Desert Trails & Iconic National Park Landscapes
Couples, Friends & Solos
5 days 4 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
From: $3,499 - $3,949 pp dbl occ
($700 for sgl occ)
In the California desert, less is more. A single white cloud stands out above the San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs' vast blue sky. Joshua trees take center stage against the infinite landscape of the national park. Shady spots feel even more welcome in the arid warmth of the sun. And a day of adventure ends with the simple joys of an ice-cold libation. Vacation in classic California style on this one-of-a-kind desert escape.
Reserve this trip Detailed Itinerary
Share this trip:
Walk/Hike
Bike
Rock Climbing
Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Family Walking and Hiking Tour
California
Start/End Palm Springs
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Hike high desert trails in Pioneertown Mountains Preserve and amid a native palm oasis in rugged Indian Canyons
- Rock climb and adventure in Joshua Tree National Park, home to legendary granite boulder fields and rare otherworldly trees
- Bike through Palm Springs’ historic neighborhoods, admiring midcentury architecture and beautiful palm-lined city streets
- Lounge by one of our iconic hotel’s pools as the sun sets and lights up the surrounding mountains in pink and amber hues
Reserve this trip Detailed Itinerary
Videos
The Backroads Experience
Backroads Walking & Hiking Trips
Meet Our Leaders
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
5 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description
Travel from Palm Springs, the jewel of California's low desert, into the high desert landscapes nestled between Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest | Hike piney ridge trails in a geologically rich wildlands preserve | Immerse yourself in quirky desert culture in rugged one-street Pioneertown, built as a Western film façade in the 1940s | Take in the scene at a local saloon and relax at our one-of-a-kind American West hotel.
Accommodations
Pioneertown Motel
Pioneertown
| *Casual Hotel
Once frequented by film stars here shooting old Westerns, this coolly revamped desert hideaway spotlights local artisans and celebrates the town's quirky history, culture and setting.
Days 2-5
Description
Journey to Joshua Tree National Park and be awed by its fascinating rock formations and iconic yucca trees | It's a full-day adventure amid the park's surreal labyrinths of sculpted granite, massive boulders and secret craggy passageways | Hike past pockets of native flora in the park's aptly named Hidden Valley | Rock climb, scramble and rappel in an all-levels experience with an expert guide in one of the world's top climbing destinations | Bike through historic Palm Springs neighborhoods on an architectural cycling tour | Witness the lush oases of Indian Canyons | Follow desert trails in Mission Creek and Whitewater Preserves, where a dry rocky valley gives way to a cascading river | Discover tranquil wetlands and craggy mountain ridges | Weather and crowd permitting, rise early for a ride up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Marvel at the views of Chino Canyon's breathtaking cliffs | Walk amid pine trees and rocky ridgelines, pausing at overlooks with picturesque panoramas of the surrounding desert | Sip a coconut-water cocktail poolside or take a relaxing stroll through our hotel's beautifully manicured gardens | Extend your getaway in one of Old Hollywood's favorite escapes.
Accommodations
Avalon Palm Springs
Palm Springs
| Premiere Hotel
A luxurious desert getaway recalling Hollywood's Golden Age, this glamorous retreat hidden in the heart of Palm Springs features three pools and over four acres of meticulously groomed grounds. (pool, spa)
Reserve this trip Detailed Itinerary
Dates & Prices
All Dates Private Dates
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.
2022 2023
December 2022
Dec 28 - Jan 1
Sold out
Reserve this trip Detailed Itinerary
From our Guests Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Write a Review
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 hiking 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. Weather permitting, we may hike at the top of the Palm Springs aerial tram, which takes place at 8,500 feet and may make the route more challenging than the mileage may suggest. The biking terrain varies from level to rolling with a few steeper hills. Possible extreme weather conditions, such as heat and wind (or colder temperatures in winter months), can make biking more strenuous.
Daily Route Options
* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 4 miles* | 400 ft. gain
Level 2 | 6 miles | 900 ft. gain
Level 3 | 8 miles | 1300 ft. gain
Day 2
Rock Climbing
& Adventures in Joshua Tree National Park (full day)
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
Biking
Level 1 | 15 miles* | 700 ft. gain
Level 2 | 20 miles | 800 ft. gain
Level 3 | 25 miles | 1000 ft. gain
Day 5
Other
Aerial Tram Ride (weather permitting)
Walking & Hiking
Level 2 | 2 miles | 300 ft. gain
Reserve this trip Detailed Itinerary
What's Included Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for bike options specific to this trip (click the arrow to see more).Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titaniumbike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Read More
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bikeis suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Read More
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Read More
Also 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 shuttlebetween highlights, consider it an opportunity to view some spectacular scenery while resting your legs in preparation for your next adventure.
Accommodations
This trip includes a one-night stay at the Pioneertown Motel in Pioneertown. This unique property doesn’t have a restaurant or common indoor spaces, so at least one meal will be outdoors. Be sure to pack layers as mornings can be chilly! We’ve chosen this property because of its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park as well as its quirky charms and historic location – we think you’ll enjoy this one-of-a-kind property as part of your desert adventure.
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 shuttlebetween highlights, consider it an opportunity to view some spectacular scenery while resting your legs in preparation for your next adventure.
Accommodations
This trip includes a one-night stay at the Pioneertown Motel in Pioneertown. This unique property doesn’t have a restaurant or common indoor spaces, so at least one meal will be outdoors. Be sure to pack layers as mornings can be chilly! We’ve chosen this property because of its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park as well as its quirky charms and historic location – we think you’ll enjoy this one-of-a-kind property as part of your desert adventure.
Featured article
Region Overviews: California Travel Guide: Overview
Take some time to explore California, and you'll understand why visitors from all over the world flock here.
Read More