Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for its luxurious golf courses, spas, and luxury & wellness resorts. But there's more to this city than meets the eye. The town has plenty of fun and exciting adventures. From exploring the nearby canyons and sandboarding in the dunes to taking hot air balloon rides over the city, here are ten must-do adventures in Palm Springs that will make your trip unforgettable.
10 Rock Climbing In Joshua Tree National Park
Whether you are an experienced rock climber or looking for a new hobby, there is something for everyone at Joshua tree national park. Take a guided family rock climbing tour and get everything you need, including helmets, climbing shoes, and body harnesses for all ages. Learn rock climbing basics in a four-hour time tailored to your experience level and get a personalized experience from an expert.
- Tour: Family Rock Climbing Trips in Joshua Tree National Park (4 Hours)
- Duration: 4 Hours
- Cost: From $225 USD per person
9 Indian Canyons Hike And Bike
The Indian canyons have more than 60 miles of hiking and biking trails. Experience Palm Springs on a bike or foot by taking this half-day tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape and the city with a guide. Bicycles for rent and snacks are available, so you only need to avail yourself. Cycle the first 10 miles to the Indian canyon and enjoy a moderately challenging exercise. The guide will teach you the local history and wildlife.
- Tour: Palm Springs Indian Canyons Bike and Hike
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: From $120 USD per person
8 Tour The San Andreas Fault On A Jeep
San Andreas fault extends approximately 1200 km through California. Experience its geology on an open-air jeep and experience the beautiful oasis that thrives from an underground spring. A guide will teach you the history of the native American Cahuilla people, including how they used desert plants for food and medicine. Enjoy stunning views of jagged tall mountains and canyons in a morning or afternoon tour with snacks, bottled water, and lots of fun.
- Tour: San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: From $150 USD per adult
7 Mountain Sunrise Hike And Meditation
Do you want to reconnect with friends in an exciting outdoor activity? Take a sunrise meditation hike at the San Jacinto mountains from Palm Springs and rest in a vista point for breathtaking views of the Coachella valley. Take a group hike from South Lykken trailhead, a mile to the meditation spot and enjoy melodic sounds from the Oswitz canyon. Watch the sunrise over Indian canyons, meditate, and clear your head. Leave the hike with stunning photos and an open mind.
- Tour: Mountain Sunrise Hike and Meditation in Palm Springs
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: From $88 USD per person
6 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Book an admission ticket to explore Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This is the world's largest rotating tram car that travels over two and a half miles across stunning desert landscapes. Enjoy panoramic views of cliffs at Chino canyons and the wilderness at San Jacinto mountains state park from 8516 feet above sea level while enjoying a cool alpine breeze. Once you reach the mountain station, disembark and explore the observation deck, dining facilities, and cocktail lounge. You can hike the 54 miles trail for an unforgettable experience.
- Tour: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: From $30 USD per person
5 Earthquake Canyon Bicycle Adventure
Take a guided mountain bike tour along the San Andreas fault in the Meccacopia wilderness, where the Mojave Desert transitions into the Colorado desert. Ride through the paved path and enjoy the beautiful desert landscape. Rest in a date farm and try a glass of date shake to cool off the heat. An experienced guide will teach you about this area's unique history and ecology.
- Tour: Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure
- Duration: 4 hours
- Cost: From $120 USD per person
4 Star Gazing And UFO Tours
Take a trip back a thousand years and experience the night skies over Joshua tree. Due to light pollution from the neighboring urban and suburban settings, it has become impossible to see stars from the Joshua tree. However, high-definition night vision binoculars will allow you to spot planets, passing meteors, and stars you can't see with the naked eye. Learn about the skies in an interactive tour with a viewing point 90 minutes drive from the Palm Springs area.
- Tour: Stargazing and UFO Tours
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: From $158 USD per person
3 Hike To The Palm Springs Oasis
Hike a network of the best Palm Springs marked and unmarked trails popularly used by locals without fear of getting lost. Enjoy amazing views of the desert floor as you ascend the beautiful mountains surrounding the city. A guide will teach you about the native Cahuilla people and how they used desert vegetation. Rest at Hope Overlook,1371 feet above sea level, for panoramic views of windmills, San Jacinto mountains, and Mt. San Gorgonio, and head down to a small hidden oasis for a chance to see the endangered Peninsula Bighorn sheep.
- Tour: Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: From $79 USD per person
2 Tour The Mojave Desert On A UTV/ATV
Experience the diverse Mojave desert off-road terrain in a utility or all-terrain vehicle and challenge your driving skills. From driving through dirt, sand, and rocks to maneuvering inclines, deeps, and twists with a guide, we do not doubt you will have a memorable experience. You will have an hour of orientation and preparation, offroad gloves, and helmets with inbuilt sunglasses before embarking on the 2-3 hours epic tour.
- Tour: UTV / ATV Tour - Ride Passenger with Tour Guide (1-Rider)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: From $159 USD per person
1 Palm Springs Windmills Tour
Take a self-driving windmill tour with friends or family with a guide and enjoy the fun that comes with this educative excursion. An audio program will guide you through the marked destinations throughout the first commercial wind farm in the U.S. Your first stop will be at a display yard of non-operational wind turbines, while the second will be at wind-generating turbines where you can take pictures or videos. Stop at the old Enron machines and exit the tour on 19th avenue to the Indian canyons.
- Tour: Palm Springs Windmill Tours
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: From $59.99 USD per group (up to 2)