Top Palm Springs Wildlife Watching in 2026

Soar over Palm Springs on the Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the desert. Ascending to 5,783 feet (1,790 meters), the tram transports you to the San Jacinto Mountains. View unspoiled wilderness, including mountain spires and Ponderosa pine trees, during your ascent. Disembark and explore the area around Mountain Station, which includes a cocktail lounge, restaurant and observation deck. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski on the trails in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area around Mountain Station.

Say goodbye to the glitz of Palm Springs, and step back in time to simpler days, with an experience you won't find anywhere else. Leave behind modernity for a true eco-adventure, hopping on a mule-drawn covered wagon through the Sonoran Desert. With a naturalist leading your way, explore the vast landscapes of the Coachella Valley, returning to the ranch for music, yard games, barbecue, dancing, campfire marshmallows, and desert views under the stars.

Explore the geology around California’s legendary San Andreas fault during a Jeep tour from Palm Desert. See a desert oasis fed by an underground spring as your naturalist guide describes how the Native American Cahuilla tribe used the desert's plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Marvel at steep-walled canyons and tall twisted rock mountains, and learn about the plant and animal life of the area. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that includes light snacks, and bottled water.

Experience an enchanting evening hike from sunset to starry sky . Connect with the life of the desert for a two-hour hike with a JTNP certified guide inside the Joshua Tree National Park.

Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park can be a bit intimidating to take on all on your own; however, this self-driving tour lets you explore the park in your own vehicle while navigating the area with a GPS-powered app that leads the way. Just download the app on your smartphone, launch the app when you get to the park, and follow the recommended route and speed limit.

At nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree is nearly impossible to take in on foot, and the best views are far off the paved path. Touring the park via 4x4, you’ll get to ride deep into the rugged backcountry, nabbing enviable views of the Mojave Desert, the sacred Joshua trees, wild rock formations, and more, making the most of your precious time in this incredible national park.

Get an introduction to the fun sport of archery near beautiful Joshua Tree National Park during this private experience, which has everything you need. Start with a beginner bow and a bucket of arrows to shoot from any distance you choose, with guidance on the proper form to aim and shoot. When you are ready, you can move up to a more advanced bow and heavier arrows.

This sunrise hike in the San Jacinto Mountains has a beautiful resting stop with stunning views of the Coachella Valley. Here, your guide will lead you through a grounding meditation to help set your intention for the day. Before you get there, you'll watch the sunrise over Indian Canyons and enjoy the nature in Oswitz Canyon. This hike and meditation will help you feel refreshed, relaxed, and connected to the Earth and universe

Explore Palm Springs and Indian Canyons by bike and on foot during a half-day tour from downtown Palm Springs. With guide, bike rental, and snacks included, it’s easy to discover one of southern California’s most scenic city and desert landscapes. You'll ride through Palm Springs on a 10-mile (17-km) loop to Indian Canyons, then hike in the canyon at a leisurely pace suitable for reasonably active people.

Explore a shady oasis and rugged canyons on a Hummer adventure that goes deep into Joshua Tree’s arid landscape. See the park's most iconic sights and learn about its geology, wildlife, and cultural history. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the park in the company of your guide as you travel around in the open-air vehicle.

Opt for this Palm Springs windmill tour, and try something a little different from your typical celebrity homes or San Andreas Fault tours you’d usually do in Palm Springs. This self-driving windmill tour allows you to explore the evolution of wind turbines on a private wind farm from the comfort of your own vehicle. The tour allows you to exit at each stop and guides you with a curated app with audio.

The San Andreas Fault is one of the world’s best-known fault lines—and this small-group tour will help you discover it up close. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, make your own way to the Indio departure point, and set off via open-air Jeep. You’ll discover the region’s dramatic scenery, will learn about desert habitats and the local Cahuilla people, will visit a desert oasis, and much more.

This 1.5 hour guided hike weaves together mindful walking, light breathwork, meditation, and a gentle closing ceremony. Set in Greater Palm Springs, it’s an experience for those seeking clarity, connection, and a deeper sense of presence in nature.

Explore the uncanny landscape of Joshua Tree National Park with a tour from Palm Desert, near Palm Springs. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as you navigate soaring granite formations and groves of the park’s famously spiky trees, and capture unforgettable images of terrain. Trace a gentle trail into the rocks at Hidden Valley and Keys View, watch for the park’s reclusive wildlife, and experience the unique beauty of one America’s most remarkable national parks.

Fully immersive experience with discussions on the local flora/fauna, geology, geography and cultural/historical significance. Uninterrupted views, ideal for selfie/photo ops. Local knowledgeable guide who is passionate about sharing the beauty of Joshua Tree.