School field trips
California Desert Adventure - Field Trip Agenda
Wagon Adventure
Students step on board a “Mule Drawn” Covered Wagon! They ride into a desert
wilderness preserve on an educational adventure. Our naturalist guides teach them about
Westward Expansion, Mules, and this Colorado Sonoran Desert Preserve and California State Park. The wagons will
stop at Hidden Palms Oasis. Led by their guides, children will embark on a nature walk exploring and learning about
the natural history of this oasis wilderness. Subjects covered are desert flora & fauna, wildlife, Native American
Inhabitants and the geology of the San Andreas Fault.
Our secluded location allows us to accommodate loud noise and later time constraints, ensuring a private and unrestricted experience. Our professional and passionate team will guide you every step of the way. We pay close attention to details and your group’s special dynamics to bring your envisioned event to life.
Whether you’re looking to host a special celebration in a unique and intimate setting or planning a large group event in an exceptional location, Covered Wagons Ranch offers an unforgettable space for you to come together and commemorate your occasion.
Gold Panning, Minerals and Gems - 45 minutes
Eureka! “There be Gold in them Hills”!
Students learn about California Gold Rush as they participate in simulated ways of
extracting gold, minerals and gems from rocks and soil. This will include panning for gold and sifting in water
troughs that are filled with sand, gems and gold. They are allowed to keep their loot! Miners offer table displays
teaching the kids about the local rocks, minerals, and gems found in our Southern California soils.
California Musical Review, Cowboy Life & Barn Dance
Students gather in our Desert Barn and become interactive participants in a musical review with a local recording
artist, John Penn. He writes and sings original songs about California History, The Coachella Valley, Desert Flora
and Local Folklore. His songs have been written to keep the students engaged in catchy, lyric responses that they all
sing together. During this time, the students will also participate in an easy to learn, “Barn Dance”!
Yeehaw! Learn to yodel and rope like the old western cowboy or cowgirls. Our singer is accompanied by our female
western entertainer who shares the historical cowboy and cowgirl culture of the Wild West. She entertains the
students with skills like Trick Roping and Bull Whipping.
Activities and Coordination Notes
Students are divided into groups of 30 – 40 to enjoy each activity. They will stay with their group throughout each
experience. Groups rotate into each activity to be sure that they enjoy all that is offered!
Group One / The Chuckwalla Lizards – Oasis Wagon Adventure
Group Two / The Desert Iguanas – Gold Panning Minerals and Gems
Group Three / The Fringe Toed Lizards – California Music Review, Cowboy Life and Barn Dance
Water and Lemonade is offered for the students / Iced Tea is offered for Adults Only
Field Trip Agenda
Note: Above Times are an example and the times can be modified for the student program needed
Please call/email Covered Wagon Tours for additional questions and details
760 347-2161 reservations@coveredwagontours.com