At a Glance
Experience the radiance of California’s Palm Spring and Joshua Tree as you uncover its elegance, from its stark desert landscapes and rugged rock formations to rare palm oases and cascading rivers on this 4-day hiking adventure.
Your journey begins in Palm Springs, where you’ll shuttle to the Wonderland of Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park, and explore its rocky magnificence. Absorb the sight of the unique and spiky Joshua and its prevalence in the region as you walk to the Willow Hole. Feel the history of the Indian Canyons and hike to the hidden gem of an oasis concealed deep within the canyon walls. Relish the sights of different unique species of birds including the endangered least Bell’s vireo and coloured orioles nesting in the oasis. Traverse parts of the most biodiverse ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- Brief orientation in Rancho Mirage on Day 1
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- 3 nights accommodation in the 5 star Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
 |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: On your arrival, proceed to meet with your trip leaders by 8:30 am at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Miracle. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes, bring your luggage along with all the gear you may want for today’s hike. (your luggage will be transferred to your room). After meeting in Rancho Mirage, we shuttle to the elegant Joshua Tree National Park for an amazing hike in the heart of this rocky landscape and its dynamic atmosphere. After weaving through pockets of natural flora in Hidden Valley, we go on to traverse the Joshua Tree National Park, “The Wonderland of Rocks”, named so for its amazing labyrinth of granite monoliths, massive boulder piles, and secluded rugged pathways. Be on the lookout for daring rock climbers who like to scale its cliffs. See the fascinating, twisted, and spiky Joshua Tree, known as the park namesake. The tree is the largest member of the Yucca family and grows only in the Mojave Desert. Legend has it that it was the early Mormons that gave this tree its unique name because it resembled the waving arms of the prophet Joshua, guiding them to the promised land. At the end of the hike, you can choose to go on to explore the Willow Hole, a unique oasis protected by a thicket of Willow trees that attract birds and other wildlife. |
|
 |
Afterward, we return to Rancho Mirage and the exquisite Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, our home for the next three nights. Enjoy your stay at the beautiful 40-acre 5-star hotel perched above the Coachella Valley offering stunning views of the mountains and city. You can relax in the crystal clear waters of the shimmering pool, book a therapeutic massage at the high-end spa, or enjoy a soothing drink at the exotic bar. Tonight, we meet for a welcome reception and enjoy a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant, Edge Steakhouse embraced by sweeping views of Coachella Valley. Indulge in flavours from steaks sourced from around the world and aged in house for 21 to 65 days to fresh seafood classics complimented by a tempting wine list. |
Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: AFTERNOON HIKE: After a delicious breakfast this morning, we shuttle to Indian Canyons, part of the tribal lands of the ancestral Cahuilla, the first known inhabitants of the Coachella Valley. Hidden deep within these canyon walls is a luxuriant oasis that persists despite the arid heat of its surroundings. Shade from native Washingtonia filifera palms, also known as California fan palm and a seasonal stream makes this place an excellent hike for different bird species including brightly coloured orioles and hummingbirds, as well as the endangered Bell’s vireo. We’ll enjoy a savoury lunch under our canopy. After lunch, we head back to Palm Springs to take a short hike with views of the magnificent cliffs of the Coachella Valley and downtown Palm Springs at a trailhead in the foothills just outside of town. Those in seek for a more relaxed pace can forego the hike and spend the afternoon shopping or enjoying the views of Palm Canyon Drive. We head back to our luxury hotel to rest and relax. Later in the evening, we gather to enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant. |
Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (5*) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: After a flavourful breakfast, we shuttle to the magnificent Mission Creek and Whitewater Preserves, important wildlife corridors between San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. Both preserves were integrated into the newly-designated Sand to Snow National Monument. Encircling 154,000 acres, it is considered the most biodiversity of any nation’s monument with over 800 plant species, 240 types of birds, and 12 endangered species including the desert tortoise and bighorn sheep. We are transported from a dry rocky valley to the beautiful cascading Whitewater River as we hike through Mission Creek and Whitewater Reserves. Enjoy the stunning mountain views as we walk along tall rugged ridges and traverse serene desert wetlands, and we’ll also hike along the famous Pacific Crest Trail. For those who would like an extra challenge, you can head out to the Canyon view route for vistas of the surrounding mountains. Tonight, we feast at the celebratory farewell dinner back at the Ritz-Carlton absorbing the magnificent Coachella Valley one last time. |
Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (5*) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Level 1, Approx. 3km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 122m (91 ft) Savour a final moment of adventure and set out early this morning on your own or with a guide for an optional short hike surrounding the resort. Later, we shuttle to Palm Springs for a guided tour of the historic Old Las Palmas neighbourhood. A place that still boasts the greatest number of celebrity homes in the area, and several Hollywood stars like Elvis Presley, Liz Taylor, and Dinah Shore have lived here. Learn the history, enjoy the beautiful architecture, design, and celebrity lore of this area as our private guide who was born and raised in Palm Springs leads you through the area. After our tour, we take a stroll down North Canyon Drive, Palm Springs’ main drag, to savour fresh California cuisine for lunch before saying our goodbyes. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
None Breakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Palm Springs, California
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Palm Springs. The nearest airport to Palm Springs is Indio/Palm Springs Airport which is 2.1 miles away. Other nearby airports include Ontario International Airport 62.8 miles, John Wayne Airport Santa Ana 76.7 miles, San Diego International Airport 85.2 miles and Tijuana International Airport 92.7 miles.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is known for being sunny but sun isn't guaranteed! Be sure to pack layers, especially during the winter months, and be prepared for the possibility of hiking in a range of climates as we explore this part of the Sonoran Desert. Rainfall is rare, but spring departures can see a lot of water in creeks and streams which may result in your feet getting wet while hiking. On Day 2 we may reach an altitude of 8,500 feet, which means a significant temperature drop; a warm jacket and layers is necessary. The summers are sweltering, arid, and mostly clear and the winters are cool and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 7°C to 41°C and is rarely below 3°C or above 45°C.
Joshua Tree
The climate is far less predictable. Temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees during the day and drop as low as the 30s at night. The climate of Joshua Tree National Park is sub-tropical desert, with mild winters and very hot summers. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 2°C to 37°C and is rarely below -2°C or above 41°C.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
