San Andreas Fault
Willis Palms natural oasis at San Andreas Fault, California
Willis Palms natural oasis at San Andreas Fault, California

San Andreas Fault Tours and Tickets

1,273 reviews
Free admission

Running down the state of California, from Cape Mendocino to the Mexican border, the San Andreas Fault forms a continuous, narrow break in the Earth's crust between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. Seismologists predict that the fault will eventually cause what's known on the West Coast as "the big one" (an earthquake of 7.8 or higher magnitude on the Richter scale).

  • California

Tours and Tickets to Experience San Andreas Fault

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What are people saying about San Andreas Fault

Susan_G, Nov 2023
Lots to learn
The trip had many wonderful components. It was quite informative and included different aspects of life in the desert. Unfortunately, you don’t really see dramatic effects of the San Andreas Fault in this part of the valley. You see uplift, but no giant gorge. Consequently, if I would change anything, I would change the name of the trip.
Louise_T, Nov 2023
Ryan was knowledgeable...
Ryan was knowledgeable and friendly. Well balanced mix of Jeep time and hiking time. Weather was perfect.
Susan_N, Oct 2023
Scenery, history and a hidden gem!
We had a great off-road experience with Ben, our guide. We learned all about the local area, history, and geography. There wasn't a question he couldn't answer. We saw tons of varying scenery - all beautiful and even visited a little hidden oasis where we got to taste a salt bush and some palm fruit... highly recommend if you are in the area!
Faith_W, Sep 2023
Wonderful
Wonderful tour. The guide was knowledgeable, interesting and flexible. We saw exactly what we wanted to see and learnt alot. Highly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Q:Can you tour the San Andreas Fault?
A:Yes. Palm Springs is one of the best places to explore the fault across its 800-mile (1,287-kilometer) span in California. Hummer or open-air Jeep tours are the most popular option for touring, offering a fun way to learn about the area's geology, flora, fauna, native culture, and tectonic plates.
Q:Can you drive to the San Andreas Fault in Palm Springs?
A:Yes. You can explore the San Andreas fault around Palm Springs. The most in-depth experience is by guided tour, whether by walking, hiking, or off-road vehicle (the most popular). On your own, head to the Coachella Valley Preserve, where you can stand atop the fault zone at Thousand Palms Canyon.
Q:Where can you see the San Andreas Fault?
A:The San Andreas Fault spans 800 miles (1287 kilometers) across California, and there are many places to access it. However, while large rifts exist, most traces of the fault are subtle. Popular spots to see signs of tectonic action include Parkfield, California; Carrizo Plain National Monument; and the Coachella Valley Preserve outside Palm Springs.
Q:What type of tours can you do at the San Andreas Fault?
A:San Andreas Fault tour options include walking, hiking, and off-road vehicle tours by Hummer or Jeep. The 4WD tours, offered near Palm Springs, are a popular way to explore the fault zone. Naturalist guides typically lead these tours, which are great for travelers wishing to learn more about the area's natural and cultural history.
Q:What do you do on a San Andreas Fault tour?
A:A San Andreas Fault tour takes you through an active fault zone to explore the landscape and geologic formations that occur with tectonic activity. Naturalist guides typically lead tours and most explain the geology, tectonic science, natural history, and native culture of the area.
Q:Is touring the San Andreas Fault dangerous?
A:No, it's not dangerous. In fact, touring the San Andreas Fault is safe—and interesting. The biggest danger in an earthquake is falling objects, and there aren't many things to topple over here. While you could be at fault when the earth opens up, the chance of this happening is slim.