San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour
"Bones of the Earth"

Extraordinary scenery abounds as your Big Red Jeep winds its way through the labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault Zone as your naturalist guide entertains you with stories about the plants, animals, geology, seismology and history of the California desert.  This is our signature and most popular Jeep Tour!

Our Most Popular and In-Depth San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour!

This is our signature tour and most in-depth San Andreas Fault Experience. On this adventure, you will learn about the plants, animals, geology, and seismology of the California Desert and San Andreas Fault Zone. This tour also explains how and why the Cahuilla Indians lived in the fault zone and how they built and maintained a vibrant culture in this arid and inhospitable environment.

Extraordinary scenery abounds as your Big Red Jeep winds its way through the labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault Zone as your naturalist guide entertains you with stories about the plants, animals, geology, seismology and history of the California desert. Take a walk between the steep walls of canyons created by the powerful forces of plate tectonics, water, wind, and time and enjoy spectacular views and unique geologic features as your guide describes the geologic forces and local history that shaped the Coachella Valley.

Visit a Natural Palm Oasis:

Visit a natural palm oasis where crystal-clear water bubbles up year-round from the underground aquifer. Here, you will learn how the Cahuilla Indians used desert plants for food, medicine, shelter, tools, and weapons and how they built and maintained a vibrant culture in this arid and inhospitable environment.

Tour a Recreated Cahuilla Indian Village

Enjoy a guided tour of a recreated Cahuilla Indian Village that sits on the former site of the ancient Cahuilla Village site of Paltewet. Your guide will share stories about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla People as you tour a ceremonial long-house, sweat lodge, and kishes (family huts) adorned with interpretive displays.

Tour Details

Duration:

• 3 hours from Metate Ranch

TOUR AVAILABILITY:

• Morning tours are offered year-round
• Afternoon tours are offered October – May only

RESERVATIONS:

• Advance reservations are required
• This tour has a 2 person minimum to operate.
• Online reservations are accepted for parties of 2 or more on public / shared tours.  A minimum of 4 people is required for private tours.   For single travelers, please call (760) 477-4118 to inquire about joining an existing public tour.

VEHICLE:

• Open-air 7-passenger Jeep CJ-8 (Scrambler) with shade top

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Naturalist guided tour in a classic open-air Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) with removable canvas shade top
• Guided nature walk or easy hike – geared to the abilities of the guests in the jeep
• Metate Ranch land and road use fees
• Bottled water and granola snacks

TOUR ADVISORIES:

• Proper footwear (hiking boots or walking/tennis shoes) are required. Please no open-toe shoes or sandals.
• Guests get in and out of the Jeep several times on this tour to partake in short nature walks or an easy hike. Please let us know when booking if you have any mobility issues that limit your ability to walk or if you will need assistance getting in or out of the Jeep.
• Guests who are pregnant or who have neck or back issues or injuries should consult with their doctor before taking this tour.
  

CHILD POLICY:

• This tour is suitable for children aged 3 and up.
• Children must 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).
• Our Jeeps cannot safely secure an infant car seat that requires a 3-point safety belt.