4 Palm Springs Tours That Earn the Road Trip

1.Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,798 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) Our pick

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 5,873 feet from the Sonoran Desert to Mountain Station at 8,516 feet. The 15-minute trip uses rotating cars, with observation decks, dining, a cocktail lounge, a short history film, and access to San Jacinto trails. Allow extra time for voucher exchange, boarding lines, and the sharp temperature change.

“It's COLD! Plan time for a hike to really appreciate that it's a park. Watch the videos available to learn what it's about. Lunch at Peak was a unique experience.”

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2.Aerial Tramway Round-Trip Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,122 reviews · 1 day · from $34Best value

Take a round-trip ride in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s rotating tramcars from the desert floor to 8,516 feet. At the Mountain Station, you can hike Mount San Jacinto State Park’s 54 miles of trails, eat at Pines Cafe or Peaks Restaurant, visit the museum, and enjoy snow activities when conditions allow. The $34 ticket is valid for one day.

“Whole trip was excellent, we reached 11:30 and we got to board the 12:00 Tram.”

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3.Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 762 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Drive Joshua Tree National Park at your own pace with an English audio guide that follows your GPS location. The 66-mile route includes more than 60 stories, major rock formations, mining sites, desert history, and a bonus Hidden Valley Nature Trail tour. Download the Action Tour Guide app before entering the park, since cell service can be weak.

“We all enjoyed it. The speaker was clear and easy to understand and the information was interesting.”

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4.San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Top rated

Ride an open-air Jeep from Metate Ranch near Indio into the San Andreas Fault zone. Your naturalist guide, such as Jennie, Rick, Craig, or others on the Desert Adventures team, explains earthquakes, desert plants, wildlife, and Cahuilla lifeways. Expect an easy slot-canyon walk, a spring-fed palm oasis, a recreated village, snacks, water, and a bumpy but manageable three-hour outing.

“Wonderful tour. The canyons and hiking through the rocks was absolutely amazing! Also traveling through the desert over the fault was fascinating, as well as all the education that was provided.”

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