California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Family Multi-Adventure Tour
5 days
4 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Family Multi-Adventure Tour
5 days
4 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Dec2026: Feb-Apr, Dec
Desert Wonders & National Park Magic
A single cloud in the vast blue sky. Surreal Joshua trees against the national park’s infinite landscape. Discover the beauty of the desert with your family in Palm Springs and beyond.
Highlights
- Bike and hike in lush Indian Canyons, an oasis of mountain streams, palm groves, native plants and wildlife
- Rock climb in Joshua Tree National Park, home to legendary granite boulder fields and Seussian landscapes
- Step back into the Wild West by day, then stargaze under one of the country’s darkest night skies in Pioneertown, built as a living movie set in the 1940s
- Lounge poolside and under the palms, embracing a luxurious desert lifestyle at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
- Glide over Chino Canyon in a rotating aerial tram, stepping out to hike along a pine-dotted ridgeline to overlooks with sweeping vistas
Start/End Palm Springs
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel 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 a hard-pack sandy trail in Black Rock Canyon through dense forest and up to a ridgetop for spectacular views of Joshua Tree National Park • Immerse yourself in quirky desert culture in rugged one-street Pioneertown, built as a Western film façade in the 1940s.
Night 1
Once frequented by film stars here shooting old Westerns, this cooly revamped desert hideaway spotlights local artisans and celebrates the town’s quirky history, culture and setting.
Days 2-5
Journey to the heart of Joshua Tree National Park and be awed by its fascinating rock formations and iconic yucca trees • It's a full-day family 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! • Cycle 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 rugged valley gives way to a cascading river • Discover tranquil desert sanctuaries and mountain ridges • 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 • Enjoy some downtime in the family-friendly pool at our luxurious hotel overlooking the Coachella Valley.
Nights 2-4
Set on a bluff overlooking glittering Palm Springs, this chic retreat complements its desert surroundings with elements of wood, stone and fire. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
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 most days and experience some longer rides, your itinerary has been designed to bring you as many regional highlights as possible while maximizing your time to explore.
This trip includes a one-night stay at the Pioneertown Motel in Pioneertown, a charming and quirky property chosen for its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park and unique history and appeal. Note that the motel doesn’t have a restaurant or common indoor spaces, so at least one meal will be outdoors.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
*Casual Hotel
Once frequented by film stars here shooting old Westerns, this cooly revamped desert hideaway spotlights local artisans and celebrates the town’s quirky history, culture and setting.
Nights 2-4
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)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
- Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture it's own line of kid's bikes.
- Features smaller wheels -- the perfect choice for kids.
- On our Family Trips, you'll find 20"" and 24"" bikes.
Included in your trip price
- For children up to 85 pounds
- Attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort!
- Ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
- Cannot be pulled by an e-bike.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
