Discover the rugged beauty of La Quinta’s desert landscape aboard a mule-drawn wagon. This guided adventure reveals striking canyons, ancient geological formations, and Cahuilla history, all set against a breathtaking sunset backdrop.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking involved
Wildlife
History
The San Andreas Fault has shaped this landscape for millions of years, creating canyons and fault lines visible from the wagon route.
Conservation
Covered Wagon Tours adopts low-impact practices to preserve the fragile desert environment, emphasizing Leave No Trace principles.
Covered Wagon Tours
Discover the rugged beauty of La Quinta’s desert landscape aboard a mule-drawn wagon. This guided adventure reveals striking canyons, ancient geological formations, and Cahuilla history, all set against a breathtaking sunset backdrop.
Covered Wagon Tours offers mule-drawn covered wagon excursions through desert landscapes that highlight regional geology, Indigenous history, and living desert ecosystems. Guests ride aboard authentic covered wagons pulled by mules along routes that include canyon overlooks and visible features of the San Andreas Fault. Guided by a naturalist, tours explain local flora and fauna and introduce traditional survival techniques used by the Cahuilla People.
Two signature experiences are offered: the Covered Wagon Adventure - Tour Only, a wagon-only journey that focuses on landscape, geology, and cultural interpretation; and the Covered Wagon Adventure Tour with BBQ, which adds an on-site sunset cookout with live western music and prepared barbecue after the wagon route. One tour travels across a 30,000-acre desert oasis and canyon country, providing expansive views and photographic opportunities.
Covered Wagon Tours emphasizes interpretive guidance and cultural context, centering accurate information about the land and the people who lived there. Live music and a sunset finale are included where noted, and the BBQ option provides a shared outdoor meal at the conclusion of the ride. The operation presents each outing as a daytime or evening field experience that combines natural history, cultural interpretation, and scenic viewing. Covered Wagon Tours is suitable for guests seeking an interpretive, historic-style wagon outing through Southern California desert terrain and canyon country. Reservations are coordinated through Covered Wagon Tours for both the tour-only and BBQ options, and each itinerary concludes with interpretive commentary and a sunset viewing for interested guests.
Tours Offered
2
Choice of two guided adventures
Terrain Covered
30,000 acres
Expansive desert oasis and canyons
Transport
Mule-drawn wagons
Authentic covered wagon travel
Evening Feature
Sunset BBQ
Live western music at cookout
Choose the wagon-only interpretive tour or the BBQ sunset cookout with live western music — reserve a spot for a guided mule-drawn wagon experience.
Dress for the Desert
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to stay comfortable under the sun.
Bring Water
Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated during the outdoor ride, especially in warmer months.
Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain and sitting in a wagon for extended periods.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes early allows time to settle in and enjoy the natural surroundings before departure.
Sun Protection
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect against intense desert sun.
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Layered Clothing
Layers keep you comfortable from warm days to cooler evenings.
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Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the tour with a personal water supply.
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Photography Equipment
Capture the stunning desert vistas and sunset moments.
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