Private San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour in Indio, CA

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 through a labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault Zone.
• Learn about the plants, animals, geology, and seismology of the San Andreas Fault.
• Take a guided nature walk through a slot canyon.
• Take an optional hike to a natural palm oasis or the top of the fault zone for spectacular views of the Coachella Valley.
• Tour a recreated Cahuilla Indian Village adorned with interpretive displays and learn how the Cahuilla People lived in this arid, inhospitable environment.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

• The tour we offer is a soft-adventure and is safe and suitable for guests aged 5 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.
• The experience we provide is designed to be educational, entertaining, and engaging. You will stop several times and get out of the Jeep for short nature walks or an easy hike. Most of the nature walks/hikes are only 10 or 15 minutes long. So guests who may have mobility issues are welcome to wait at the Jeep while the rest of the group explores the trail.
• Our guides are very knowledgeable and they will provide a lot of interesting information about the area. You will learn about the desert plants, animals, geology, earthquakes and seismology, the Cahuilla Indians, and more. But your guide is also happy to customize the tour to your preferences. Some guests are primarily interested in hiking, others interested in photography, and some prefer to ride in silence for part of the time so they can just soak in the awe-inspiring views. When you book a private tour, the tour is yours, so don't hesitate to tell your guide how they can tailor the tour to fit your needs and interests.
• For guests who are interested in hiking, we do have several longer, more challenging trails on the property. Let your guide know if you would like to do one of the longer hikes and he or she can review the options with you.
• While you will travel on dirt roads and through remote desert washes, the ride is not extreme. The Jeeps do not go up/down any steep inclines or do any "rock climbing" over boulders. You will get bounced around some, but the Jeeps go slow. It is not our goal to "beat you up" on the ride.
• This tour may not be suitable for guests seeking an extreme adventure and some find out tour to be "milder" than they have experienced on Jeep Tours in other areas. Our tour is about showcasing the beauty of the desert and providing a memorable experience.
• 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 nature walk or easy hike (accommodations for guests with limited mobility are available)
• 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.
• Contact lens wearers may want to switch to eyeglasses or wear eye protection (such as sunglasses), as tours can be dusty at times.
• 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 on the property and the Jeeps will stop a couple of times for bathroom breaks.
• 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, #MetateRanch.

---

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), soft drinks, beer, hard seltzers, pre-packaged cocktails, and more. We can send you information on our snack and beverages packages or we can create a custom package for you with the snacks and beverages of your choosing.
• We are happy to arrange for cupcakes, champagne, 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 or we can accommodate up to 168 guests for a morning or afternoon activity with our double-rounds option. Please contact us for more information.

---

TOUR DURATION

• 3.0 hours from our meeting point in Indio
• 3.5 hours from La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or Rancho Mirage
• 4.0 hours from Palm Springs

---

DEPARTURE TIME AND LOCATION

• Please review your tour confirmation for details about your departure time and location.
• Departure times for private tours are somewhat flexible. However morning tours need to return by 11:00 AM and afternoon tours must depart at 1:00 PM or later. Exceptions during off-peak times may be possible, but typically cannot be confirmed until 1 week prior unless you want to buy-out the Jeep for the whole day. Please contact us if you would like to inquire about a non-standard departure time or abbreviating or extending your tour (overtime charges will apply for tours longer than the stated duration).

---

HOTEL PICKUP

• We offer both a self-drive and pick-up option for private tours.
• You can meet your guide and Jeep at our primary meeting point in Indio or request hotel pickup for an additional charge. Hotel pickup is subject to availability and may not be available on sold-out days.
• If you are joining the tour at our main meeting point, be sure to secure your valuables in your trunk or take them with you.
• Our standard pickup area (+$150/Jeep) includes hotels, vacation rentals, and private residences in the cities of Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage between Monroe Street to the east and Frank Sinatra Drive to the west.
• Our extended pickup area (+$300/Jeep) includes pickup from hotels, private homes, and vacation rentals in and around downtown Palm Springs or in Cathedral City (west of Frank Sinatra Drive) or east of Monroe Street in Indio, Coachella, or Thermal (including the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport).

---

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 several short nature walks or easy hikes. Please let us know if anyone in your party will need assistance or has limited mobility so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
• Guests who are pregnant (high-risk or late-term) or who have neck or back issues or injuries should consult with their doctor before taking this tour. While this is not an extreme adventure, you will get jostled around some in the Jeep. The front, passenger seat is recommended for guests with mild neck or back issues.

---

CHILD POLICY

• This tour is recommended for children aged 5 and up. However, children as young as 3 years are permitted on private tours.
• Families with children under the age of 8 or who are less than 4' 9" tall are encouraged to join the tour at Metate Ranch.
• If hotel pickup is requested, a child booster seat is required (provided by the guest).
• Booster seats must be placed in the rear, side-facing seats and we recommend placing them in the middle between 2 adults.
• Booster seats are secured by a 2-point lap belt. Our Jeeps are not equipped with shoulder belts, so they cannot secure a child safety seat that requires a 3-point harness. Therefore we do not recommend the tour for children who are not big enough to ride in a booster seat.

---

PET POLICY

• Service animals and well-behaved dogs are welcome on private tours. However, they must remain on a leash and under your control at all times.
• You assume all responsibility for the health and welfare of your pet.
• Please be sure to bring a water bowl and "poop bags" and to clean up after your dog if they go potty.
• Please let us know in advance if you will be bringing a dog with you.
• Cats and other pets are not permitted.

---

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.