I was on Kim’s amazing six-day tour of the Asheville area. We covered so much ground in that time. You really need that time to see the city and the highlights of the surrounding area, which I would never have found on my own. It amazed me that she was able to coordinate the touring part with meals, events, and activities. Our van driver was very knowledgeable too. Scheduling of activities ran very smoothly and not rushed, yet we got to do and see so much. I can’t imagine how much planning goes into this trip. Thank you, Kim.
Desert Landscapes
Mountain Views
Wildflower Blooms
Explore all that makes Palm Springs and Joshua Tree such a unique and exceptional vacation destination.
We invite you to join us on this specially designed tour of one of California’s most iconic vacation destinations. Come see why everyone from Hollywood stars, to politicians, to everyday outdoor enthusiasts have been flocking to this California desert for the last hundred years. This tour is designed for an active experience in which you will have opportunities to be immersed in the vast desert landscape, as well as witness the famous spring wildflower bloom, and be able to take in the best views in the region from atop Mount San Jacinto. Each day will provide opportunities for hiking and learning about the natural and cultural history of the area, but will be balanced with free time to enjoy the beauty of Palm Springs or simply take a break to lounge by the pool.
Why You’ll Love This Tour!
Enjoy seeing all the variance that Eastern California has to offer, from the mountains to the desert.
Guided tours by locals who are expert naturalists that will show us the wonders of Joshua Tree National Park, the San Andreas Fault, and the Tahquitz Canyon waterfall.
Indulge in a delectable all-vegan and oil-free menu crafted by Chef Mark Cerkvenik.
Click the Tabs to Find Out More
Essential Info
Essential Info
Price
$4300 USD/per person
*A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour cost, along with a registration form, are required in order to join the tour. Your space is not guaranteed until both of these are received.
Dates
March 16-22, 2025
Tour duration
6 nights/7 days
Group size
12 people
Included
- 6 nights accommodations
- Complete vegan & oil-free dining experience with Chef Mark
- 6 dinners
- 5 lunches
- 6 breakfasts
- Transport to & from airport upon arrival & departure
- Sightseeing and activity admissions
- Transportation & logistics for daily activities
Not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
What to bring
- Be prepared for both hot desert hikes and travel up into the cold, possibly snowy, Mount San Jacinto to the East of Palm Springs. Hiking apparel/ footwear, sun protection, warm outer layers, & bathing suits are encouraged.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for any unexpected emergency expenses.
About your guide
This tour will be led by Mairead Sardina
Trip Overview
The tour begins with a group dinner on March 16th. Guests can arrive throughout the day with shuttles from the airport to our housing accommodations in Palm Springs provided. Over the next five days we will travel into Joshua Tree National Park for guided tours, view wildflowers and the San Andreas fault line, learn about the Cahuilla tribe native history of the area, and travel east into the Mount San Jacinto State Park. This trip will be filled with all the natural beauty California can offer, from the famous Joshua Trees, to a desert oasis with waterfalls, to the alpine forests of the nearby mountains.
You will never have to worry about what you are going to eat on a Veg Jaunts and Journeys tour. Mark is our in-house chef and founder of letseatgreat.com. He will be preparing all meals, so you can enjoy the adventures and relaxation of your vacation. The meals will be whole food, with no salt/ oil/ added sugar, and always plant-based.
Private Houses in Palm Springs
Itinerary
On Day 1, Sunday, we will arrange a shuttle from the airport to our housing accommodations where you can settle in and relax around the pool until we gather for a welcome dinner.
On Day 2, we will start with a light breakfast and then head straight into Joshua Tree National Park where we will hike with a local interpretive guide and get a closer look at the stunning flora and fauna. We will have a picnic lunch and then continue some Joshua Tree exploration. We will stop in the National Park Visitor’s Center on our way back to the houses for some free time and a delicious dinner.
On Day 3, Tuesday, we will take the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tram up Mount San Jacinto to take in the breathtaking views from atop the mountains that make up the backdrop to the iconic Palm Springs landscape. John Muir once remarked that the view from Mount San Jacinto was “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth .” After enjoying a picnic lunch and walking some trails, we will head back down the tram for some free time before one of Mark’s delectable dinners.
Meals Included
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
On Day 4, Wednesday, we will head out to see a true Oasis and get to witness the unique geology around the San Andreas Fault. After this we will make a stop at a pueblo museum, and then we will enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Joshua Tree National Park for a light afternoon hike. We will wrap up our day back at the house with some free time before group dinner.
On Day 5, we will be sticking around Palm Springs starting with an optional guided morning hike to a local canyon waterfall. We will then enjoy a mid-day break at the house, a great time to enjoy a moment in the pool or to explore the local neighborhood. We will have an early dinner and then head downtown for the weekly Palm Springs Street Fair where you will be free to walk through the festivities, vendors, and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Meals Included
Day 4: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
On Day 6, Friday, we drive the renowned Palms to Pines Byway that will take us from the low desert of Palm Springs to the forests of the San Jacinto Mountains. Along the way we will stop to view wildflowers, walk along the Pacific Coast Trail, enjoy the quaint town of Idyllwild and a picnic lunch at Lake Hemet. That night we will soak up the last of our desert experience and our last dinner together.
On Day 7, we will have one last breakfast to wrap up our time together after which we will provide a shuttle back to the airport for those flying out.
Meals Included
Day 6: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Breakfast
Good to Know
Please plan to fly in and out of Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).
This tour will include daily hikes with an estimated daily mileage of 4-7 miles. Some activities are optional for those who wish to have a less active experience.
Our activities will take place both in the desert which is prone to hot temperatures, possibly exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mountains, which could be experiencing light snow in the month of March. Therefore, guests should come prepared with clothing for both environments.
Your tour cost includes lodgings; all meals; all sightseeing and activities mentioned above; all transportation during the trip (excluding airfare); all logistics taken care of for you.
Previous Guests Praise Veg Jaunts and Journeys
A little extra payment for your time! Thanks so much for all the help and research, it decreased my stress a lot to work with you. Our trip was so great! Excellent recommendations, and we can’t thank you enough! The resort was a real treat, very very nice. La Gomera was the perfect counter balance. Our stay at the inn was magical-charming, cozy and perfect. Thank you so much for the great recommendations!! It really did make for an amazing vegan honeymoon and vacation!
I love having a vegan travel agent. Thank you so much for thinking of these details. It will be great to have this all planned out and all I have to do is execute the plan.
