Palm Springs Windmill Tours

If you’re seeking an experience that offers more than just sun-soaked landscapes and celebrity sightings in Palm Springs, then the Palm Springs Windmill Tours might just surprise you. This self-guided adventure takes you through the evolution of wind turbines on a private wind farm, blending education, nature, and a touch of engineering curiosity. It’s a different kind of sightseeing—less glitz, more greases and gears—designed for those who enjoy a mix of learning and authentic exploration.

What we love most about this tour is how accessible and flexible it is. You get to steer your own vehicle through the winding roads of the Coachella Valley, pausing whenever something piques your interest. Plus, the audio guide, curated by an industry expert, enriches each stop with insightful commentary. Another highlight is the behind-the-fence access to real turbines—giving you a close-up view that’s usually reserved for workers or insiders. The only potential downside? The price might seem a tad steep for some, especially if you’re traveling solo or with kids under 12. Still, for those interested in renewable energy or looking for a unique activity, this tour hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers who love learning on the go, have a curiosity about sustainable energy, or simply want a break from Palm Springs’ more typical attractions. It’s especially ideal for families, eco-enthusiasts, or anyone keen on understanding how wind power shapes our future.

Key Points

• Self-driving tour provides flexibility to explore at your own pace
• Curated audio guide enhances the experience with expert insights
• Behind-the-fence access offers a rare close-up of operational turbines
• Educational focus appeals to curious travelers and families
• Cost reflects a private, personalized experience, with added value in learning
• Tours are booked on average 8 days in advance, so plan ahead

What the Tour Offers: A Closer Look

The Palm Springs Windmill Tours are designed as a private, self-guided adventure that breaks away from the usual Palm Springs fare. It’s curated by Tom Spiglanin, who guides you through the history and technology of wind turbines on a route that covers the first commercial wind farm in the United States. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour but can extend up to 30 minutes longer depending on how much time you spend at each stop.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: The Display Yard of Non-Operational Wind Turbines
Your journey begins at a yard showcasing both successes and failures of wind turbines. These are not just run-of-the-mill static displays; they tell a story of experimentation and progress. The visual contrast between old, non-working turbines and modern ones helps you see how far this renewable industry has come. One reviewer noted, “Read about them in the news. Exciting to learn more about their evolution & see them up close.” Here, you start to understand the technological advances that have made wind a viable energy source.

Stop 2: Up-Close Look at a Generating Wind Turbine
Next, you’ll get a chance to exit your vehicle and walk around a real, functioning turbine—just like a wind farm worker. This stop provides clarity on how these giant blades generate electricity, which many travelers find surprisingly straightforward once explained. It’s a rare behind-the-fence access that adds a tangible element to the educational experience. As one visitor shared, “Learned more about the turbines and was able to take some pictures from up close.” The ability to get close and snap photos is a highlight, especially for those who love capturing engineering marvels.

Stop 3: The Old Enron Machines
The tour culminates with a visit to the old Enron machinery. Though the review mentions it briefly, it offers insight into the historical context of energy infrastructure. Exiting onto 19th Avenue to Indian Canyon Road, you’ll leave more knowledgeable about the role turbines play in our energy landscape—and the history behind them. Several guests appreciated the presentation at this part, describing it as “very informative and fun to see wind turbines up close.”

The Audio Guide and App

The curated app is a significant part of this experience. It offers commentary at each stop, making sure you understand what you’re seeing without feeling hurried. The app is easy to navigate, and most travelers find it adds a lot of value—”Good experience,” as one reviewer put it. The narration blends technical details with accessible language, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.

The Experience on Your Terms

One of the biggest advantages here is flexibility. You don’t need to join a large group or stick to a strict schedule. Instead, you drive your own vehicle, stopping when you want, learning at your own pace. This personalization is why many guests feel like they’re having a private, curated experience. A visitor commented, “We were able to enjoy the tour at our own pace and felt very knowledgeable afterward.”

The tour lasts about 1 hour but can be longer if you linger at each stop. The short duration makes it a practical addition to a day of Palm Springs sightseeing, especially if you’re interested in sustainable energy or want a break from the usual sightseeing routines.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $59.99 per group, up to two people, you’re paying for a private experience that includes the audio program and the mobile app. This fee is quite reasonable considering the personalized nature of the tour and the behind-the-fence access. Kids under 12 are free, making it family-friendly. Extra adults cost an additional $10, which still keeps it fairly affordable for a unique experience.

Note: The tour is booked about 8 days in advance on average, so planning ahead ensures availability. The experience is canceled free of charge if weather turns poor, which is important in this desert climate where wind conditions can vary.

The Reviews: What Others Say

The feedback from past travelers is overwhelmingly positive. Many describe it as “educational, interesting, and fun.” One guest even exclaimed, “Blew us away,” especially on a gusty day when wind added to the experience. Several reviewers compliment the knowledgeable guides and the good value for money. Guests also appreciate the ability to learn about wind power—a topic many admitted they knew little about before the tour.

However, there’s some criticism about the price, with a reviewer claiming it’s “way too high,” despite being a renewable energy supporter. Still, most balance this by noting the tour’s personalized nature and the opportunity to see turbines from a close perspective.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This self-driving windmill experience in Palm Springs is perfect for travelers who want to add a meaningful, educational activity to their trip. It suits those with a curious mind, an interest in renewable energy, or families looking for a fun, informative outing. If you enjoy hands-on learning and don’t mind a bit of driving, you’ll likely find this tour a worthwhile investment.

It’s especially valuable for visitors who appreciate expert-guided commentary presented in an accessible way. The behind-the-scenes access and the chance to see actual turbines up close are unique perks not always available in standard tours. If you’re considering this experience, booking a few days in advance is recommended, and be prepared for a flexible, self-paced journey that’s both fun and enlightening.

While the price might be a consideration, the personal, behind-the-fence access and educational benefits make it a notable value for those interested in how wind energy works—and why it matters for our planet. This tour offers a genuine peek into the world of renewable energy, making it a memorable part of any Palm Springs itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a guided tour? No, it’s a self-driving tour. You use a curated app to guide yourself along the route, with audio commentary at each stop.

How many people can participate? The price covers 2 adults in one vehicle. Additional adults cost $10 each, children under 12 are free.

What’s included in the price? The tour fee includes the audio program, access to the mobile app, and behind-the-fence visits at key stops.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 1 hour, but you can spend more time at each stop depending on your interests.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, kids under 12 are free, and the educational nature makes it suitable for families.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, most bookings are made about 8 days ahead, and the tour can be canceled for free if weather conditions are poor.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for walking around turbines, water, and a camera for photos.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, cancellations are free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, especially important in wind-dependent conditions.

Whether you’re a renewable energy enthusiast, a tech junkie, or just curious about what those huge wind turbines do outside your favorite desert getaway, Palm Springs Windmill Tours offers a memorable, educational experience that’s worth considering. It’s a smart way to get close-up insights, enjoy some desert air, and feel a bit more connected to the future of energy.