When most people think of Palm Springs, they envision celebrities and snowbirds building midcentury modern homes, enjoying poolside cocktail culture, and viewing intriguing art in downtown galleries. But this desert oasis also has another side.
Experience an old-time covered wagon tour! Navigating a desert oasis wilderness preserve on a mule-drawn caravan led by an expert naturalist guide is sure to give you a memorable adventure!
Tour Routes
Palm Springs draws visitors for its luxury resorts, world-class golf, vintage glamour, and year-round sunshine. This city draws hikers, families, golfers, and celebrity history buffs alike – so come to experience its splendor today.
Discover Palm Springs on a self-guided driving tour! Unlearn its past and present through stories provided via a GPS-enabled app as you drive. Make stops at attractions that resonate most.
As past guests have attested, the Legends & Icons Tour offers the unique opportunity to visit the homes of legendary figures like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra from Golden Age cinema. Or enjoy stunning mountain vistas and desert ecosystems on a hike through Palm Springs’ rock formations and nature trails; for something different try visiting Cabazon Dinosaurs: an offbeat museum featuring 50 lifelike dinosaur statues that resemble their real-life counterparts!
Historical Significance
Two trail bosses got into this business partly to find alternative means of making money; they soon realized the desert offered an incredible experience and became trail bosses themselves.
Experience is also invaluable, as passengers learn how to survive in such an alien landscape. Priest Purcell, a natural resource student at the local college, adds valuable insight by pointing out plants, burrows, and animal tracks along the route.
At the end of each trail, guests are welcomed with steaming pots of coffee and hot chocolate before sitting around a firepit to enjoy a mouthwatering chuck-wagon BBQ feast served on tin plates, participating in barn dances under the stars, roasting marshmallows amidst stars; ultimately creating an experience they won’t soon forget – which Fawcett and Allen say is all part of preserving desert landscapes for future generations.
Scenic Views
Downtown Palm Springs boasts cultural landmarks that honor Palm Springs’s rich history and present. Admire Forever Marilyn – an outstanding statue that pays homage to an iconic actress while attesting to Palm Spring’s appreciation of contemporary artists – is an excellent example.
Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, with its stunning base station designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. Once at Mountain Station, be amazed by panoramic views that reveal a landscape rich with diverse flora and fauna.
Explore the desert oasis’ rich history in Indian Canyons, with footpaths that trace the ways of Cahuilla tribes from Southern California. Or discover its present-day residents at Palm Springs Walk of Stars; its honorees include entertainers, humanitarians, civic leaders, architects, artists, authors, and athletes who have had an indelible mark on Palm Springs.
Additional Attractions
Palm Springs is an intriguing city. From its rich history to its remarkable architecture, this desert retreat has something special for travelers of all kinds. Plum Guide has carefully curated tours that show off this extraordinary place.
The Living Desert, Palm Springs botanical garden and zoo, is an extremely popular family attraction. Here, guests can feed giraffes, ride camels, interact with African animals, and view various exhibits showcasing wildlife diversity like pythons and meerkats.
Step away from the glitter of Palm Springs and experience real eco-adventure! Take an off-road tour in a traditional covered wagon into a desert oasis wilderness preserve. At your ranch destination, enjoy music, yard games, BBQ food, and campfire marshmallows under an expansive starry sky; all while experiencing the Palm Springs landscape! This adventure makes the perfect group activity.
