What’s a girl to do when her mom pioneers the first Jeep tour company in the Coachella Valley, grows it into the biggest and best in the region, and then says, “I’m retiring”?
For Kimberly Renee, the answer was clear: follow in her legendary mother’s tire tracks—red Jeep tire tracks, to be exact.
“It’s a fabulous company,” Kimberly beams when speaking of Desert Adventures, also known widely as Red Jeep Tours. Founded by her mother, Mary Dungans, the business has become a hallmark of outdoor adventure in Palm Springs. As of January 2019, Kimberly and her husband, Boo Nilsson, are the proud owners and operators of the company. (Yes, Boo is his real name. It’s Swedish—and surprisingly common in Sweden, Kimberly assures.)
From Visionary Roots to Red Jeep Legacy
Back in 1985, Mary was in Palm Springs on a meeting planner FAM trip when inspiration struck. While working in sales at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, she took a Jeep tour in Sedona and immediately saw the potential: Why not offer guided Jeep tours here in the California desert?
By 1987, Mary and her husband, Charlie Dungans, launched Desert Adventures with just one red, three-seat Jeep. Mary’s sales savvy and Charlie’s knack for building immersive experiences quickly set them apart.
Their daughter, Kimberly, who helped out in the early days, would later carve her own path—earning a Ph.D. in social psychology and living in Santa Barbara—before returning to the desert to continue the family legacy with Boo, a tech CEO turned tour operator.
Why Desert Adventures is Still #1 in Palm Springs Outdoor Activities
More than three decades later, Desert Adventures is consistently ranked the top outdoor activity in Greater Palm Springs, and for good reason. The company offers exclusive Jeep tours to the San Andreas Fault, guided hikes, stargazing experiences, and custom group events, including corporate retreats, weddings, and even Hollywood shoots—Top Chef and Victoria’s Secret among them.
Unique Desert Experience No. 1: Private Access to Metate Ranch
Desert Adventures is the only tour company with exclusive access to Metate Ranch, an 800-acre private preserve located directly on the San Andreas Fault. This dramatic landscape is filled with slot canyons, ancient palm oases, fossil beds, and jaw-dropping geology.
“When you walk through the narrow canyons, you’re literally standing on the seam where the Pacific and North American tectonic plates collide,” Kimberly explains. “It’s a surreal, otherworldly experience that you simply can’t find anywhere else.”
Unique Desert Experience No. 2: A Fleet of Classic Jeep Scramblers
Forget cookie-cutter Jeeps. Desert Adventures boasts the largest fleet of vintage Jeep Scrambler CJ8s in the world—15 in total—each seating up to seven guests. These rugged yet iconic vehicles, built between 1978 and 1984, are a major draw for Jeep enthusiasts.
“Mom picked the Jeeps,” says Kimberly. “She had an eye for what would leave a lasting impression.”
Unique Desert Experience No. 3: Signature Red Jeeps
Why red? “Because pink was taken,” Kimberly jokes, referring to the well-known Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona. But there’s more to the color choice. Red pops in the desert landscape, is easy to spot in photos, and has become a branding masterstroke.
“People remember the red Jeeps. That’s why so many people know us simply as Red Jeep Tours,” she says.
Guided by Passion and Experience
One of the biggest differentiators? The exceptional team of guides that leads every tour.
“Our guides are the heart and soul of Desert Adventures,” Kimberly shares. “Many of them have been with us for 20 years or more. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their knowledge is unmatched.”
All guides must pass an eight-week training program that includes testing, independent study, and on-the-job evaluations. Beyond knowing the geology, history, flora, fauna, and Cahuilla culture, they must also be charismatic storytellers.
“Our guests constantly say, ‘I’ve learned more in three hours on this tour than in 30 years of living here.’”
A Family Business That Keeps Growing
While Mary and Charlie have “retired” to Maui, they’re still involved. Mary handles group sales and helps maintain an impressive 80% repeat booking rate for group tours—a testament to the company’s commitment to quality.
Back in the desert, Kimberly and Boo are steering the company into its next exciting chapter, staying true to the values her mother instilled: innovation, education, and genuine hospitality.
“I’m so proud to continue what my mom started,” Kimberly says. “The desert has so many secrets, and sharing them with others is a privilege.”
Plan Your Own Red Jeep Adventure
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, Desert Adventures offers a new perspective on the Coachella Valley’s incredible landscapes. Popular options include:
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🌍 San Andreas Fault “Bones of the Earth” Jeep Tour
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🏜️ Palm Springs Indian Canyons Tour
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🌄 Mecca Hills Painted Canyon Hike
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🌌 Stargazing Experience at Metate Ranch
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🌴 Joshua Tree National Park Jeep & Hiking Tours
Private group experiences, corporate team-building, and customized events are also available.
Book Your Tour Today
Ready to explore the best of Palm Springs’ natural beauty? Visit www.red-jeep.com or call (760) 324-5337 to reserve your seat in a red Jeep today!
