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.

Detailed Itinerary

Walk/Hike

Bike

Rock Climbing

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

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.

5 Days Premiere Hotels*

Accommodations may vary based on departure.

Day 1

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.

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

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.

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)

Detailed Itinerary

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.

2023 2024

Dec 25 - Dec 29

Space is available — Book online

Go Private

Go custom

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.

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.

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.

California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour - For Families with Older Teens & 20s