Covered Wagon Tours is a mule-drawn desert excursion and Western-style evening experience based on Washington Street, 2.5 miles north of Del Webb’s, Palm Desert, CA 92211, on the Coachella Valley’s desert edge. Operating since 1987, it takes travelers through a protected desert oasis wilderness setting for natural-history interpretation, cowboy storytelling, country music and an optional barbecue meal.
What to Expect at Covered Wagon Tours
The central experience is the Palm Desert Adventure, an eco-tour aboard a covered wagon drawn by mules. Rather than a theme-park ride, the outing focuses on the living desert: guides introduce the region’s plants, wildlife and human history while the wagon moves through open oasis-country landscapes. It is an especially distinctive way to see the transition from late-afternoon desert light to the evening sky, with the San Jacinto Mountains visible beyond the valley.
After the wagon portion, guests return to camp for Desert Southwest and country-and-western music. The program can include a line-dance lesson and the partner “Barn Dance,” turning the visit into a social evening rather than a simple sightseeing ride. The catered barbecue offering highlights slow-cooked brisket and barbecue chicken. Tours also accommodate group outings, private events and school field trips; book ahead because the experience is organized around scheduled departures and group arrangements. Travel light, and ask the host before taking close-up photographs of staff, animals or other guests; no cloakroom or bag check is advertised.
- Mule-drawn covered wagon: Ride through desert terrain in a canvas-topped wagon, the signature element of the experience.
- Desert oasis eco-tour: Hear about local desert life, wildlife and regional history while traveling through a protected wilderness setting.
- Cowboy storytelling: Hosts frame the route with stories and traditions of the Desert West.
- Live country music and dancing: Return to camp for Southwest and country-western music, plus line dancing or the Barn Dance.
- Barbecue dinner option: Pair the outing with catered slow-cooked brisket and barbecue chicken as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Covered Wagon Tours at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Washington St, 2.5 miles north of Del Webb’s, Palm Desert, CA 92211 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Northern Palm Desert, Coachella Valley desert edge |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 9am–6pm; tour and dinner departure times vary by booking |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid experience; $$–$$$; current tour and barbecue pricing is available through the official booking site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2.5 to 3.5 hours for a wagon outing with evening entertainment and dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | A car or rideshare is the practical option; confirm the meeting point, arrival time and on-site parking instructions when reserving |
| Official Website & Phone | coveredwagontours.com · +1 760-347-2161 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve before making the drive, particularly for sunset-and-dinner dates, weekends, private parties and the cooler months when the Coachella Valley is busiest. Arrive early enough to check in and use the restroom before the wagon departs; desert temperatures can remain high well into the afternoon, so bring water, sun protection and a light layer for after dark. Closed-toe shoes are sensible for dusty, uneven ground. Confirm the current menu in advance if anyone in your party has vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy requirements.
This is an outdoor adventure in a natural desert setting, not a downtown attraction served by convenient rail. The terrain and wagon boarding can be challenging for some visitors; call before booking to discuss mobility needs, transfer assistance and restroom access, as step-free wagon boarding and accessible restroom facilities are not specified. Nearby pairings are best reached by car: the Coachella Valley Preserve’s Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is about 2.6 kilometers away, while the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the Palm Desert shops along El Paseo make worthwhile additions within roughly a 15-minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Covered Wagon Tours’ hours, and when is the best time to go?
The operation is listed daily from 9am to 6pm, although the actual wagon, music and dinner schedule depends on the date reserved. Late-afternoon and evening departures offer cooler conditions and the sunset portion of the program; arrive at the time provided with your confirmation.
How much do tickets cost, and is dinner included?
This is a paid, mid-range to higher mid-range experience, with pricing varying by tour format, group arrangement and barbecue inclusion. Check the official website or call +1 760-347-2161 for current rates, availability and whether slow-cooked brisket or barbecue chicken is included in your booking.
How much time should I budget for the experience?
Plan on 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the full rhythm of wagon travel, desert interpretation, camp entertainment and an optional meal. A private event or large group program can run on its own timetable, so confirm the expected finish time when reserving.
Is Covered Wagon Tours suitable for children and guests with limited mobility?
The history, animals, music and dancing make the program appealing for multigenerational groups and school outings. Because it uses a mule-drawn wagon and natural desert ground, families with strollers and guests who use wheelchairs should call ahead about boarding, seating and restroom arrangements; sturdy shoes and sun protection are appropriate for all ages.
When planning your Indio travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Indio, pair this stop with standout local spots including Dino Restaurant, Royal Plaza Inn, Palm Springs Art Museum, and Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve (2.6 km away).
