Tour Details
Adults (18 years and up)
Online reservations accepted for up to 7 guests per Jeep.
$ 175
Child
Parents must provide booster seats for children under 8 years or 4'9" tall. A parent must accompany children.
$ 150
Join Red Jeep Tours for an awe-inspiring journey through the Bones of the Earth!
This unforgettable experience takes you one mile deep into the heart of the San Andreas Fault zone, where you’ll marvel at breathtaking geological features sculpted by tectonic plate movement, wind, water, and time.
Don’t forget your camera—every moment is Instagram-worthy, and the memories you create will last a lifetime! Immerse yourself in the raw beauty and power of nature like never before.
Your adventure begins at our exclusive Metate Ranch sanctuary, nestled in the Indio Hills, a remarkable area shaped by the collision of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.
Tour Highlights:
- Spectacular Scenery: As your Jeep meanders through a labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons, you’ll learn about the diverse plants, animals, geology, and seismology of this fascinating region.
- Guided Nature Walk: Explore a stunning slot canyon and soak in the breathtaking surroundings.
- California Fan Palms Oasis: Discover a unique oasis sustained by groundwater captured by the fault.
- Cahuilla Indian Village: Explore a recreated village with interpretive displays that highlight the rich heritage of the Cahuilla People. Situated on the archaeological site of the ancient Cahuilla village of Paltewet, this experience offers insights into their history, culture, and traditions. Connect with the past in this captivating setting!
- Optional Hike: Join your guide for a short hike up to the authentic grinding stone on the hillside above the village, or choose from other beautiful trails on the property.
What is Included:
- Enjoy guided nature walks or easy hikes through breathtaking landscapes, with all admission fees and taxes included. We’ll provide bottled water and delicious granola snacks to keep you refreshed along the way. Don’t miss this chance to explore the wonders of the San Andreas Fault!
- Naturalist-led tour in a classic open-air Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) with a removable shade top, accommodating up to 7 guests—1 in the front passenger seat and 6 in the back on two inward-facing bench seats (3 guests each) for a fun, shared experience.
What is Not Included:
- Gratuities can be given directly to your guide, who can accept tips via Venmo, Zelle, or cash. If you’d prefer to add a gratuity to the credit card you used for booking, just contact us after your tour, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Read More About This Activity
-
- Gratuities can be given directly to your guide, who can accept tips via Venmo, Zelle, or cash. If you’d prefer to add a gratuity to the credit card you used for booking, just contact us after your tour, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
-
- If anyone in your group needs assistance or has limited mobility, please inform us to arrange appropriate accommodations.
- For some guests, the most challenging part of the tour may be getting in and out of the Jeep; however, we provide step stools to make this easier. Your guide is also available to assist as needed.
- The Jeep will stop several times for short nature walks or easy hikes, typically lasting about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Guests with mobility challenges are welcome to remain at the Jeep while the rest of the group explores.
- Not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Accommodations for guests with limited mobility.
-
- Proper Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good traction are required. Please wear hiking boots, walking/tennis shoes, or other shoes with rubber or non-slip soles.
- No Open-Toe Shoes: Sandals, flip-flops, high heels, or shoes without grip (like ballet flats or loafers) are not permitted.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers, as desert temperatures can change rapidly.
- Cooler Months: For tours in the cooler months (November through March), we recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket for morning outings. The Jeeps are equipped with blankets for extra warmth if needed.
- Sun Protection: Bring a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen before the tour. The desert sun can be intense, and it’s easy to get sunburned from the reflection off the sand.
- Eye Protection: If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear, as it can get dusty during windy conditions.
-
-
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your tour, especially during the warmer months.
- Snacks and Beverages: We provide plenty of cool bottled water and granola bars. While we ask that you refrain from bringing outside food or beverages on the tour, you may bring your young children’s favorite snacks and drinks.
- Restroom Facilities: Portable restrooms are available on the property, and the Jeeps will stop several times for bathroom breaks.
- Seatbelts: Seat belts are required at all times while the Jeep is in motion for your safety.
- Capture the Moments: Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone! You’ll encounter countless Instagram-worthy photo and video opportunities. Share your tour memories and tag us for a chance to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to check in with your guide.
-
-
- If anyone in your party is over 6’2″ tall or weighs over 250 lbs., please inform us when booking so we can arrange comfortable seating for everyone.
-
- Guests who are pregnant (especially those who are high-risk or in the late stages of pregnancy) or who have neck or back issues or other injuries should consult with their doctor before participating in this tour.
- While this is not an extreme adventure, some jostling in the Jeep is to be expected.
- For guests with mild neck or back issues, or those concerned about a bumpy ride, we recommend the front passenger seat, which offers the most comfortable experience.
- The front passenger seat is also a good option for guests needing additional assistance or with special needs.
-
- No Unaccompanied Minors: An adult must accompany children under 18.
- Minimum Age: The minimum age for children on shared tours is 5 years.
- Booster Seats: We recommend that children under 8 years old or shorter than 4′ 9″ ride in a booster seat, which must be provided by the parents. Please note that booster seats will be placed in the rear, side-facing seats between two adults and can only be secured by a 2-point lap belt. Our Jeeps are not equipped with shoulder belts, so child safety seats that require a 3 or 5-point harness cannot be accommodated.
- Kids love our tours—they’re fun, interactive, and may even keep your teen engaged. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some quality screen-free family time together!
-
- Yes, advance reservations are required and are subject to availability.
- The cut-off time for online reservations is 12:00 PM (Noon) the day before the tour.
- For reservations after our online cut-off, you may email us at resv@red-jeep.com or call (760) 324-5337, Ext. 1 to book your tour.
-
- Hotel pickup is not available for shared tours but can be arranged as an option for 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. Avoid leaving items visible through your car’s windows, as even a small amount of change in a cup holder can attract unwanted attention. Break-ins are often crimes of opportunity, so protect yourself by securing all valuables in your trunk or bringing them with you.
-
- A minimum of 2 guests is required to operate a tour. Tours are subject to cancellation if this minimum is not met.
- Online reservations are accepted for 2 or more guests.
- If you are a single rider, please email us or call (760) 324-5337, Ext. 1 to inquire about joining an existing tour.
- Online reservations for up to 14 guests are available for shared and private tours.
- Group tours for 15 to 84 guests are also offered. Please call (760) 324-5337, Ext. 2 or email us for more information on group tours.
-
- Yes, UBER and LYFT can drop you off at our departure location.
- If you plan to use a ride-share service, please inform your guide at the beginning of your tour so they can assist you with scheduling your return pickup.
-
- Service dogs are welcome, but family pets are not allowed on shared tours. If you’d like to bring your dog, we recommend booking a private tour, where well-behaved dogs are permitted.
- Please inform us in advance if you will be bringing a service dog.
- Cats and other animals are not permitted.
-
- We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. No refunds or credits are given for tours canceled within 48 hours or for no-shows.
- Trip cancellation insurance is recommended for protection against unforeseen cancellations due to illness, accident, or injury.
-
- All tours take place as scheduled: rain or shine, cloudy or clear, hot or cold. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
- We may alter tours to accommodate weather changes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. If light rain is predicted, we provide rain ponchos.
- In the event of heavy rains or flash flood advisories or warnings, the tour will be canceled or rescheduled, prioritizing your safety above all else.
- If you wish to cancel due to forecasted inclement weather when we deem it safe to operate, our standard 48-hour cancellation policy will apply. However, you may be offered the option to reschedule at no charge, subject to availability.
- If we cancel a tour due to extreme weather conditions, you will have the option to:
-
-
- Reschedule to a different day without penalty (subject to availability);
- Receive a gift card for later use; or
- Receive a refund back to your original payment method.
-
-
- If we must cut a tour short due to extreme weather, a partial or prorated refund may be offered based on the circumstances and the amount of the tour completed.
-
- Our tour is a soft-adventure experience, safe and suitable for guests aged 5 and up. It is designed to be educational, entertaining, and engaging. Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating information about the area, including insights on desert plants, animals, geology, earthquakes, seismology, the Cahuilla Indians, and more.
- While you will travel on dirt roads and through remote desert washes, the ride is not extreme. The Jeeps do not navigate steep inclines or engage in “rock climbing” over boulders. You may experience some bouncing, but the Jeeps move slowly. Our goal is not to “beat you up” or “rattle your teeth” during the ride.
- This tour may not be suitable for guests seeking an extreme adventure; some may find it “milder” than Jeep or other 4WD/off-road tours in different areas. Our focus is on showcasing the beauty of the desert and providing a memorable experience.
-
- Guests redeeming a gift certificate with a 4-digit code must call (760) 324-5337, Ext. 1 or email us to book.
- Gift Cards (with a 20-digit code) may be redeemed online. Simply enter your gift card as a method of payment at check-out.
Meeting Point
Metate Ranch – 38635 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92203