Why Us / FAQ
Great Value Activity for Everyone!
We strive to be a great value by offering a true tour experience, quality dinner, and professional entertainment. We realize that we are not the least expensive tour in the valley, but we are extremely economical compared to other popular desert tours. Biggest Bang for your Buck!
Total Cultural Desert Experience – Adventure Tour - BBQ - Live Music
We are the only tour in the desert that can offer you a fully immersive afternoon and evening experience. Like a “Desert Luau” , but totally different! Ha!
Naturalist Tour Guides
We believe our guides are some of the best in the Valley. Our guides wear many hats but above all, they are deeply passionate about sharing the Sonoran Desert and the San Andreas Fault with you all!
Location, Location, Location
Covered Wagons is a one-of-a-kind location, on a private 32,000-acre Desert Preserve set only 15 - 30 minutes from Greater Palm Springs and the nearby cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert. The ranch is at the entrance to beautiful Hidden Palms, Horseshoe Palms and Pushwallah Oases and their ancient canyons.
Custom Touring Wagons – An Adventure for All
Our custom-built wagons have been upgraded to keep you most comfortable. You will also have automotive quality, spring suspension, pneumatic tires, and padded seating to ride you across this natural desert terrain. We have easy access for seniors and always someone to assist if you need it. The Master Wagoneer driver ensures a comfortable adventure for all!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and topics with answers. If you do not see your question and or answer below, please call us anytime for details!
In the afternoon, typically we have guests arrive 90 minutes before sunset. With the varying seasons, arrival times may change, and you will always be notified through your reservation confirmation and a text message if you leave a cell number.
Yes, advanced reservations are required. You can book here on this website or call our office for a reservation and for any additional questions. We would love to speak with you!
Public tours cancelled 48 hours prior to scheduled departure shall receive a FULL REFUND! There is no refund for cancellations received within 48 hours of the scheduled tour departure or for not showing. We may be able to reschedule you or offer you credit for another time. If Covered Wagons cancels the tour due to rare, inclement weather, you may reschedule or request a full refund. Otherwise, we run rain or shine!
Group Tours - Please refer to the Cancellation Policy on your Agreement.
We have restrooms with flushable toilets. We are on a preserve, so they aren’t glamorous but clean and they are flushing with running water, soap, paper towels… kind of like an RV.
With reservations pre arrival, you can order the vegetarian option du jour.
The wagons are not wheelchair accessible. We do have stairs and handrails and most seniors and or guests with ambulatory issues can manage to step up the short flight of stairs. We are always there to assist you up on the wagon and off.
The nature walk is optional. You are welcome to stay on board the wagon, relax with the wagoner and learn about the mules, canyon etc., while the others enjoy the nature walk.
Directions
Covered Wagons is located 4 miles north from the Washington Street exit off the 10 Freeway in Palm Desert. We are on Washington Street, North of the Freeway! We do not have a formal address on this part of the preserve. Look for our sign on the right if you are coming from the 10 Fwy and Washington St. Exit.
For those who want to navigate, we are “1 Mile North” only of Hampton Nurseries, 33920 Washington St, Indio, CA 92203
We have complimentary parking on-site for cars and buses.
Transportation
Uber has us in their driver location maps as “Covered Wagon Tours” and we are on Google Maps. We can always assist you with providing group transportation in private coaches.
What to Bring
We recommend comfortable clothing for the weather. After the sun sets, the desert can get cooler. Please being an extra layer. We also suggest closed-toed shoes vs sandals or high heels. Although we don’t sell or serve alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own (BYOB)! We have plastic cups if you need them, ice, and openers for your convenience. We serve lemonade, iced tea, and water.