Southern California’s premier full-day jeep expedition — Toro Peak (8,716 ft) near Palm Springs.
Peaks & Pines is Southern California’s premier full-day jeep expedition near Palm Springs — a You-Drive ascent to the 8,716-foot summit of Toro Peak, the highest drivable point in the range. It is reserved for those ready to commit a day to deep silence, thin air, and unmatched majesty.
You drive one of our purpose-built Jeeps while our guide leads the way, ascending nearly 5,000 vertical feet through a “biological staircase” that transforms from desert agave to lush sub-alpine forests of Jeffrey pine, culminating at the highest drivable point in the range.
Thin air, ultimate altitude, and breathtaking, exclusive sub-alpine majesty.
Bucket-list drivers demanding the absolute highest, most exclusive drivable vantage point in Southern California.
Santa Rosa National Monument (7S02) to West Toro Peak — the ultimate Southern California off-road experience. Ascend nearly 5,000 vertical feet through a “biological staircase,” witnessing the landscape transform from desert agave to lush sub-alpine forests of Jeffrey pine.
The expedition reaches its climax at the West Peak of Toro Peak (8,716 ft). From this vantage point, the Earth falls away to reveal a staggering “Million Dollar View” of the Salton Sea, the Coachella Valley, and the distant Gulf of California. This is a day of deep silence, thin air, and unmatched majesty.
Drink a cup of natural purified water from the Santa Rosa Natural Mountain Spring!
at an elevation of 8716 ft!
Toro Peak is the highest drivable summit in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument — and the Peaks & Pines route is the only guided jeep expedition in California that takes you to the top. At 8,716 feet, the thin air and the 360° view across the Coachella Valley to the Salton Sea and beyond is something no road can replicate.
The climb from the base of the Santa Rosa National Monument to the West Peak is a 5,000-foot vertical gain through a “biological staircase” — from desert agave at the base to sub-alpine Jeffrey pine at the summit. No two stops look the same. No other jeep expedition in California reaches this altitude.
Summit the highest drivable point in the range at 8,716 feet.
Ascend nearly 5,000 vertical feet from desert agave to sub-alpine Jeffrey pine.
The Salton Sea, the Coachella Valley, and the distant Gulf of California.
Begin in the protected wilds of the Santa Rosa National Monument (7S02).
Policy: A refundable $1,500.00 security deposit hold is required on the day of the tour.
Required Credentials: Driver must present a valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and proof of active auto insurance.
Pre-Trail Inspection: All personal vehicles will undergo a mandatory safety and trail-worthiness inspection by our lead guide prior to departure. Key requirements include:
Damage Acknowledgment: Personal vehicle operators must sign an agreement acknowledging that off-roading carries inherent risks of cosmetic damage (such as “trail pinstriping” from brush) or mechanical breakdown, which are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner.
Route III
Must be 21 years of age or older to book a tour.
The Verdict
As someone who loves getting out into the backcountry, this was hands-down one of the best off-road experiences I've had. The trails were incredible, the fleet was top-notch, and the guides made sure everyone was safe while still delivering total excitement. I'll definitely be bringing family back for another run!
An absolutely unforgettable day trip from Southern California! Moving from the coastal urban grind into the open mountain trails was the reset I needed. The team handles every detail flawlessly—you just show up, take in the views, and enjoy the ride. Highly recommend!
The perfect mix of thrill and local heritage. Seeing the mountain landscape up close while learning about the deep history of the area gave the whole trip a unique depth you just don't get on standard tours. Professional, fun, and totally worth every second.
If you're looking for an authentic mountain adventure, this is it. The scenery is unreal, the vehicles handle like a dream, and the passion of the crew shines through in everything they do. Five stars all the way!
Hands down, the best part was taking in the panoramic mountain views and incredible scenery—along with plenty of great laughs along the trail! An absolute beautiful experience from start to finish.
It's an adventure you truly don't want to miss! Traveling through these trails was a deeply nostalgic and memorable experience for me.
Everything about the tour was top-notch. The pacing was absolutely perfect, and the guide's great humor and fun commentary made the whole ride dynamic and entertaining!
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Leave a Google ReviewRoute III · Peaks & Pines
Pick a date and we’ll handle the rest — the route, the radio, and the trail support. You drive, we guide.
Peaks & Pines
$900 rental / person
$630 BYOV / person
