Palm Springs: Covered Wagon Desert Tour & BBQ Dinner

Mule-drawn wagons through Palm Springs desert wilds with music, BBQ and sunset

You’ll ride a mule-drawn covered wagon deep into Palm Springs’ wild desert with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Enjoy a guided nature walk (if you want), watch sunset over the mountains, play games by lantern light, eat slow-cooked BBQ with pie for dessert, then gather around a campfire under stars. It’s warm-hearted and just a bit unexpected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Covered wagon desert adventure and BBQ

• Ride mule-drawn covered wagon
• Explore Sonoran Desert wilderness
• Listen to naturalist guide
• Join optional guided nature walk
• Watch desert sunset over mountains
• Play horseshoes, roping, and cornhole
• Enjoy live western music
• Learn barn dance
• Dine on BBQ with trimmings
• Roast marshmallows over campfire

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the sound of the mules: slow, steady hooves crunching over the sand as we rolled out into the wide-open Sonoran Desert near Palm Springs. I’d never been on a covered wagon before (outside of old movies), so when our guide, Tom, handed me a woven blanket for my lap and grinned like we were all in on some secret, I just went with it. The air smelled faintly of creosote bush after last night’s rain, kind of sharp but clean, and there was this weird hush except for the wheels turning and someone’s kid giggling behind me.

We bumped along into what they called an “Oasis Wilderness Preserve”: 30,000 acres that honestly felt endless. Our naturalist guide pointed out these shaggy palm oases tucked into canyons and kept tossing out facts about the San Andreas Fault and how the land here hasn’t really changed since…well, forever. At one point he stopped us for a short nature walk (totally optional, I almost skipped it but ended up glad I didn’t). The light was gold on the rocks and you could hear distant birds (quail maybe?), and I remember thinking how quiet it felt compared to town.

Back at the ranch as sunset hit those San Jacinto Mountains just right, everything got kind of loose. There was cornhole and horseshoes (I’m terrible at both), roping practice that made us all laugh, and then this live western band started up while someone tried to teach us a barn dance. The BBQ dinner came out family-style (brisket, smoked chicken, cowboy beans), and I probably ate more pie than is reasonable. People swapped stories around the campfire while marshmallows roasted and honestly? It felt like those “good old days” people talk about but you never really expect to find. I still think about that view from the wagon as dusk settled in. Something about it sticks.

What’s included

• Your day covers entry fees to an exclusive 30,000-acre wilderness preserve near Palm Springs plus a mule-drawn covered wagon ride with local guides sharing stories along the way.
• You’ll have an optional guided nature walk through palm oases before returning for games like horseshoes and roping practice at sunset.
• A full BBQ dinner is served (including brisket, smoked chicken, coleslaw, beans, fresh breads and seasonal pie) with lemonade or iced tea provided (bring your own adult drinks if you like).
• Live western music sets the mood as you try barn dancing or simply relax by lantern light before ending around a crackling campfire roasting marshmallows beneath desert stars: all taxes and fees included.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs Wednesday to Saturday at 15:30, from US$ 139 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesWednesday to SaturdayDeparts at 15:30Another day? ›

GroupUp to 46

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Covered Wagon Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is food included on the Palm Springs covered wagon tour?

Yes, your tour includes BBQ brisket, smoked chicken, coleslaw, beans, fresh bread, dessert pie with whipped cream, lemonade and iced tea.

How long does the covered wagon adventure last?

The experience covers an afternoon into evening: wagon ride into the wilderness preserve, optional nature walk, dinner activities at sunset and campfire after dark.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?

Lemonade and iced tea are included. You’re welcome to bring your own adult beverages if you wish.

Will there be live entertainment during the tour?

Yes, a professional western band plays live music during dinner activities. Dancing lessons are optional.

Is transportation included from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Guests should contact operator before travel date for directions and timing details.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Prams or strollers are allowed onboard for infants/small children.