On the Faultline Express you will journey through spectacular box and slot canyons, visit an ancient fossil bed and (dry) waterfall, learn about the plants and animals that have uniquely adapted to survive in our hostile desert environment, and learn all about earthquakes and how tectonic forces created the slanted, vertical and wave-like structures that have been described as the most tortured landscape on earth.

Steep canyons, warped and bent by the powerful movement of the Earth's crust, will dwarf you as we wind through the tortured terrain created by the awesome power of the San Andreas Fault, the largest fault in the Western Hemisphere. You will see anticlines, synclines and entire mountains heaved upward. You will see twisted and tormented landscapes (or what some describe as "moonscapes") that appear extraterrestrial in nature. Hills of "fault gauge" (ground up rock) clearly mark the path of destruction along the fissure.

The San Andreas Fault is a dynamic, active fault that is constantly changing... ripping... twisting and tearing, producing a seismically rich area that experiences over 100 earthquakes per week! Be entertained and enthralled by the expert naturalist guides as they bring the desert and its plants, animals, and geology to life. Tour includes a guided nature walk or hike (geared to your ability) plus admission to the EPICENTER Earthquake Education Center.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily
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 (24-26 December)

Departure Point:

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

Departure Time:

• 7:00am (1 Jun - 30 Sep)
• 8:30am (1 Oct - 31 May)
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to tour departure time.

Return details:

This tour returns to the original departure point approximately 3 hours after departure

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
• Admission to the EPICENTER Earthquake Education Center
• 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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