re happy to help.