San Andreas Fault Offroad Jeep Tour from Palm Desert — Salton Sea & Mecca Hills
Climb into a Jeep and follow the San Andreas Fault through Mecca Hills and colorful slot canyons, with sweeping views of the Salton Sea. This half-day offroad tour combines dramatic geology, agriculture-lined vistas and short canyon hikes — perfect for travelers who want a fast, educational dose of tectonic drama.
The Experience
Before You Go
Morning departures are cooler
Take the earliest slot available—temperatures rise quickly and morning light brings out canyon colors for photos.
Bring sturdy shoes
Trails into slot canyons and wash crossings are rocky and uneven; closed-toe shoes with traction are recommended.
Protect against dust and sun
Sunglasses, a buff or bandana and SPF 30+ sunscreen will make the ride and short hikes far more comfortable.
Motion-sickness prep
The offroad sections are bumpy; anyone prone to motion sickness should take medication before the tour.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small viewpoint ridges near Mecca Hills for unobstructed fault views
- •Narrow iron-stained side canyons that light up mid-morning
Wildlife
- •Desert cottontail rabbit
- •Red-tailed hawk
Conservation Note
The Salton Sea is shrinking and creating dust concerns; stay on designated trails, pack out trash and follow guide directions to limit erosion and disturbance.
This region sits on ancestral Indigenous lands and later became a crossroads of early irrigation projects and 20th-century agricultural development near the Salton Sea.
Photographer's Notes
- • Overlook above the Salton Sea for wide panoramas
- • Entrance to a narrow slot canyon to catch light beams
- • Ridgeline viewpoints showing offset strata and scarps
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky washes and when clambering into slot canyons.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Desert sun is intense; protection prevents sunburn and glare for photography.
Reusable water bottle (1L+)Essential
Staying hydrated is critical in the low-elevation desert; bottled water is provided but bring refillable bottle.
Light wind/dust layer or buff
Shields face from dust on bumpy stretches and provides warmth in cool mornings.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and where does it start?
The tour runs about four hours and departs from the operator’s Palm Desert meeting point with ample street parking and restrooms.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 6 and older are allowed; consider motion-sickness risk and the bumpy terrain when deciding for younger riders.
Will we get out and hike?
Yes — the itinerary includes short guided walks into slot canyons and overlooks; hikes are generally short but on uneven ground.
Is the Salton Sea visited on the tour?
Yes, there are vista stops with views of the Salton Sea, but access to the shoreline depends on route and conditions that day.
Any health or mobility restrictions?
Not recommended for participants with serious back problems or those who cannot climb into a high-clearance vehicle.
What about cancellations or weather?
The tour can be canceled for extreme weather and requires at least two participants to run; cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund per operator policy.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Palm Desert, California
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, easy hikes and getting in/out of higher-riding vehicles
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