[FULL- Trip Closed, but you can join the waitlist by sending me an email.]
Offline days. Big desert energy. New friendships.
This women’s group trip to the California desert is an invitation to unplug, step outside your routine, and reconnect—with nature, yourself, and a group of like-minded women who crave meaningful experiences. Over six days, we’ll explore the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and the stylish, sun-soaked oasis of Palm Springs.
Expect an authentic, no-pressure experience that blends adventure and ease: hiking among giant boulders, trying rock climbing with professional guides, floating in the pool after full desert days, and lingering over good food, games, and conversation. Come solo—you’ll leave with new friends.
Trip Details
[FULL- Trip Closed, but you can join the waitlist by sending me an email.]
When: September 10–14, 2026
Who: This is a women’s small-group trip designed for adventurous, curious travelers who want a well-planned experience and great company. This small group trip is limited to 11 participants (plus me!).
This Trip is For You if…
- You want the fun of travel without the stress of planning
- You love outdoors + pretty places + great food
- You want a trip that’s social, but not chaotic
- You want to feel taken care of, not herded around like cattle
- You’re go-with-the-flow and understand that weather, road conditions, or logistics may require small adjustments—because that’s just real travel.
What: An adventurous and relaxing exploration of Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Activities include hiking, guided rock climbing, stargazing, biking through iconic midcentury neighborhoods, riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and plenty of downtime. Evenings are for bonding and sharing stories around food, games, and cocktails by the pool.
You do not need any specific skills—I’m here to lead and coordinate everything, and we’ll have professional guides to handle the technical stuff.
Cost: $1,850 Includes accommodations, all meals, drivers and guides, activities, and gear.
Flights are not included.
Reserve your spot with a $500 deposit.
Then pay in two easy installments:
- $500 — Deposit due at booking
- $675 — 1st payment due June 1, 2026
- $675 — Final payment due July 1, 2026
Accommodations, Transportation, and Food
Lodging
We’ll stay in a stylish desert retreat near Joshua Tree—designed for comfort, connection, and fun under the stars. Highlights include a pool, hot tub, game room, and generous outdoor space. Inside, an airy open-concept layout connects a fully stocked kitchen, dining area, and living space with plush seating.
The home has four bedrooms and three baths. Participants will share a room with one other person. Most rooms have two beds.
Transportation
Arrive by the afternoon of September 10 at the house or Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). On departure day (September 14), I’ll handle airport drop-offs. During the trip, we’ll travel together in a 12-passenger van.
If you’d like to arrive early or stay longer before or after the trip, I’m happy to help you plan lodging and activities.
Food
We’ll enjoy a mix of catered meals at our accommodations and restaurant dinners. Lunches are packed for our adventure days.
Coffee, tea, and seltzers are available every morning (and anytime you want). There will be plenty of food and snacks throughout the trip. You’ll also have opportunities to purchase wine, beer, or cocktail ingredients if you’d like. Special dietary needs? Just let me know.
Joshua Tree & Palm Springs Itinerary
Because weather, road conditions, and closures can’t be predicted, we’ll stay flexible and go with the flow. Some activities may shift—but trust me, you can’t go wrong in the Joshua Tree area.
Day 1 — Arrive in Palm Springs
Arrive by the afternoon. We’ll settle in, relax by the pool, watch the desert sunset, and get to know each other over our first group dinner.
Days 2–4 — Adventuring in the High Desert
Activities include:
Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
The best way to experience Joshua Tree National Park is on foot. We’ll hike among massive granite boulders, twisted Joshua trees, and wide-open desert views. The hikes are accessible and not technical, but we’ll spend plenty of time outside soaking it all in.
Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
This is your chance to try climbing in one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. Professional climbing guides will ensure we’re safe, supported, and fully instructed every step of the way. No experience required—just a willingness to try something new.
Stargazing under desert skies
With minimal light pollution and vast open space, the desert comes alive after dark. We’ll spend an evening stargazing under expansive skies—spotting constellations, planets, and maybe even a shooting star or two.
Biking Palm Springs’ midcentury modern neighborhoods
We’ll cruise through the streets of Palm Springs, admiring iconic midcentury modern homes and learning about their famous past and present owners. It’s equal parts culture, history, and laid-back desert fun.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway + Mount San Jacinto
We’ll ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up the dramatic cliffs of Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto, where cooler temperatures and alpine scenery await. A short nature walk and dinner at the top make this one of the highlights of the trip.
Pool time and downtime
Not every moment is scheduled—and that’s intentional. Afternoons and evenings leave room for swimming, reading, napping, games, and lingering conversations. Rest is part of the adventure.
Camaraderie
Sharing moments of awe and excitement creates lasting memories. This women’s group trip is designed to be genuinely transformative—woven with friendship, shared laughter, and the thrill of discovering a place (and yourself) together.
Day 5 — Departure
Morning farewells and airport drop-offs.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
For cancellations before June 1, there is a 50% refund. After that, there will be no refunds for cancellations, even for illness or COVID-19. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and we need to cancel the trip, we will either refund you or reschedule for an agreed-upon time in 2027 or 2028.
Travel insurance is highly recommended. This way if you need to cancel your trip, you will be reimbursed. Here’s my review of various travel insurance options.
What’s Included (and Not Included)
| YES | Accommodation | 4 nights in a large, beautiful home with pool and hot tub |
| YES | Meals | All meals and snacks from dinner on night 1 – breakfast on the last day (excluding alcohol and specialty drinks) |
| YES | Airport Transfer | Please fly to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), depending on your arrival time I may be able to pick you up from the airport, otherwise you can Uber. I will drop you back at PSP on the final day at 10am. |
| YES | Activities | All activities and gear are included. |
| Y/n | Gratuities | Some gratuties for specialty guides are included. |
| no | Airfare | Please fly to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). |
| no | Alcohol / Specialty Drinks | |
| no | Souvenirs |
Contact me to introduce yourself, ask questions, or say hi.
I am happy to chat on the phone or via Google Meet to answer any questions and get to know each other.
Get in touch:
September in the desert is hot during the day and cooler at night. Daytime highs typically range from the upper 80s to low 100s°F, especially in Palm Springs, while evenings and early mornings cool into the 60s–70s°F. We’ll schedule hikes and more active outings in the mornings and save afternoons for pool time, rest, or shaded activities. Smart timing, hydration, and sun protection make all the difference.
Think comfortable, practical, and sun-ready. You’ll want breathable outdoor clothing, sturdy walking shoes, layers for cooler evenings, sun protection, and a swimsuit. Casual evening clothes are perfect—this is not a fashion show.
I’ll send a detailed packing list closer to the trip so you know exactly what to bring (and what you can leave at home).
Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). It’s the closest and easiest option. Plan to arrive by the afternoon of September 10. I’ll handle airport drop-offs on September 14, and you can book your departure anytime that day.
If you want to arrive early or stay longer, I’m happy to help you plan extra time in Palm Springs or near Joshua Tree National Park.
No. This trip is designed for active but accessible adventure. The hikes are not technical, the biking is relaxed, and the climbing experience is beginner-friendly and fully guided. You should be comfortable walking a few miles and being outside for parts of the day—but this is not an endurance test.
Absolutely. No experience is required. Professional climbing guides will teach us everything we need to know and ensure we’re safe the entire time. This is an introduction to climbing, not a high-pressure or extreme experience.
Yes—and many women do. This trip is designed for solo travelers who want connection without awkwardness. We’ll share meals, experiences, and downtime together, and friendships tend to form quickly when you’re hiking, laughing, and trying new things side by side. Or bring a friend, sister, cousin…
Supportive, curious, adventurous, and low-drama. This is a group of women who want to explore beautiful places, try new things, and enjoy meaningful conversations—without needing to be “on” all the time. There’s space for both connection and quiet moments. I always get the best women on my trips!
Yes—and it’s intentional. Not every moment is scheduled. Pool time, rest, reading, games, and relaxed conversations are built into the itinerary. The goal is to feel energized, not exhausted.
This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 guests plus me. Keeping the group small allows for better logistics, deeper connections, and a more relaxed experience overall.
Desert travel requires flexibility. Weather, heat, or other conditions may cause us to adjust timing or swap activities—but that’s part of the adventure. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed so any adjustments still result in an incredible experience.
Once you register, a 50% deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is due July 1, 2025. Payment plans are available in two installments. Details are provided at registration.
Melynda (Mel) is an avid traveler, travel blogger, content creator, and guide. She has spent nearly two years living abroad, mostly in Europe. She has guided trips throughout the Yellowstone region, Montana, Utah, and California. Joshua Tree NP and the Mojave Desert are some of her favorite places to soak up the sun! Mel writes about travel at TravelingMel.com, YellowstoneTrips.com, and for many freelance outlets.
She lives in the Original Gateway to Yellowstone with her husband, their two teenagers, and a feisty cat.