Tours and Tickets to Experience Colorado Desert

There are plenty of ways to experience the Colorado Desert. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

• Joshua Tree National Park Off-Road Tour

• Joshua Tree Open-Air Hummer Adventure

• San Andres Fault Off-Road Tour

• Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure

It’s free to visit the Colorado Desert, which comprises large portions of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Coachella Valley. While there’s no fee to enter the desert itself, costs apply in specific protected areas. Off-road ATV adventures, Jeep tours, and nature walks start from US$149 per person.

Yes, it’s safe to hike in the Colorado Desert with the right preparation. Carry plenty of water, avoid the midday heat, and stay on marked trails. Cell service can be limited, so download maps in advance. Bring sun protection, a portable charger, and sturdy shoes. Guided hikes with local experts are the safest option.

The best time of year to visit the Colorado Desert is late fall to early spring, when daytime temperatures are mild, and conditions are ideal for hiking. November through March offers comfortable weather, clearer skies, and the chance to see blooming wildflowers if winter rains arrive. The summer months are extremely hot and best avoided.

You can spot a range of desert species throughout the Colorado Desert. Common wildlife includes desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, roadrunners, coyotes, quail, and several lizard species, such as the side-blotched lizard. In rocky areas, lucky hikers may glimpse the desert tortoise or hear nighttime activity from owls, kit foxes, and other nocturnal animals.

Summer temperatures in the Colorado Desert can routinely exceed 100°F (37.8°C), with some valleys reaching 120°F (49°C) during extreme heat events. Even in spring and early fall, temperatures can be high, and the National Park Service warns that temperatures and sun exposure rise quickly on exposed terrain.