California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
Rock climbing in Palm Springs Joshua Tree
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
Ram - Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Walking & Hiking Tour
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour- 4-Day Getaway
Rock climbing in Palm Springs Joshua Tree
Hiking on Backroads Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Walking & Hiking Tour
Multi-Adventure
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California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour - For Families with Older Teens & 20s

Desert Wonders & National Park Magic

One or more kids 17+ required (siblings 14+ ok) | Min age to ride e-bike 16+

Family — Older Teens & 20s

5 days 4 nights

Activity Level: 1-3

Premiere Hotels

From: $3,699 - $3,799 pp dbl occ

($700 - $1,000 for sgl occ)

In the California desert, less is more. A single white cloud floats above the San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs' vast blue sky. Joshua trees stand humbly within the rugged expanse of the national park. And sparse vegetation and little precipitation conspire to create a distinctive landscape of stark beauty. That ice-cold drink at the end of the day? A simple but welcome pleasure. On this one-of-a-kind classic desert escape.

Walk/Hike
Bike
Rock Climbing
California Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Family Multi-Adventure Tour map
California Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Family Multi-Adventure Tour map

California

Start/End Palm Springs

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Rock climb and adventure in Joshua Tree National Park, home to legendary granite boulder fields and rare otherworldly trees
  • Hike high desert trails in Pioneertown Mountains Preserve and amid a native palm oasis in rugged Indian Canyons
  • Bike through Palm Springs’ historic neighborhoods, admiring midcentury architecture and beautiful palm-lined city streets
  • Revel in the ultimate active getaway in Palm Springs and beyond—cap off your family desert adventure in classic California style

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
5 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description

Travel with your family from Palm Springs, the jewel of California's low desert, into the high desert landscapes nestled between Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest | Hike piney ridge trails in a geologically rich wildlands preserve | Immerse yourself in quirky desert culture in rugged one-street Pioneertown, built as a Western film façade in the 1940s | Take in the scene at a local saloon and relax at our one-of-a-kind American West hotel.

Accommodations
Exterior view of Pioneertown Motel
Pioneertown Motel
Pioneertown
| *Casual Hotel

Once frequented by film stars here shooting old Westerns, this coolly revamped desert hideaway spotlights local artisans and celebrates the town's quirky history, culture and setting.

Days 2-5
Description

Journey to Joshua Tree National Park and be awed by its fascinating rock formations and iconic yucca trees | It's a full-day adventure amid the park's surreal labyrinths of sculpted granite, massive boulders and secret craggy passageways | Explore colorful pockets of the park on an optional hike | All levels are welcome for a rock climbing experience with an expert guide in one of the world's top climbing destinations! | Bike through historic Palm Springs neighborhoods on an architectural bike tour | Witness the lush oases of Indian Canyons | Follow desert trails in Mission Creek and Whitewater Preserves, where a dry rocky valley gives way to a cascading river | Discover tranquil desert sanctuaries and craggy mountain ridges | Weather and crowd permitting, journey over the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon on a ride up to Mount San Jacinto State Park on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Marvel at the views of Chino Canyon's breathtaking cliffs | Walk amid age-old pine trees and rocky ridgelines, pausing at overlooks with picturesque panoramas of the surrounding desert and beyond | Sip a signature desert cocktail poolside and take in the gorgeous vistas of the Coachella Valley | Extend your getaway in one of Old Hollywood's favorite escapes.

Accommodations
The pool at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Palm Springs
| Premiere Hotel

Set on a bluff overlooking glittering Palm Springs, this chic retreat complements its desert surroundings with elements of wood, stone and fire. (pool, spa) 

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 1-3

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Route notes

The hiking terrain on this trip includes well-maintained paths and rugged desert trails with some rocky and sandy sections, and a few steeper climbs and descents. Weather permitting, we may hike at the top of the Palm Springs aerial tram, which takes place at 8,500 feet and may make the route more challenging than the mileage may suggest. The biking terrain varies from level to rolling with a few steeper hills. Possible extreme weather conditions, such as heat and wind (or colder temperatures in winter months), can make biking more strenuous.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 4 miles | 400 ft. gain
Level 2 | 6 miles | 900 ft. gain
Level 3 | 8 miles | 1300 ft. gain
Day 2
Rock Climbing
& Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
Day 3
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 4 miles* | 400 ft. gain
Level 2 | 6 miles | 700 ft. gain
Level 3 | 8 miles | 1100 ft. gain
Day 4
Biking
Level 1 | 15 miles* | 700 ft. gain
Level 2 | 20 miles | 800 ft. gain
Level 3 | 25 miles | 1000 ft. gain
Day 5
Other
Aerial Tram (weather permitting)
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 2 miles | 300 ft. gain

What's Included

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Click the arrow to see all bike options.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. 

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Also Included

  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, all dinners
  • Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
  • Snacks and beverages between meals
  • Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
  • Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
  • Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
  • On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
  • Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
  • Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
  • Park and other entry fees
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
  • Select coach transfers
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Straight talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Shuttle Time

To bring you to our favorite parts of Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, we make liberal use of shuttles on this trip. Although you'll see the inside of the Backroads van on each day and will experience some longer rides (1–1½ hours) as we shuttle between highlights, consider it an opportunity to view some spectacular scenery while resting your legs in preparation for your next adventure.

Ask a trip expert

Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our Help Center.

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