From ice age to gold rush "from stagecoach to railroad" learn how and why early pioneers migrated to the hottest, driest desert in North America. On the Pioneer Adventure, you will learn how California got its name, how the gold rush almost wiped out the indigenous people of the Palm Springs area, how the first stage coach route through the area (the Bradshaw Trail) was selected, why concerned parents brought their sick children to Palm Springs in the 1880s, and much more!

The Wild West was colorful and was occupied by colorful characters. So it's fitting that this Wild West tour takes place right on top of the largest fault in the Western Hemisphere, the San Andreas Fault. This place and its people really were moving and shaking! Native Americans, Spanish explorers, Mexican ranchers, prospectors, and homesteaders all left their imprint on our local history. The Homestead Act of 1862 opened up the west with the promise of cheap or even free land and on your tour you will visit a homestead and learn how the early pioneers survived in the arid desert climate. Then you're off to Los Vaqueros Canyon where you will witness the birth of the American Cowboy.

On your mesmerizing journey you will explore a recreated old mining camp which depicts the harsh life of the early gold miners who coped with the extreme climate, primitive conditions, and the backbreaking business of prospecting, mining, and extracting gold from ore. At the Old Mining Camp you can explore a mine shaft; take a photo of family members, or friends locked up in the town jail; and pan for gold just as the colorful prospectors of the wild west did 150 years ago. As your journey continues, you will explore steep walled canyons and deep gorges right as you follow the prospector's quest for gold trapped in veins of quartz rock.

This tour is seasonal and operates from October through to May

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Seasonal
Daily - 1 October to 31 May
Please Note: Tour is unavailable/sold out on the following dates

• New Year Day (1 January)
• Easter Sunday (8 April, 2007/23 March, 2008)
• Independence Day (4 July)
• Thanksgiving Day (22 November, 2007/20 November, 2008)
• Christmas Day (25 December)

Departure Point:

Tours depart from Coco's Bakery and Restaurant, 78375 Varner Road, Palm Desert.

Departure Time:

8:00am

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick-up is not provided

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Jeep Eco-tour with an expert naturalist guide
• A nature walk or hike, geared to the ability of the guests in the jeep
• Telegraph Demonstration and Gold Panning
• Guided tour of an Old Mining Camp, Homestead, and Cowboy Camp
• Granola snacks and bottled water
• Site fees and taxes

Exclusions:

• Guide gratuity (optional)

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking, unless you are booking within 3 days of tour date. In this case, confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
• All adventures feature up-close exploration of the Palm Springs and Palm Desert area deserts with an expert naturalist guide
• Be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and casual, comfortable clothes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to ward off the intense desert sun.
• Remember to bring your camera and lots of film! There will be wonderful photo opportunities
• Tours are appropriate for ages four years to Senior Citizens
• Please ask about arrangements for special physical needs
• All Desert Adventures guides are First Aid and CPR Certified and jeeps are radio equipped

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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