Woman with arms out in a waterfall
Woman hiker walking through a stream
A view of the sunset with cacti in the foreground
A woman hiking on a dirt path
A woman hiking up a hill in the desert with mountains in the background
A Jack Rabbit on his behind legs
A woman hiking in the desert with mountains in the background
A view of a palm tree from below
Two women hiking in the desert with mountains in the background
Woman smiling in a rock crevasse
Two woman smiling at a pinic
A Joshua tree with boulders in the background
A view of Joshua trees and mountains at dusk
Blooming Claret Cup cactus flower
Walking & Hiking
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California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Women's Walking & Hiking Tour - 4-Day Getaway

National Park Wonderland of Rocks & Desert Oases

Women's Adventures

4 days 3 nights

Activity Level: 1-3

Premiere Hotels

From: $2,899 - $2,999 pp dbl occ

($750 for sgl occ)

Give a cactus a second look. Change your point of view on a crag. Experience a canyon from the inside out. From spiky Joshua trees to rare palm oases, every step in the desert reveals something magnificent and surprising. Open sky, open mind. It's time to see the desert in a new way.

California Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Women Walking & Hiking Tour - 4-Day Getaway map
California Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Women Walking & Hiking Tour - 4-Day Getaway map

California

Start/End Palm Springs

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

Highlights

  • Hike Joshua Tree National Park's remarkable landscape strewn with gigantic boulders and shady palm oases 
  • Marvel at the desert's distinctive beauty—from Joshua trees to unique wildlife like roadrunners and desert bighorn sheep 
  • Admire the mid-century architecture and old Hollywood glamour of Palm Springs’ Las Palmas neighborhood
  • Hike a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, taking in impressive views of San Gorgonio Mountain 

 

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
4 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Description

DAY 1 Behold Joshua Tree National Park, a whimsical and mesmerizing landscape like no other | You can't help but marvel at the park's namesake flora—the cartoon-like Yucca brevifolia, more commonly known as Joshua trees | While you hike, revel in breathtaking vistas beneath vast desert skies | Take advantage of countless photo ops amid the jumbo boulders.

DAY 2 Enjoy some of the area's best hiking trails, soaking up views of otherworldly rocky outcroppings among the varied scenery | Journey through palm-filled ravines that lead to a hidden oasis where year-round water sustains the largest stand of native California fan palms | Bird lovers rejoice—these lush palm groves are great places to view many of the canyon's feathered inhabitants, including hummingbirds and orioles | Admire vistas of Chino Canyon's sheer cliffs and rugged Coachella Valley | Add a final flourish to the day with dinner in a dramatic cliffside setting.

DAY 3 From Palm Springs, head into the hills and onto a section of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, leading to the new Sand to Snow National Monument | Choose to descend to the rushing Whitewater River—an unexpected sight in the desert! | The afternoon brings time to indulge in our hotel's luxurious amenities.

DAY 4 Soak up some old Hollywood glamour during a guided tour of the historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood | Mid-century modern design and Spanish colonial architecture intermingle in the shadow of Mt. San Jacinto | Walk through dynamic downtown to indulge in some classic California cuisine.

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.

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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 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.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 1 miles* | 100 ft. gain
Level 2 | 5 miles | 700 ft. gain
Day 2
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 4 miles | 500 ft. gain
Level 2 | 4 miles | 700 ft. gain
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
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 2 miles | 300 ft. gain

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 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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