Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Overview
Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way.
Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie.
This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon.
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.
What's Included
- App & Tour Download
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
- Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
- A Smartphone
- Admission to Attractions
- Transportation
Meeting Location
3440 Del Lago Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92029, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
12450 Highland Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92025, USA
The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Pauma Valley (pass by)
Palomar Observatory
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
East Grade Road
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Santa Ysabel Indian Mission
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Montezuma Valley Road
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Julian
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
- Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
- Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
- Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
- Queen Califia's Has Extremely Limited Hours
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-403897P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.12 out of 5 stars based on 17 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- App & Tour Download.
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days).
- Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data).
- A Smartphone.
- Admission to Attractions.
- Transportation.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- App & Tour Download
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
- Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
- A Smartphone
- Admission to Attractions
- Transportation
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
- Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
- Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
- Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
- Queen Califia's Has Extremely Limited Hours
