Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Palm Springs, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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 Sonoran Desert with a naturalist
- Ride a mule-drawn covered wagon like the Old West pioneers
- Sit down to fresh BBQ and roasted marshmallows around the fire
- Back at the ranch, play yard games, barn dance, go for a nature walk, and more
Sample Menu
Main
Great BBQ with All The Trimmings!
Slow Cooked Brisket, Smoked Chicken, Fresh Coleslaw, Cowboy Beans, Fresh Breads and Seasonal Pie with Whipped Cream!
What's Included
- DinnerBrsiket, Smoked Chicken,, Fresh Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Fresh Breads' Dessert, Lemonade, Ice Tea and You are welcome to bring your own Adult Drinks!
- All Fees and Taxes
- Gratuity for guide, servers and entertainment.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Covered Wagon ToursWashington St 2.5 miles North of Dell Webb's, Palm Desert, CA 92211, USA
Exit the 10 Fwy at Washington St. in Palm Desert. We are 4.0 Miles north from the freeway exit on Washington & 2.5 Miles past Del Webb Blvd. Look for the sign on right. Make a right after the sign at the driveway. Take the short desert road to the parking at the top, Welcome to Covered Wagons!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please send a message or call the supplier the day before your travel date to check in for directions and time, the tour operator's contact information is under your tickets
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 46 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Tyler_R
Our experience at Covered Wagon Tours exceeded all of our expectations. The wagon tour itself is about an hour long, and it is very informative about nature and the local animals. We most enjoyed the atmosphere and entertainment in the main area. There is also axe throwing, horseshoe, cornhole, and Jenga to enjoy before and after the wagon segment itself.
All the staff members were extremely friendly and eager help us if we needed anything. I don’t remember everyone’s names, but Paul and Robin stuck out, as well as the owner because they were exceptionally friendly and engaging with us.
The experience came with a barbecue dinner, dessert, and marshmallows that you can roast on the open campfire. Also available is unlimited lemonade, iced tea, and little water bottles. We saw many groups bringing their own alcohol with them, which is encouraged.
What we enjoyed most was the live music and dancing. They teach a few different line dances and even do a barn dance with everyone. We came with two young children ages three and five, and they had a blast.
Although the experience is expensive, it is worth every penny. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Palm Springs area.
Reviews
4.9
based on 203 reviews
Yashica_A, Apr 2026
This experience was absolutely worth the drive from Orange County! We booked the later tour to accommodate our travel time to Indio, and it was the perfect way to spend an evening.
From the moment we arrived, we were transported back in time. The grounds are beautifully set up like an authentic wagon-era camp. While waiting for our tour, we enjoyed live music with some truly amazing vocalists and tried our hand at the outdoor games—though I learned the hard way that I definitely can’t rope a steer, even a stationary one!
A few highlights from our trip:
BYOB: We loved that we could bring our own adult beverages to enjoy throughout the evening.
The Tour: Fun, engaging, and packed with interesting history about the grounds and the local area.
The Vibe: Returning from the tour just as the sun was setting was magical. The temperature was perfect, and the BBQ dinner was delicious and fit the theme perfectly.
Entertainment: The music under the tent and the family-style seating made for a great social atmosphere.
We enjoyed this experience so much that we were already wishing they offered an overnight camp option! If you’re looking for a unique, high-quality adventure, I highly recommend this tour. We will definitely be back!
Cathy_A, Apr 2026
It was an amazing time!! The grandkids absolutely loved it. The 6 year old gave it thumbs up. He liked the cowboys, food and dancing. I would do it again!!!
Kinga_B, Apr 2026
Great family friendly activity. The music, dancing and show were very fun. The staff were very attentive.
Monika_F, Mar 2026
Good time fantastic staff and great food!
Recommend highly very informative naturalist too! Great photo ops too!
Tyler_R, Mar 2026
Our experience at Covered Wagon Tours exceeded all of our expectations. The wagon tour itself is about an hour long, and it is very informative about nature and the local animals. We most enjoyed the atmosphere and entertainment in the main area. There is also axe throwing, horseshoe, cornhole, and Jenga to enjoy before and after the wagon segment itself.
All the staff members were extremely friendly and eager help us if we needed anything. I don’t remember everyone’s names, but Paul and Robin stuck out, as well as the owner because they were exceptionally friendly and engaging with us.
The experience came with a barbecue dinner, dessert, and marshmallows that you can roast on the open campfire. Also available is unlimited lemonade, iced tea, and little water bottles. We saw many groups bringing their own alcohol with them, which is encouraged.
What we enjoyed most was the live music and dancing. They teach a few different line dances and even do a barn dance with everyone. We came with two young children ages three and five, and they had a blast.
Although the experience is expensive, it is worth every penny. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Palm Springs area.
Naomie_R, Mar 2026
It was a lovely time. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Food was delicious. Guide on the wagon was very engaging and knowledgeable. Will bring grandkids back to this event.
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Dress for outdoor weather. Good was very good. Entertainment was very good and lots of interaction. Very interesting and informative wagon ride and walk in a desert oasis
Craig_A, Feb 2026
This a fun family activity! Before the covered wagon tour, there are activities for young and old alike. There is water, lemonade, and iced tea available. Bring your our cooler with alcohol drinks if you want.
The wagons tour is educational for every age group. You learn about the desert plants, and animals as well as the San Andreas fault. The hike into the palm trees may be difficult for some, but most people will enjoy the history and the environmental information.
Back at the ranch, you are entertained by music to sing and dance along with.
Dinner is served and keeps everyone in mind. Cole slaw, cowboy beans, beef, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. What is not to love?
Dessert is apple pie with whipped cream for dessert. But that isn’t it! Soon there is a fire pit to roast marshmallows!
Cheryl_T, Jan 2026
It is in a beautiful setting in one of the state parks of California. The mule team was very gracious pulling through wagon to a spot where we saw some large palms and learned history of the area. The BBQ was amazing and we would have gone just for that!
James_E, Jan 2026
Rain certainly dampened the experience - we didn’t get to do campfire/marshmallows/games. The wagon ride was quite short. The musicians were OK, but the pre-ride entertainment was super cheesy. The family enjoyed the food. Everyone was friendly. Would not choose to do it again.
Ted_P, Dec 2025
Great family event and special alternative to other Palm Springs activities. The kids absolutely loved it and we all enjoyed being out in the desert.
nursemama4, Dec 2025
The coveted wagon didn’t go very far. Sadly my granddaughter age 9 was bored. The guide was great. Staff were wonderful. Food was just okay. My daughter enjoyed it but I had mixed feelings. Didn’t think it was worth the price to be truthful.
Tammy_M, Dec 2025
They make everyone no matter the age, feel welcome and included. Very impressed with all the activities available and the dinner was delicious.
Yvette_D, Nov 2025
Very interesting, informative & fun! The staff are all amazing, along with the meal & entertainment. Great night out!
Christie_R, Oct 2025
Book this adventure it was a blast. We enjoyed the covered wagon, the tour guide was knowledgeable. The rest of the staff was very good. The meal was delicious.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your five-star review! We love it when our guests have a good time! Your kind words made our day!
Leslie_H, Oct 2025
My husband and I were celebrating our 1yr wedding anniversary and the staff/host made it extra special. The grounds were very well kept, decor was super cute, food amazing, live music was fantastic! Our tour Paul, was extremely knowledgeable on the area which made our tour very interesting and fun. We will definitely be returning with the family.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your review! We are delighted that you had a memorable time celebrating your 1st wedding anniversary with Covered Wagon Tours! Your support means a lot to us!
Happy Trails, The Team at CW
Megan_S, Jun 2025
Loved this night fantastic fun and great wagon ride. Could do with a bit more vegetarian options for the bbq.
Judy_M, May 2025
Everything was wonderful. The guides were very knowledgeable, the food was great and the entertainment engaging and fun.
m4pwp8cps9, May 2025
Fun, informative, and entertaining. We were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and the people at Covered Wagon made our evening so special. George and Paul were a wealth of information regarding the desert and the oasis. Crazy Kate and the musicians were extremely fun. The food was excellent. This is one of the best excursions I’ve booked in a long time. When we return to the area, we will go again. Oh, and Jet was an excellent photographer for our sunset pictures.
Rita_I, Apr 2025
Apart the trick of the adress: 33920 Washington street Indio CA 92203, you will have to go 1 mile further to reach the good location. That said all was perfectly managed. Staff, Band, Singers, Food, Mules, Guides, explanations, Tour in the coverded wagon. It was an amazing experiece. I highly recommend it.
Caren_S, Apr 2025
It is a lot of fun, informative, with fun activities, views of a beautiful sunset and later the stars, along with a very good dinner
kathiej, Apr 2025
Great event! Very knowledgable and friendly staff. The food was very good. I highly recommend this tour.
Jerry_A, Mar 2025
The wagon guides were very interesting and informative. The dinner was excellent. The dancing was fun and the music great! Even the servers were attentive and fun!
It would be better if both tour guides had amplification on the palm grove walk. Only front row people could hear well.
Milli_M, Mar 2025
The wagon train ride was a little too short, other than that the food and the service was excellent.
Joshua_K, Mar 2025
Terrible didn’t attend because of the weather and winds were so strong cancelling the trip overall.
I WANT MY REFUND
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hello Mr. Kamhul,
Thank your for your feedback. We had you as a "no show" on this day. I am sorry that you decided not to attend. We don't have record of you canceling. Per our agreement with Viator, even in heavy winds, we don't offer "refunds" within 24 hrs. The wagon tour went on very successfully as it is more sheltered from any winds. The guests enjoyed our sheltered barn, live music and dancing. The trip wasn't canceled. I did offered you credit for another time that doesn't expire via Viator/Trip Advisor. We hope you can return at another date to enjoy the experience.
Chris_W, Feb 2025
The covered wagon tour was great and our guide was knowledgeable. The dinner was delicious, especially the turkey. We enjoyed the dancing, the lighted barn, the fire pit and loved the beautiful setting. The staff was awesome, fun and helpful. We were so glad we did this tour and enjoyed the whole evening.
Mary_A, Feb 2025
Great meal. Enjoyed the covered wagon ride and all the great music. Had fun doing line dancing. Would definitely recommend it.
Nancy_S, Feb 2025
Covered wagon tour was interesting. The facility was decorated in a very authentic western motif. The dinner buffet was delicious, ending with a fabulous desert. Then fire roasted marshmellows. The live country western music was well done. Dance lessons were included. We sat outside watching the sunset, then under the stars. I think this is a perfect adult family outing.
Susan_G, Feb 2025
Every person on staff was so friendly and helpful. The covered wagon ride was short, but I appreciated the time spent in the Palm Oasis. The food was out of this world the music was great and the dancing was fun.
Sylvie_C, Jan 2025
They canceled at the last minute, citing problems with their mules. They promised a full refund
What else is there to say?
From $139.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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