The incredible clarity of the desert sky at night is the backdrop for this astonishing Jeep tour along the San Andreas Fault. This Palm Springs eco-tour begins with a drive along the craggy terrain of the fault line and ends beneath an endless expanse of a desert star-scape.
Your Palm Springs stargazing tour departs an hour-and-a-half before sunset from Coco’s Restaurant (or at your hotel if arranged prior to the Jeep tour), and shuttles you to an 840 acre preserve along the San Andreas Fault. Tour the fault line, where you will learn about native desert plants, animals, history, and geology. Wind your way through a natural palm oasis, ancient fossil beds, and breathtaking canyons, a maze of natural beauty for which the San Andreas Fault Zone is known. With the sun sinking in the West, witness the awe-inspiring transition from day to night in the desert. You’ll want your camera handy to capture a sky streaked with a complex palette of colors, the play of light and shadow among the hills and canyons, and a desert painted in extraordinary hues of red, orange, and blue. Then, as the sky grows dark, you’ll be treated to light show of a different sort as a boundless swath of stars stretches out above you. Your expert California stargazing tour guide then takes you on a journey through the night sky, utilizing cutting-edge “Sky Scouts” and laser light pointers.
The San Andreas Fault stargazing tour is fully escorted and narrated by an expert naturalist guide. Based on the physical abilities of the guests, the guide will lead you on a nature walk through the fault zone and the surrounding desert, and will teach you about the rich history and mythology behind the constellations that unfold above you as the sun goes down behind the hills. Any guests who have neck, back, or serious health conditions, and women who are pregnant, are strongly advised to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any Jeep tour. Don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots with rubber soles and to bring hats and sunscreen. Comfortable clothing is a must, and it’s recommended that you dress in layers as temperature fluctuations in the desert can be pronounced and can happen quickly. And, of course, don’t forget your camera in order to capture all the natural beauty you’ll discover on this exciting eco-adventure.