DISCOUNT – Touring the San Andreas Fault

CHECK OUT OUR CAPTIONED PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP!

WHAT: A road trip from LA! Tour the San Andreas Fault with Desert Adventures
WHERE: Indio, California about two hours east of L.A.
DISCOUNT: Normally their three hour off-road jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault costs $120 per person, which we realize isn’t exactly cheap for many of you. So for HiddenLA fans only, Desert Adventures will discount the price to $85 per person through September 30, 2010. Just purchase your tickets online and enter the discount code “HIDDENLA.”
TIPS: Don’t forget, the desert is hotter. We were there on a moderate day, but summer’s here. Desert Adventures will provide water but please be sure you lather on the sunscreen, wear comfy stuff and bring a hat.

DETAILS:

A few weekends ago we decided to take a road trip to the desert. When I saw a groupon deal for a tour of the San Andreas Fault, I was intrigued. We’re supposed to be in “discovering new things” mode here at HiddenLA and since I hate earthquakes with every fiber of my being, I figured it might be a good way for me to learn more about them. Besides, who doesn’t need a road trip once in a while!?

One of the things I find most interesting about Desert Adventures is the story behind their access to private land they give their tours on. The story as I recall it is that the property is apparently owned by a number of brothers, and it has been in their family since the 19th century. It just so happens that this land is located right where the Pacific plate ends, so with no intention of selling it the family pays their property tax bills by leasing the land to one company to use for eco-tours and events. It was very clear that we were about to see land that isn’t available to everyone the moment that our jeep drove through the giant Jurassic Park gates that block the entrances. Seriously… it was a very Jurassic Park moment.

Anyhow, we took off towards Palm Springs early in the morning and made great time, ending up parked near a quarry as we waited for our tour to begin. Our guide Morgan clearly had decades of experience and knowledge, and is also a damn good jeep driver! Check out our captioned photos of the day below.