San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour
About San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour
This open-air Jeep tour heads into Metate Ranch, a private property in the heart of the San Andreas Fault zone that only Red Jeep Tours can visit. It has 797 reviews and a 4.9 rating.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with prices from about $175 per person. Tours that leave after 1 p.m. run as sunset tours.
Itinerary
- San Andreas Fault (3 hours)
What’s included
- Bottled water
- Naturalist guided open-air Jeep eco-tour
- Granola snacks
- Land Use Fees
Meeting point
Meet your Jeep at the Metate Ranch parking lot 10 minutes prior to your tour. Follow the signage for Red Jeep Tours. If you make it to the Granite/Hi Grade construction gate, you have gone too far.
What to expect on the day
Your naturalist guide drives through steep-walled canyons shaped by the fault, stopping for short walks, including an optional hike through a slot canyon. You visit a natural palm oasis where water bubbles up from the ground and learn how the Cahuilla people used desert plants. The tour ends with a guided visit to a recreated Cahuilla village.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: A naturalist-guided open-air Jeep tour, bottled water, granola snacks and land use fees.
- Not included: Hotel transfers, other food and drinks, and tips.
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
- Layers, as desert temperatures change quickly.
Tips for a better day
- Finding it: Meet your Jeep at the Metate Ranch parking lot 10 minutes early. If you reach the construction company gate, you have gone too far.
- Confirm: Call the operator a day or two before to confirm your time.
- Book the sunset tour: The afternoon light makes the canyon walls glow.
Who it’s best for
Best for: Families, couples and nature lovers who want to see the desert up close with an expert guide.
Consider another option if: You want to see Joshua trees. The Joshua Tree National Park tour visits the park’s iconic rock formations.
Restrictions
Suitable for all fitness levels, but the dirt trails are bumpy. Travelers with neck or back problems, and pregnant women in the second or third trimester, should check with a doctor first. A minimum of 2 guests per booking is required.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
FAQ about San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour
How long is the San Andreas Fault Jeep tour?
About 3 hours.
Where does the tour go?
To Metate Ranch, a private property in the San Andreas Fault zone near Palm Desert.
Are the Jeeps open-air?
Yes.
Is there hiking?
Yes. Short nature walks, including an optional slot canyon hike.
Will I see a palm oasis?
Yes. The tour stops at a natural palm oasis.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the Jeep at the Metate Ranch parking lot.
Are snacks included?
Yes. Bottled water and granola snacks.
Is it a rough ride?
It is not extreme, but dirt trails make it a little bumpy.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from about $175 per person.
What is the cancellation policy?
You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
