California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Easygoing Walking Tour - 4-Day Getaway
National Park Wonderland of Rocks & Desert Oases
Every step in the desert reveals something magnificent and surprising. The spiky Joshua Tree. Some alien-looking rock. A lizard with a zebra’s tail. It’s time to see this stark landscape in a whole new way.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $3,399 - $3,649/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Hike Joshua Tree National Park’s remarkable terrain of gigantic boulders, photogenic granite sculptures and gold mining ruins
- Get a bird’s-eye view of Chino Canyon’s breathtaking cliffs from a rotating aerial tram
- Marvel at the desert’s diverse plant and wildlife—from curious Joshua trees and odd ocotillo to roadrunners and desert bighorn sheep
- Return to the Golden Age of Hollywood on a tour of Palm Springs’ Old Las Palmas neighborhood, once home to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
- Treat yourself to a spa afternoon at our luxurious hotel oasis
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Palm Springs Airport & Travel Details
- Journey through palm-filled ravines that lead to a hidden oasis where year-round water sustains the largest stand of native California fan palms
- Watch for hummingbirds and vibrant orioles—these lush palm groves are great places to view many of the canyon’s feathered inhabitants, including the endangered Bell’s vireo
- Explore the secrets of the Indian Canyons, part of the tribal lands of the ancestral Cahuilla
- Spend the afternoon enjoying our hotel’s luxurious amenities.
Nights 1-3
Luxury Hotel
Set on a bluff overlooking glittering Palm Springs, this chic retreat complements its desert surroundings with elements of wood, stone and fire. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Weather and crowds permitting, take in jaw-dropping views as you’re propelled over the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Walk amid age-old pine trees and rocky ridgelines, pausing at overlooks with picturesque panoramas of the surrounding desert and beyond
- Take a short afternoon hike near the hotel or spend time in downtown Palm Springs
- Sip a signature desert cocktail poolside and take in the gorgeous vistas of the Coachella Valley.
Nights 1-3
Luxury Hotel
Set on a bluff overlooking glittering Palm Springs, this chic retreat complements its desert surroundings with elements of wood, stone and fire. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Discover Joshua Tree National Park—a whimsical and mesmerizing landscape like no other
- You can’t help but ponder the park’s namesake flora—the cartoon-like Yucca brevifolia, more commonly known as Joshua trees
- Hike through the labyrinth that is the Wonderland of Rocks, notable for its numerous boulder stacks and hidden passages
- Take advantage of countless photo ops amid the jumbo boulders.
Nights 1-3
Luxury Hotel
Set on a bluff overlooking glittering Palm Springs, this chic retreat complements its desert surroundings with elements of wood, stone and fire. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Soak up some old Hollywood glamour during a guided tour of the historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood
- Mid-century modern design and Spanish colonial architecture intermingle in the shadow of Mount San Jacinto
- Enjoy classic California cuisine following a walk through dynamic downtown.
Nights 1-3
Luxury Hotel
Set on a bluff overlooking glittering Palm Springs, this chic retreat complements its desert surroundings with elements of wood, stone and fire. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Palm Springs Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-2
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
