Ride a mule-drawn covered wagon into a private Sonoran Desert preserve near Palm Desert. This three-hour eco-adventure mixes guided nature walks, live western entertainment, and a slow-smoked BBQ at ranchside as the sun sets over the San Jacinto range.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The wagon creaks, mules shift, and the desert opens — a low, scrubby horizon punctuated by fan palms and the distant line of the San Jacinto Mountains. You roll out across sandy tracks and rocky washes into a privately managed 30,000-acre Oasis Wilderness Preserve, the sun warming your shoulders as guides point out ancient palm groves and fault-cut canyons.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Light: suitable for most people who can sit for three hours and walk up to 1 mile on sandy or rocky terrain
Wildlife
History
The Coachella Valley and its oasis pockets have long been used by the Cahuilla people; modern preserves protect both the palm groves and archaeological sites tied to seasonal life in the desert.
Conservation
This is a privately managed preserve — stay on guided routes, avoid bringing single-use plastics, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile desert soils and rare palm oases.
Reserve your spot on the Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Bring a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses — there’s little shade and UV is strong even in cooler months.
Hydrate before you board
Carry a refillable water bottle and drink frequently; the tour lasts three hours and desert heat dehydrates quickly.
Footwear for dusty, uneven ground
Closed-toe shoes with decent tread are best for the optional nature walk and ranch activities.
Arrive early for directions and parking
Follow the operator’s directions off I‑10 (Washington St. exit) and check in a bit before departure to avoid delays.
Wide-brim hat
Shields your face and neck from intense desert sun during the wagon ride and walk.
Refillable water bottle (1L+)
Keeps you hydrated across the three-hour tour where shade and water stops are limited.
summer
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet on sand, loose gravel, and during ranch-side activities.
Light layers or windbreaker
Temperatures fall quickly after sunset; a light jacket is handy for the post-sunset BBQ and campfire.
fall