Adventure Collective
null - Los Angeles

Private Indian Canyons Hiking Tour by Jeep (2-14 guests)

Palm Springseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; light physical activity involved with optional short walks or stops.

Overview

Discover the stunning Indian Canyons in Palm Springs on a private Jeep tour that combines scenic beauty with personalized adventure. Perfect for small groups, this trip offers a unique way to explore California's desert landscape with expert guides and exclusive access to hidden spots.

Guided Tour
Jeep
Sightseeing Tour
Walking Tour
Palm Desert, California

Indian Canyons Hiking Tour by Jeep (Private)

The whole Jeep is reserved for your party of up to 7 guests.

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Adventure Photos

Indian Canyons Hiking Tour by Jeep (Private) photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey through the Ancestral Home of the Cahuilla Indians in a classic open-air Jeep. Experience stunning rock formations, lush palm oases, and engaging stories from your naturalist guide. Enjoy an easy hike along Andreas Creek, discovering the rich culture and survival techniques of the Cahuilla people.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS

  • Jeeps hold up to 7 guests each plus your driver/guide.
  • Online reservations are accepted for 1 or 2 Jeeps (maximum 15 guests).
  • If you would like to book 3 or more Jeeps (15+ people), please email us or call (760) 324-5337 for assistance.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Journey to the Ancestral Home of the Cahuilla Indians where stunning rock formations and the contrasting greens of magnificent California fan palms and more than 150 species of plants beckon travelers to these lush oases.
  • Throughout your journey, your naturalist guide will engage and entertain you with stories about the lifestyle, culture, and beliefs of the Cahuilla Indians, our local Native American Tribe.
  • Enjoy a guided, easy 1-mile hike on a tranquil trail along the banks of Andreas Creek as your guide describes the ceremonies and legends of the Cahuilla people and explains how they used the desert’s plants for survival.
  • View one of the largest natural palm oases in North America from the rim of Palm Canyon and enjoy a short walk to a hidden water cave where the water flows most of the year.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

  • The tour we offer is a soft-adventure and is safe and suitable for guests aged 8 and up. The most challenging part of the tour for some guests is climbing in and out of the Jeep, but we have step-stools to make that easier for you. Your guide is also happy to lend a hand if you need assistance.
  • This is primarily a walking/hiking tour. The Jeep transports you to and from the Indian Canyons, but travels entirely on paved roads. A significant part of the tour is spent out of the Jeep exploring on foot.
  • The experience we provide is designed to be educational, entertaining, and engaging.
  • Guests should be able to walk a 1.5 to 2 miles along a dirt trail. Elevation gain is minimal, but there are multiple stream crossings and some light bouldering required to navigate large rocks and small boulders along the trail.
  • The trail is designated as easy, though guests with limited mobility may have difficulty in sections.
  • Guests should be of average or better physical conditioning.
  • For your safety, seat belts are required at all times when the Jeep is moving.

###INCLUSIONS

  • Naturalist guided tour in a classic open-air Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) with removable canvas shade top
  • Private tour for up to 7 guests per Jeep - customized to your interests
  • Guided easy hikes
  • Admission fees and taxes
  • Bottled water and granola snacks

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Please wear closed-toe-shoes with rubber soles (such as tennis shoes or hiking boots). Sandals, flip-flops, and shoes with high heels are not recommended.
  • Wear comfortable clothing - we recommend you dress in layers as desert temperatures can change quickly. In the cooler months (November through March), we suggest you bring a sweater or light jacket for morning tours. However, we do have blankets in the Jeeps in case you get chilly.
  • Be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated before and after your tour, especially in the warmer months.
  • Bring a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen before the tour. The desert sun is strong and you can burn easily with the reflection off the sand.
  • We supply plenty of cool bottled water and granola bars and we have optional snacks and beverages available for advance order if you want to customize your tour. While we ask that you refrain from bringing any outside food or beverage on tour with you, you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks for your young children.
  • There are portable restrooms available.
  • Don't forget your camera or video camera - the photo opportunities are Instagram worthy and we would love if you would tag us on your social media @RedJeepTours, #RedJeepTours, #TahquitzAndIndianCanyons.

OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS:

The following items are available for purchase if you would like to customize your private tour experience. Please contact us after booking if you would like to add any of these options to your tour.

  • On-board snacks and beverages including sweet and salty snacks (chips, cookies, candy) and soft drinks. Alcohol is not permitted in the Indian Canyons.
  • We are happy to arrange for cupcakes or flowers if you will be celebrating a special occasion.
  • Boxed lunches
  • Custom signage on the Jeeps

Over the years, we've witnessed many engagements, vow renewals, bachelor/bachelorette parties, girlfriend/buddy get-aways, family reunions, and other celebrations. We would love to be part of yours!

Please contact us at least 2 business days prior to your tour if you would like to add any enhancements.


RESERVATIONS

  • Advance Reservations are required and are subject to availability.
  • Private tours are sold by the Jeep. You will be charged the full fee even if some of your guests cannot make the tour.
  • Online reservations are accepted for up to 2 private Jeeps. If you need to book more than 2 Jeeps, please call (760) 324-5337 or email resv@red-jeep.com for assistance. A signed contract and deposit are required to secure bookings of 3 or more Jeeps and a different cancellation policy applies.
  • Group tours for up to 84 guests at a time are available. Please contact us for more information.

TOUR DURATION

  • 3.0 from Palm Springs or Rancho Mirage
  • 3.5 to 4.0 hours from Palm Desert, Indian Wells or La Quinta

DEPARTURE TIME AND LOCATION

  • Please review your tour confirmation for details about your departure time and location.

MEETING POINT

  • Guests visiting Palm Springs for the day may join the tour at the Sightseeing Tour Loading Zone in front of the Tahquitz Canyon entrance to the Welwood Murray Memorial Library.
  • Library Address: 100 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262) Click for Map

HOTEL PICKUP

  • Our standard pickup area includes hotels, vacation rentals, and private residences in the cities of Palm Springs or Rancho Mirage (west of Frank Sinatra Drive).
  • Our extended pickup area (+$150/Jeep) includes pickup from hotels, private homes, and vacation rentals in Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta (south of the I-10 freeway and between Washington Street to the east and Date Palm Drive to the west).

GROUP SIZE

  • Each Jeep holds a maximum of 7 guests plus your driver/guide.
  • The vehicle configuration is 1 guest in the front passenger seat (next to the driver) and 6 guests in the back (on two inward-facing bench seats that accommodate three guests each).
  • If you are booking more than one private Jeep, you may request that they stay together.

TOUR ADVISORIES

  • Proper footwear (hiking boots or walking/tennis shoes) is required. Please no open-toe shoes, sandals, or flip-flops or shoes with high heels.
  • This tour includes getting in and out of the Jeep several times for hikes.
  • Guests should be able to walk at least 2 miles over uneven terrain. Creek crossings and light bouldering are required in places.
  • The front, passenger seat is recommended for guests with mild neck or back issues, though this tour travels on paved roads, so it is not particularly bumpy.

CHILD POLICY

  • This tour is recommended for children aged 8 and up.

PET POLICY

  • Dogs are not permitted in the Indian Canyons.
  • If you are travelling with a service animal, please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether or not an accommodation is possible.

WEATHER POLICY

  • All of our tours take place as scheduled: rain or shine, cloudy or clear, hot or cold. Thus, you should dress appropriately for the weather.
  • At Desert Adventures' sole discretion, tours may be altered to accommodate changes in weather so as to provide the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
  • If light rain is predicted, we have rain ponchos for you to use. If heavy rains are expected or there are any flash flood advisories or warnings, then the tour will be cancelled or rescheduled. We prioritize your safety above all else.
  • If you wish to cancel your tour due to forecasted inclement weather when we deem it safe to operate, our normal cancellations and refund policy will apply. However, we will allow you to reschedule your tour to a different day or time at no charge, subject to space availability.
  • If we cancel a tour due to weather or safety concerns, you will given the option to reschedule your tour at no charge (subject to space availability) or we can issue a gift card that you can use at a later date, or we can provide a refund back to your original method of payment. Refunds and credits may be prorated, based on the circumstances.

GUIDE GRATUITIES

  • Tour guide gratuities are not included in the tour cost, but are appreciated.
  • The suggested gratuity is 10-15% of the retail tour price, but tips are at your sole discretion.
  • Gratuities paid directly to your guide are preferred and most guides can accept tips via Venmo or Zelle as well as cash.
  • However, if you would like to add a gratuity to the credit card you used to book your tour, please contact us and we can add that on for you.

Adventure Tips

Wear sunscreen and hats

The desert sun can be intense; protect yourself from sunburn during the tour.

Bring bottled water

Stay hydrated throughout the adventure, especially during warm days in the desert.

Wear sturdy boots

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes will help you navigate uneven terrain safely.

Capture the moment

Bring a camera or smartphone to take photos of breathtaking views and wildlife.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • California quail

History

The Indian Canyons are sacred to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and have been used for thousands of years as a spiritual and cultural site.

Conservation

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours is committed to eco-friendly practices, minimizing environmental impact while sharing the beauty of this protected area.

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Adventure Hotspots in Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Protect yourself from the strong desert sun during outdoor exploration.

summer specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Sturdy footwear helps navigate rocky and uneven terrain comfortably.

Layered clothing

Dressing in layers keeps you comfortable as temperatures vary throughout the day.

spring|fall|winter specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sightings along the tour.