Spend some time exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of Joshua Tree
Ramble through the unique landscape of the region
Participate on a wonderful cycling tour and discover the desert beauty
Experience the sunny climate and distinct topography of the area
Sight the stunning native wildlife during the tour
See the stars and more as you experience the dark skies of the desert

California Bicycle Tours: Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park

Duration
4 days
Site savings
$33
From
$3,234 USD

Experience this otherworldly Southern California bike tour recognised by Conde Nast Traveller’s list of “8 Bike Tours Around the World that are Anything but Boring.” Hike and bike through a region that showcases towering mountain ranges and unusual desert landscapes. Along with the presence of striking Joshua trees, for which this national park was named, Joshua Tree National Park features expansive vistas and distinct rock formations which draw climbers from around the world.

  • Category
    Multi-Activity
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    4 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    3 - Intermediate
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    58.4 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    19.3 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    4 days
  • Main Destination
    California
  • Distance
    58.4 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    19.3 miles
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Palm Springs

    Meet at The Hyatt in Palm Springs. This accommodation serves as the perfect location for relaxation and experiencing all that the Palm Springs region has to offer.

    Enjoy light snacks upon arriving at the hotel as your leaders work to prepare your bicycles. Your first ride of the week will circle the town, passing through several of the city’s famous neighbourhoods such as Las Palmas, Little Beverly Hills, and Indian Canyon. Mid-Century Modern homes – including those of famous movie stars, entertainers, and politicians – that date to Palm Springs’ heyday from the 1930s through the 1950s have been meticulously updated. Since the 1990s, the city has seen a dramatic resurgence in popularity as a lifestyle destination and attractive place to live for those seeking sunshine and warm weather. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at one of our favourite restaurants.

    • 13 miles
    • Hyatt Palm Springs
    • Lunch and Dinner
  2. Day 2Joshua Tree & Box Canyon

    While you may have heard of Joshua Tree National Park, you may not have visited this striking and beautiful landscape, or have ever even considered riding a bicycle through it. By the end of this trip, you’re likely to look back on this day as one of your favourites of the week and, perhaps, one of your favourite rides ever. You’ll rise a bit early this morning to ensure you arrive (by shuttle) at Joshua Tree well before most visitors. The drop-off point is Quail Springs, where you'll be briefed on the park's guidelines, wildlife, and geology.

    Parking areas at some of the most unusual rock formations enable you to get off your bike for some fabulous photo opportunities. After regrouping for a picnic lunch at the Cottonwood Springs Picnic Area, the ride will continue gradually downhill until a pick-up spot where you will then be shuttled back to the hotel. The evening is yours to explore the myriad of restaurants that Palm Springs has to offer.

    Cycling Options: 49km (31mi), 72km (45mi), or 85km (53 mi).

    • 31.1 miles
    • Hyatt Palm Springs
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  3. Day 3Indian Canyons

    Explore the beauty of one of the region’s most unusual ecosystems this morning during a hike in Indian Canyons. Following an introduction and discussion with a native Cahuilla Indian Park Ranger, you will hike through a portion of Palm Canyon’s native fan palm tree oasis. This unusual oasis in the desert features a forest of native palm trees clustered around a stream which flows year-round. The hike climbs out of the palms along a ridge that offers sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the valley floor. You will also enjoy a hike in Andreas Canyon where you can observe ancient mortars and metates in the huge rock formations where the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians prepared their food centuries ago.

    Today is planned as a hiking day however you may choose to ride to, or to and from, the start and end point of the planned hike/s. Your leaders will serve a picnic lunch in the shade of huge palm trees at Andreas Canyon before returning to Palm Springs in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the pool at the Hyatt or explore downtown Palm Springs and its numerous shops - all within a short walk from the hotel.

    In the evening, join your tour companions for dining at a Palm Spring landmark, Spencer's Restaurant, just a short walk from the hotel.

    Hiking Options: 4-4.8km (2.5-3+ mi) of hiking

    Cycling Options: 24km (15mi)

    • 14.9 miles
    • Hyatt Palm Springs
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Hike Joshua Tree National Park

    This morning following breakfast, the group will bid farewell to the Hyatt and shuttle back to Joshua Tree National Park to hike two of the park’s most popular trails.

    Begin with a hike up Ryan Mountain, a 4.8km (3mi) round trip hike that features incredible panoramic views of the park’s otherworldly rock formations and the Joshua trees that surround it. Located in the centre of the park, the summit of Ryan Mountain is easily the best peak to witness the incredible scenery of the park. Enjoy a final picnic lunch in the park before continuing onto Skull Rock. There is little mystery as to how this landmark received its name – years of erosion have given it the appearance of a skull, with craters resembling eyes and a nose. Following this easier hike, your leaders will return you to the Palm Springs airport.

    • 17.4 miles
    • Breakfast and Lunch