Ride a mule-drawn wagon through desert canyons, then enjoy a cookout and live western music
3 hours
Guide, BBQ dinner, live music
Travel like the pioneers on a mule-drawn covered wagon through a desert oasis wilderness preserve with a naturalist guide. Return to the ranch for sunset views, live western music, and a chuck wagon-style BBQ dinner.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Wagon tours require a 15 guest minimum to run; if the minimum is not met, you will be contacted in advance and offered a different date or a full refund.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund. No refund within 48 hours of departure or for no-shows. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you may reschedule or request a full refund.
The tour is on a part of the Coachella Valley Nature Preserve and does not have a formal address. It is located 4.0 miles north of the Washington Street exit off Interstate 10. If using the nearest address for navigation (33920 Washington St. Indio, CA 92203), continue past it and go one mile further north. Look for the Covered Wagons sign and turn right onto the desert gravel road.
Yes. There is plenty of on-site parking.
The location is about 3 miles north of the entrance of Del Webb's Sun City on Washington Street.
Palm Desert, CA
This Palm Springs desert experience earns near-universal praise, and it's easy to see why. Bill and his wife, the owners, set a genuinely warm tone from the start, and the rest of the team, including guides Paul and George and driver Craig, carry that energy through the whole evening. The covered wagon ride out to a desert oasis takes about 20 minutes each way, with an informative stop in the middle where guides walk you through local geology, flora, and wildlife. It's low-key enough for young kids but interesting enough to hold everyone's attention. Back at the barn is where things really come alive. Live music, line dancing, a hearty BBQ buffet with dessert, lawn games, and marshmallow roasting around an open fire make for a full evening. Groups are welcome to bring their own alcohol, which adds to the relaxed, social atmosphere. Families, couples, corporate groups, and bachelorette parties all show up in the reviews, and the staff seems genuinely skilled at making every type of group feel at home. If you're looking for something memorable and distinctly desert, this delivers.
Lovely owners who accommodated our bachelorette party of 10 with no issue. The wagon tour itself is brief, about 15-20m on the wagon each way with an educational piece in the middle about the tectonic plates an oasis. Very cool! The food was delicious and music was great! The night we went was a bit quiet given that stagecoach was in town and most visitors were there. I imagine it would be even more fun if there was a full house.
Sara Carpenter
May 12, 2026
Lovely owners who accommodated our bachelorette party of 10 with no issue. The wagon tour itself is brief, about 15-20m on the wagon each way with an educational piece in the middle about the tectonic plates an oasis. Very cool! The food was delicious and music was great! The night we went was a bit quiet given that stagecoach was in town and most visitors were there. I imagine it would be even more fun if there was a full house.
Sara Carpenter
May 12, 2026