Anza Borrego Desert
5 Days / 4 Nights / 452 miles / 727 km
We’re gonna kick up some age-old dust as we trundle across the dry open vistas of the desert. Vintage Surfari Wagons’ expedition guide Happy Harrigan will identify local flora and fauna as we reveal the arid land's most spectacular natural formations such as Slot Canyon in Anza Borrego and the third-largest palm oasis in California tucked away in a rocky V-shaped gorge.
Additional points of interest on this nostalgic VDub adventure and ready for your exploration are the metal sculptures of Ricardo Breceda at Galleta Meadows and Leonard Knight's Salvation Mountain - a brilliant "outsider art " masterpiece!
Get ready to capture some of your own keepsake images. If we’re lucky we may glimpse a bighorn sheep (Borrego) or two!
Bring your appetites and your thirst cause we're gonna be serving up some ding dang fancy camp vittles and libations.
DAY 1:: Julien [Apple Pie] [Sightseeing] [Craft Beef Flight], Great Overland Stage Route
DAY 2 & 3 :: Anza Borrego [Slot Canyon Hike] [Palm Canyon Trail] [Sculptures of Ricardo Breceda]
DAY 4 :: Salvation Mountain, Slab City [Sightseeing], Lake Cahuilla
DAY 5 :: Palms to Pines Highway, Costa Mesa
JOURNEY DETAILS
WHEN: Your adventure embarks from Vintage Surfari Wagons in Costa Mesa, CA on the morning of Thursday, April 7th and will be returning from Lake Hemit late afternoon, Monday, April 11th.
COST:
• Single Occupancy: $1800 USD
• Double Occupancy: $1200 USD (per person)
• Extra Travelers (up to 2 per bus): $80 USD (per person per day)
• Tag-along Buses: $800 USD (+$80 USD/day for each additional traveler)
• Kids 10 Years And Younger Travel Free
taxes and auto insurance not included
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Provided in the cost is a 5 day rental of a classic VW Campmobile, bedding pack, down duvet, propane heater, camp chairs, kitchen galley kit, firewood, camp fees, 2 impressive evening meals, 2 robust breakfasts, campfire goodies, and a smattering of signature cocktails, all lovingly fabricated by our VSW crew. Oh and of course, your very own bus whisperer Vintage Bill. He'll be more than happy to answer any and all VDub queries, but most importantly he'll keep us all rolling on down the road.
MEALTIMES/PROVISIONS: Menus will reflect a healthy California cuisine.
A communal grill and camp kitchen will be available for all bus participants to use while we are on the road. In addition, all of our vans have on board galley style kitchens and are fully stocked with all the gear you’ll need to cook and eat with.
We'll make stops strategically along our route so that everyone can purchase personal provisions.
Spontaneously we tend to gather together for restaurant meals along our route. These meals are voluntary and not included so please be prepared to reimburse if a group check is tabulated.
OPTIONS: If you'd like to add more nights to your journey either at the beginning or at the end please ask, or if you have your own bus and want to join in let us know. We aim to please and nothing is out of the question.
MOVING FORWARD:
Deposit to hold a reservation is 50% of the tour cost
Balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior to the departure date
CANCELLATIONS:
More than 60 days from tour departure date: 50% of Deposit
Less than 60 days from tour departure date: 100% of Tour Cost
If we can fill your space cancelled prior to more than 30 days before the trip departure date a full refund will be given minus a $250 handling fee. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain medical/trip insurance.
In the case of a natural disaster we will transfer your deposit or entire tour cost to a voucher for future travel. The voucher can be used for self drive or group tour bookings.
CONTACT US: Speak to one of our guides first. Send us an email and we will schedule a phone call.
Photo Credit | Eric Fallecker
NEAREST AIRPORT: John Wayne International Airport (SNA) is only 15 minutes away from VSW headquarters in Costa Mesa! If you'd rather land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you'll be about 50 minutes away (depending on traffic). There are several shuttle options from both airports, including Uber and Lyft. Please check with us and we can recommend the best option.
NEEDED: VW freaks n' fanciers like YOU!
Your personal camp tour guide Mr. Happy Harrigan.