Towering rock formations, deep canyons, sweeping vistas and surreal landscapes from another planet await you around every bend in the Joshua Tree wilderness. All along the way, your expert guide will share the history and geology of the park, along with fun stories about the plants, animals and other unique characteristics. Try your hand at new activities like joining certified rock-climbing guides who’ll customize a rock-climbing adventure for you. And this multi-sport trip knows no human bounds, as you’ll also soar over the most beautiful landscape the Coachella Valley has to offer, taking in views of desert oases and date palm groves. Back on the ground, admire the mid-century architecture and old Hollywood glamour of Palm Springs. If you enjoy art, adventure and the desert, you’ll never want this getaway to end.

DAY 1 - PALM SPRINGS / Mt. SAN JACINTO
Begin your explorations of the Coachella Valley and Mojave Desert in California’s famed desert oasis, Palm Springs. With your Classic Journeys guide, hop on the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, and head 8,516 feet up to the wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park with for a scenic walk that sets the stage for memorable moments to come.

DAY 2 - JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
You make a giant cinematic leap today, as you wake in the movie star playground of Palm Springs, then spend the day somewhere that feels decidedly like a movie set…but is 100% real-life nature. Mother Nature has made a masterpiece of Joshua Tree National Park. With its hulking boulders and yucca-studded vistas, it’s hard to explore without envisioning a T-Rex emerging from behind a rock or Indiana Jones riding across the sand. Your expert local guide introduces you to walking trails that lead to Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden and Ryan Mountain with stunning 360-degree views from its peak. You’ll see otherworldly rock formations, stark desert plains, and, of course, Joshua Trees galore. 

DAYS 3-4 – SAN ANDREAS FAULT ZONE / COACHELLA VALLEY  
Through the Coachella Valley, a jeep whisks you away for a ride through the labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons that form the San Andreas Fault Zone. Later, explore town on an afternoon walk, hearing stories and anecdotes of how a tiny agricultural settlement grew into one of the glitziest getaways of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Pull away the covers early—just once—this week. It’s for a seriously spectacular reason: to float through desert skies in a hot air balloon. You’ll float in the morning breeze as the rising sun douses the Coachella Valley a kaleidoscope of red, purple and gold.