California Desert Bike Tour
Take a moment to consider the ingredients necessary for the perfect Winter bicycle tour. At the top of the list is a climate with typically dry weather and a break from the harsh cold season found elsewhere in much of North America. Next, the roads have to be great for cycling. And to make it a hassle-free vacation, the location needs to have relatively easy access. We’ve turned the pedals over all across the US and have spent a few seasons in search of that Eureka! moment. And we’re here to tell you, we've found it in our California Desert Bike Tour. Come ride with us through Joshua Tree National Park, Borrego Springs, Yaqui Pass, and more!
Day 1 - Meet Palm Springs, Bike Palm Springs to Indian Wells via Coachella Valley - up to 44 miles with 1,600 ft gain & 2,400 ft loss, Optional Hike - 2 miles with 100 ft gain & loss Our tour begins in the morning, in the desert resort town of Palm Springs. Here we will fit everyone on their bicycles, then take a scenic ride over and along a small part of California's most famous faultline - the San Andreas fault which stretches from the Mexican border past San Francisco and into the Pacific Ocean. Our ride features stunning views of the surrounding San Bernardino mountains along the border between two of California's deserts: the Mojave and the Colorado. Before lunch, you'll have the option to enjoy a unique walk in a palm oasis at the Coachella Valley Preserve. Later you'll arrive in Indian Wells at the 4-star Miramonte Resort, our lodging destination for the next night.Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 - Bike La Quinta Loop - up to 32 miles with 700 ft gain & loss, Hike West Side Loop Trail - 4 miles with 800 ft gain & loss Today is another hybrid day - we'll bike in the morning then hike in the afternoon. We'll start with a relatively flat loop ride weaving among the many golf courses nearby Indian Wells. After lunch, we'll swap our bike shoes for hiking boots. We walk a trail in the less-visited west side of Joshua Tree National Park which offers our first chance to hike among some of the park's namesake flora. Tonight we'll be staying at the historic Pioneertown Motel in a western town that was originally built in 1946 as a movie set. Hundreds of western films and TV shows have been filmed there including such notable actors as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. We'll enjoy dinner nearby at a famed local spot, Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace, where many famous musicians have performed including Paul McCartney and Robert Plant. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Hike Lost Horse Mine Loop - 7 miles with 800 ft gain & loss, Optional Hike up Ryan Mountain - 3 miles with 1,100 ft gain & loss After breakfast, we’ll drive into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park where we’ll enjoy a hike to one of the most productive gold mines in the area, the Lost Horse mine where over 5 decades in the 19th and 20th century it produced over 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver. Later we'll drive to Keys View at 5,185 ft where you can take in a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs and the 10,833 ft Mt San Jacinto in the distance. From there you have the option to head direct to our next lodging or stay in the park and continue on foot up Ryan Mountain at 5,458 ft where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Tonight's dinner is at our rustic lodging and is sure to delight. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Bike Joshua Tree from Twentynine Palms to Mecca - up to 65 miles with 3,500 ft gain & 5,600 ft loss This morning, after another delicious breakfast, you’ll pedal across Joshua Tree and beyond toward Mecca, a small city named for the holy land in the Middle East. After climbing back into the park you'll be rewarded with more incredible vistas of the unique rock outcroppings for which Joshua Tree National Park is known and a sweet descent past many noteworthy sights including a field of cholla cactus. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch before continuing into what is arguably the best part of the ride, a stunning canyon descent on a lightly-trafficked road south of the park. As always on the biking days, the support van will be there to pick you up should you want a boost up a hill or be done riding for the day. From Mecca we’ll shuttle south to your new home, for the next two nights at least, in Borrego Springs, La Casa del Zorro. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 - Bike Borrego Springs and the "Glass Elevator" - up to 45 miles with 4,300 ft gain & loss, Optional Slot Canyon Hike - 2 miles with 300 ft gain & loss Today's bike route begins with a flat loop past palm tree nurseries, citrus groves, and impressive display of whimsical metal sculptures commissioned by a charitable local landowner. After you are free to tackle as much as you like of the 11-mile climb up Montezuma Grade to the small high desert dwelling of Ranchita. Known as the "glass elevator" because of its unobstructed views of the desert floor, you're sure to love the vista points along the way. After an epic descent, you are free to enjoy lunch on your own - a guide-favorite is a simple, but delicious, taco place in town. Return to your resort and savor the solitude of the desert poolside or join us for a short 2-mile hike to an impressive slot canyon - just barely wide enough to hike through in spots. We'll spend the last night of our trip enjoying another fantastic group dinner. Don't forget to look heavenward tonight as Borrego Springs is an internationally-recognized dark sky community that actively prevents light pollution and features some amazing stargazing as a result. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 - Hike Borrego Palm Canyon - 3 miles with 500 ft gain & loss, Depart for Palm Springs After another hearty breakfast we’ll shuttle to Anza-Borrego State Park where we’ll hike to a natural palm oasis, and, if mother nature is smiling upon us, a chance to see native bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. You'll have some time back at the hotel to freshen up before check out. After a week in the California desert, it's time to make the return journey to Palm Springs. Private limo and shuttle services are available from the end location to multiple destinations, with the Palm Springs Airport only 5 minutes away by car. Meals included: Breakfast
Miramonte Resort – 1 night Evoking the sense of a grand estate, an expansive village of Tuscan tiled villas with grand archways and fine-crafted stonework are woven into 11 acres of lush citrus, rose and herb gardens.
Pioneertown Motel – 1 night Built originally as a waypost for movie stars of old Westerns, Pioneertown Motel has stood since 1946 as a place for wearied travelers and sun-drunk revelers to seek solace and inspiration. Gene Autry played poker until sunrise in Room #9.
29 Palms Inn – 1 night No room is alike, each with its own character and something different to offer. Their definition of amenities include views of the Oasis, a starry sky, peace and quiet, and having the space to disconnect and reconnect.
La Casa Del Zorro – 2 nights A luxury resort nestled between the Anza-Borrego Desert and the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Resort boasts a full service spa, fine dining and comfortable accommodations.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet Palm Springs, Bike Palm Springs to Indian Wells via Coachella Valley - up to 44 miles with 1,600 ft gain & 2,400 ft loss, Optional Hike - 2 miles with 100 ft gain & loss Our tour begins in the morning, in the desert resort town of Palm Springs. Here we will fit everyone on their bicycles, then take a scenic ride over and along a small part of California's most famous faultline - the San Andreas fault which stretches from the Mexican border past San Francisco and into the Pacific Ocean. Our ride features stunning views of the surrounding San Bernardino mountains along the border between two of California's deserts: the Mojave and the Colorado. Before lunch, you'll have the option to enjoy a unique walk in a palm oasis at the Coachella Valley Preserve. Later you'll arrive in Indian Wells at the 4-star Miramonte Resort, our lodging destination for the next night.Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 - Bike La Quinta Loop - up to 32 miles with 700 ft gain & loss, Hike West Side Loop Trail - 4 miles with 800 ft gain & loss Today is another hybrid day - we'll bike in the morning then hike in the afternoon. We'll start with a relatively flat loop ride weaving among the many golf courses nearby Indian Wells. After lunch, we'll swap our bike shoes for hiking boots. We walk a trail in the less-visited west side of Joshua Tree National Park which offers our first chance to hike among some of the park's namesake flora. Tonight we'll be staying at the historic Pioneertown Motel in a western town that was originally built in 1946 as a movie set. Hundreds of western films and TV shows have been filmed there including such notable actors as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. We'll enjoy dinner nearby at a famed local spot, Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace, where many famous musicians have performed including Paul McCartney and Robert Plant. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Hike Lost Horse Mine Loop - 7 miles with 800 ft gain & loss, Optional Hike up Ryan Mountain - 3 miles with 1,100 ft gain & loss After breakfast, we’ll drive into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park where we’ll enjoy a hike to one of the most productive gold mines in the area, the Lost Horse mine where over 5 decades in the 19th and 20th century it produced over 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver. Later we'll drive to Keys View at 5,185 ft where you can take in a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs and the 10,833 ft Mt San Jacinto in the distance. From there you have the option to head direct to our next lodging or stay in the park and continue on foot up Ryan Mountain at 5,458 ft where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Tonight's dinner is at our rustic lodging and is sure to delight. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Bike Joshua Tree from Twentynine Palms to Mecca - up to 65 miles with 3,500 ft gain & 5,600 ft loss This morning, after another delicious breakfast, you’ll pedal across Joshua Tree and beyond toward Mecca, a small city named for the holy land in the Middle East. After climbing back into the park you'll be rewarded with more incredible vistas of the unique rock outcroppings for which Joshua Tree National Park is known and a sweet descent past many noteworthy sights including a field of cholla cactus. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch before continuing into what is arguably the best part of the ride, a stunning canyon descent on a lightly-trafficked road south of the park. As always on the biking days, the support van will be there to pick you up should you want a boost up a hill or be done riding for the day. From Mecca we’ll shuttle south to your new home, for the next two nights at least, in Borrego Springs, La Casa del Zorro. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 - Bike Borrego Springs and the "Glass Elevator" - up to 45 miles with 4,300 ft gain & loss, Optional Slot Canyon Hike - 2 miles with 300 ft gain & loss Today's bike route begins with a flat loop past palm tree nurseries, citrus groves, and impressive display of whimsical metal sculptures commissioned by a charitable local landowner. After you are free to tackle as much as you like of the 11-mile climb up Montezuma Grade to the small high desert dwelling of Ranchita. Known as the "glass elevator" because of its unobstructed views of the desert floor, you're sure to love the vista points along the way. After an epic descent, you are free to enjoy lunch on your own - a guide-favorite is a simple, but delicious, taco place in town. Return to your resort and savor the solitude of the desert poolside or join us for a short 2-mile hike to an impressive slot canyon - just barely wide enough to hike through in spots. We'll spend the last night of our trip enjoying another fantastic group dinner. Don't forget to look heavenward tonight as Borrego Springs is an internationally-recognized dark sky community that actively prevents light pollution and features some amazing stargazing as a result. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 - Hike Borrego Palm Canyon - 3 miles with 500 ft gain & loss, Depart for Palm Springs After another hearty breakfast we’ll shuttle to Anza-Borrego State Park where we’ll hike to a natural palm oasis, and, if mother nature is smiling upon us, a chance to see native bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. You'll have some time back at the hotel to freshen up before check out. After a week in the California desert, it's time to make the return journey to Palm Springs. Private limo and shuttle services are available from the end location to multiple destinations, with the Palm Springs Airport only 5 minutes away by car. Meals included: Breakfast
Lodging
Miramonte Resort – 1 night Evoking the sense of a grand estate, an expansive village of Tuscan tiled villas with grand archways and fine-crafted stonework are woven into 11 acres of lush citrus, rose and herb gardens.
Pioneertown Motel – 1 night Built originally as a waypost for movie stars of old Westerns, Pioneertown Motel has stood since 1946 as a place for wearied travelers and sun-drunk revelers to seek solace and inspiration. Gene Autry played poker until sunrise in Room #9.
29 Palms Inn – 1 night No room is alike, each with its own character and something different to offer. Their definition of amenities include views of the Oasis, a starry sky, peace and quiet, and having the space to disconnect and reconnect.
La Casa Del Zorro – 2 nights A luxury resort nestled between the Anza-Borrego Desert and the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Resort boasts a full service spa, fine dining and comfortable accommodations.
Pricing & Inclusions
Trip Price Includes:
- Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
- Meals as noted in itinerary above
- Non-optional activities as outlined in itinerary above
- Ride-friendly snacks and beverages throughout each day
- Hybrid or alloy road bike rental – carbon road bike or E-bike available for an upgrade fee
- Services of professional trip leader(s)
- Van support during the trip & porterage service
- Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks & luggage tags
Trip Price Excludes:
- Pre & post tour travel
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities such as spa treatments
- Gratuities for your BSA guides
Death Valley Bike Tour
From Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level to Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet, Death Valley is abundant in contrasts and extremes. There is so much incredible life to explore in the desert. Come hike mountains and canyons; cycle past sand dunes, volcanic craters, and other dramatic geological formations; and explore the region's quirky mining history on our Death Valley Bike Tour.
Day 1: Rhyolite, Biking into Death Valley – up to 32 miles with 1,100 ft gain & 4,900 ft loss, Roaming the Sand Dunes - up to 2 miles with 500 ft gain & loss Your adventure begins in Las Vegas where you’ll be shuttled to Death Valley National Park, your home for the next five nights. On the way, we’ll stop in the once booming town of Rhyolite, now a desolate ghost town with only remnants of its glory days as a gold mining hub. From there we’ll saddle up for the first ride into Death Valley. After an epic descent down Daylight Pass you’ll arrive at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where you are free to roam viewing the surrounding mountains in the warm afternoon light before settling in to our hotel. Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Hiking Wildrose – up to 8 miles with 2,700 ft gain & loss You’ll lace up your hiking boots and head to the towering Panamint Range today. Up on the ridge, your starting point is 7,000 feet, from which you’ll hike to the summit of Wildrose Peak at 9,064 feet. You’ll discover the view from the peak is nothing short of stunning, displaying the varied landscape before a splendid multi-hued backdrop. On the return trip you’ll have a chance to see the 100 year old, bee-hive shaped Wildrose charcoal kilns that were once used to provide fuel to refine ore at nearby lead-silver mines. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Hiking Ubehebe Crater – up to 2 miles with 500 ft gain & loss, Biking from Grapevine to Furnace Creek – up to 51 miles with 800 ft gain and 3,200 ft loss This morning we’ll shuttle up to Ubehebe Crater which was created by a steam explosion when magma hit groundwater. After hiking the 2 miles around the rim of the massive half-mile wide crater. You’ll then head downhill on a bike route that takes you through the northern part of Death Valley back to Furnace Creek. Given the net elevation loss of 2,400 feet, you may find you can bike the full distance more easily. This afternoon you can relax in the soothing, spring-fed waters of the hotel pool before dinner at the Ranch. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View & Biking Badwater Road – up to 75 miles with 1,800 ft gain and 2,700 ft loss Your day starts early as you rise for sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Prepare to be dazzled as you watch the sunlight gradually illuminate the Badlands and Manly Beacon. After breakfast we’ll drive up Dante’s View at 5,475 feet to take in a stunning view of the valley. We’ll then setup the bikes at Zabriskie Point and descend into the Badwater salt flat at 282 feet below sea level, the lowest place in North America. From there you’ll shuttle or bike to one of the least traveled areas of the park, Ashford Mill, where you may enjoy your lunch at your leisure. In the spring, this can be a great place to see wildflowers. If you are looking for more miles, you are free to ride back north toward Badwater. We’ll shuttle back to Furnace Creek, stopping along the way to witness the beautiful natural pastels of the Artist’s Palette. Tonight after such a long day you are free to dine on your own. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5: Hiking Golden Canyon & Gower Gulch – up to 6 miles with 1,100 ft of gain & loss After yesterday, you’ve earned a day off the bike. We’ll explore Golden Canyon where parts of the first Star Wars Movie (Episode IV) were filmed. We’ll the enjoy a sensational hike through the canyon and nearby Gower Gulch below Manly Beacon. It’s an amazing hike offering a magnificent array of colorful canyon walls, old borax mines, the famous “red cathedral” and many more exciting geological sites. This afternoon is free for you to spend as you see fit and we recommend you stop by the visitor center and/or spend some time at the blissful spring-fed pool at the hotel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at the elegant, historic Inn dining room. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Boardwalk at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – up to 1 mile with minimal elevation gain & loss, Return to Las Vegas After breakfast we depart for Las Vegas. Along the way we’ll stop at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. At the visitor center there you’ll learn a bit more about this unique desert refuge’s life-sustaining springs and watch a 20-minute video about their endemic Devils Hole pupfish. The world’s rarest fish, it was threatened with extinction by groundwater pumping for farming and a proposed housing development that was halted by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to protect it. After you’ll take a walk along the Crystal Springs boardwalk where you can see the beautiful azure waters that bubble out of the ground at 87 degrees and provide precious habitat to pupfish among other flora and fauna. We then continue our drive back to Las Vegas. Meals included: Breakfast
Stovepipe Wells - 2 nights Authentically western, rustic yet comfortable, Stovepipe Wells Village, with its unique hotel, Death Valley restaurant and Western saloon, has been at the end of the trail for vacationers since 1926.
The Ranch at the Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch) - 3 nights Only here can you stroll among lush date palms, float the day away in their spring-fed pool or disappear into the exhilarating landscape of one of America’s largest national parks, and still return in time for a memorable dinner – and a sunset you’ll never forget.
Itinerary
Day 1: Rhyolite, Biking into Death Valley – up to 32 miles with 1,100 ft gain & 4,900 ft loss, Roaming the Sand Dunes - up to 2 miles with 500 ft gain & loss Your adventure begins in Las Vegas where you’ll be shuttled to Death Valley National Park, your home for the next five nights. On the way, we’ll stop in the once booming town of Rhyolite, now a desolate ghost town with only remnants of its glory days as a gold mining hub. From there we’ll saddle up for the first ride into Death Valley. After an epic descent down Daylight Pass you’ll arrive at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where you are free to roam viewing the surrounding mountains in the warm afternoon light before settling in to our hotel. Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Hiking Wildrose – up to 8 miles with 2,700 ft gain & loss You’ll lace up your hiking boots and head to the towering Panamint Range today. Up on the ridge, your starting point is 7,000 feet, from which you’ll hike to the summit of Wildrose Peak at 9,064 feet. You’ll discover the view from the peak is nothing short of stunning, displaying the varied landscape before a splendid multi-hued backdrop. On the return trip you’ll have a chance to see the 100 year old, bee-hive shaped Wildrose charcoal kilns that were once used to provide fuel to refine ore at nearby lead-silver mines. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Hiking Ubehebe Crater – up to 2 miles with 500 ft gain & loss, Biking from Grapevine to Furnace Creek – up to 51 miles with 800 ft gain and 3,200 ft loss This morning we’ll shuttle up to Ubehebe Crater which was created by a steam explosion when magma hit groundwater. After hiking the 2 miles around the rim of the massive half-mile wide crater. You’ll then head downhill on a bike route that takes you through the northern part of Death Valley back to Furnace Creek. Given the net elevation loss of 2,400 feet, you may find you can bike the full distance more easily. This afternoon you can relax in the soothing, spring-fed waters of the hotel pool before dinner at the Ranch. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View & Biking Badwater Road – up to 75 miles with 1,800 ft gain and 2,700 ft loss Your day starts early as you rise for sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Prepare to be dazzled as you watch the sunlight gradually illuminate the Badlands and Manly Beacon. After breakfast we’ll drive up Dante’s View at 5,475 feet to take in a stunning view of the valley. We’ll then setup the bikes at Zabriskie Point and descend into the Badwater salt flat at 282 feet below sea level, the lowest place in North America. From there you’ll shuttle or bike to one of the least traveled areas of the park, Ashford Mill, where you may enjoy your lunch at your leisure. In the spring, this can be a great place to see wildflowers. If you are looking for more miles, you are free to ride back north toward Badwater. We’ll shuttle back to Furnace Creek, stopping along the way to witness the beautiful natural pastels of the Artist’s Palette. Tonight after such a long day you are free to dine on your own. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5: Hiking Golden Canyon & Gower Gulch – up to 6 miles with 1,100 ft of gain & loss After yesterday, you’ve earned a day off the bike. We’ll explore Golden Canyon where parts of the first Star Wars Movie (Episode IV) were filmed. We’ll the enjoy a sensational hike through the canyon and nearby Gower Gulch below Manly Beacon. It’s an amazing hike offering a magnificent array of colorful canyon walls, old borax mines, the famous “red cathedral” and many more exciting geological sites. This afternoon is free for you to spend as you see fit and we recommend you stop by the visitor center and/or spend some time at the blissful spring-fed pool at the hotel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at the elegant, historic Inn dining room. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Boardwalk at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – up to 1 mile with minimal elevation gain & loss, Return to Las Vegas After breakfast we depart for Las Vegas. Along the way we’ll stop at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. At the visitor center there you’ll learn a bit more about this unique desert refuge’s life-sustaining springs and watch a 20-minute video about their endemic Devils Hole pupfish. The world’s rarest fish, it was threatened with extinction by groundwater pumping for farming and a proposed housing development that was halted by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to protect it. After you’ll take a walk along the Crystal Springs boardwalk where you can see the beautiful azure waters that bubble out of the ground at 87 degrees and provide precious habitat to pupfish among other flora and fauna. We then continue our drive back to Las Vegas. Meals included: Breakfast
Lodging
Stovepipe Wells - 2 nights Authentically western, rustic yet comfortable, Stovepipe Wells Village, with its unique hotel, Death Valley restaurant and Western saloon, has been at the end of the trail for vacationers since 1926.
The Ranch at the Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch) - 3 nights Only here can you stroll among lush date palms, float the day away in their spring-fed pool or disappear into the exhilarating landscape of one of America’s largest national parks, and still return in time for a memorable dinner – and a sunset you’ll never forget.
Pricing & Inclusions
Trip Price Includes:
- Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
- Meals as noted in itinerary above
- Non-optional activities as outlined in itinerary above
- Ride-friendly snacks and beverages throughout each day
- Hybrid or alloy road bike rental – carbon road bike or E-bike available for an upgrade fee
- Services of professional trip leader(s)
- Van support during the trip & porterage service
- Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks & luggage tags
Trip Price Excludes:
- Pre & post tour travel
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities such as spa treatments
- Gratuities for your BSA guides