San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour in Indio, California

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..
• 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 knowledgable 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 don't hesitate to tell your guide if you have particular interests. They are happy to tailor the tour to guest preferences.
• 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 our 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
• Shared (non-private) tour for up to 7 guests per Jeep
• Guided nature walks or easy hikes (accommodations for guests with limited mobilty 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. 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 @MetateRanch @DesertAdventuresPS.

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RESERVATIONS

• Advance Reservations are required and are subject to availability.
• There is a minimum of 2 guests required to operate this tour. Tour is subject to cancellation if this minimum is not met.
• We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. There are no refunds or credit for no-shows.
• Online reservations require a minimum of 2 guests to book. If you are a single rider, please call (760) 324-5337 or email resv@red-jeep.com to inquire about joining an existing tour.
• Guests redeeming a gift certificate with a 4-digit code must call (760) 324-5337 or email resv@red-jeep.com to book. Gift Cards (with a 20-digit code) may be redeemed online.
• Private and group tours are also offered. Please contact us for more information.

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TOUR DURATION

• 3.0 hours from our meeting point in Indio

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DEPARTURE TIME AND LOCATION

• Please review your tour confirmation for details about your departure time and meeting point.
• Hotel pickup is not offered on shared tours but is offered as an option on private tours.
• There is plenty of free parking at our meeting point.
• Be sure to lock your valuables in your trunk or take them with you. Do not leave your valuables where they can be seen through your windows. Break-ins tend to be crimes of opportunity.
• If you will be using a ride-share service (such as Uber), please let your guide know at the beginning of your tour so that they can assist you with scheduling your return pickup.

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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 have very tall (6'2" or taller) or larger guests (over 250 lbs) in your party, please let us know when booking. We do our best to provide comfortable seating for all.

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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, as it will provide the most comfortable ride.

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CHILD POLICY

• The minimum age for children on shared tours is 5 years.
• Children under the age of 8 or less than 4' 9" tall should ride in a booster seat (provided by the parents).
• 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 rquires a 3-point harness. Therefore we do not recommend the tour for children who are not big enough to ride in a booster seat.

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PET POLICY

• While service dogs are welcome, family pets are not allowed on shared tours. If you would like to bring your dog on tour, we suggest you book a private tour, where well-behaved dogs are permitted.
• Please let us know in advance if you will be bringing a service animal with you.
• Cats and other animals are not permitted.

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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.

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GUIDE GRATUTIES

• 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.