SAN ANDREAS FAULT HIKING TOUR

Choose from several scenic trails at our private and pristine Metate Ranch property. 

This is a Hiking Tour

The Jeep on this tour just provides transportation to the trailhead and from there you will continue on foot. For a full Jeep Tour, check out our San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour.

Join an experienced naturalist guide on an educational, engaging and entertaining hike through the twisted and tormented desert badlands landscape of the San Andreas Fault at our private and pristine Metate Ranch property.

A short Jeep ride will take you to one of the trailheads where you'll head off on foot.

The Four Posts Canyon Trail starts out in a wide level wash that narrows to intermittent high walled canyons, revealing interesting geologic formations as you round every corner. Near the back of the canyon, the trail rises gradually, leading to a great view of the valley floor and Santa Rosa Mountains below. (Difficulty: Easy)

On the Gem Canyon Trail, a winding foot trail takes you through a slot canyon. From there, you will climb up at 10 foot ladder to reach the next level of the canyon. The hike continues through more slot canyons until you reach the top and are rewarded with expansive views of the valley below, from the Salton Sea to the east, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges to the south, and the San Gorgonio Pass to the west. (Difficulty: Moderate)

On the Esophagus Canyon Trail, a little boulder scrambling will bring you to an overlook area after hiking through a mostly flat, winding canyon. (Difficulty: Easy to Moderate)

Whichever hike you choose, along the way, your naturalist guide will teach you about desert plants and animals as well as the geology and seismology of the San Andreas Fault zone as you explore the back-country of our private, pristine, and exclusive Metate Ranch property.

These are just a few of the hikes that are available. Your guide will customize your hiking experience to your interests, preferences, and ability.

Tour Details

Duration:

• 2.0 to 2.5 hours from Metate Ranch, depending on the trail(s)

TOUR AVAILABILITY:

• Morning tours are offered year-round
• Afternoon tours are offered November – April only

RESERVATIONS:

• Advance reservations are required

VEHICLE:

• Open-air 7-passenger Jeep CJ-8 (Scrambler) with shade top from the Metate Ranch parking lot to the trailhead - then continue on foot

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Transportation to the trail head is via classic open-air Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) with removable canvas shade top
• Naturalist guided hike
• HIKE RATING: Easy to moderate, depending on the trail
• HIKE DISTANCE: 2 to 3 miles
• Metate Ranch land and road use fees
• Bottled water and granola snacks

TOUR ADVISORIES:

• Proper footwear (hiking boots or closed to shoes with good tread) are mandatory.
• Guests should be in moderate to good physical condition. This hike involves walking in soft sand and hiking up moderate inclines.
• There are no bathrooms on the trail. Bathroom stops before and after the hike, however, are available.
• Guests who are pregnant or who have neck or back issues or injuries should consult with their doctor before taking this tour.
• Some hikes require climbing ladders or boulder scrambling.  Please let your guide know if you have any physical limitations before starting the hike so s/he can help you choose an appropriate trail.

CHILD POLICY:

• This tour is suitable for children aged 8 and up.
• Children must 1) weigh over 40 pounds OR 2) be at least 40 inches tall to ride in our Jeeps.
• Children under the age of 8 or 4’9″ tall must ride in a booster seat (supplied by the guest and secured by a 2-point seat belt in the back of the Jeep).
• Our Jeeps cannot safely secure an infant car seat that requires a 3-point safety belt.