The windmills in Palm Springs have become somewhat of an iconic landmark as you enter the Coachella Valley from Los Angeles. You will see thousands of huge windmills along both sides of Interstate 10 driving into the area. These windmills capitalize on the natural wind tunnel from the San Gorgonio Pass which is a gap between Southern California’s two highest mountains. This windmill farm has been in place since 1982 and was one of the first ever in Southern California.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the windmill farm. It is a source of clean energy for much of the surrounding area. You can enjoy some 40th-anniversary special celebrations such as checking out Palm Springs Windmill Tours and their new exhibit on the history of how the farm came to be. This is the only windmill tour in the United States so taking the tour means that you have done an iconic Palm Springs activity that you can’t do anywhere else.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours offers an in-depth tour of the private windmill farm and it is a beloved and popular activity in Palm Springs that the whole family can enjoy. In addition to learning about this massive and long-standing windmill farm, you will also learn about how a wind turbine works and how wind energy is a great way of producing power. You will also learn a bit about the entire history of wind power.

Tour goers will get insight into the San Gorgonio pass and how it is one of the windiest places in the entire country. There are two options to take tours you can either take a personal custom tour through the VIP chartered experience or a self-driving tour in the comfort of your own vehicle. Since this is a private windmill farm much of the area is only accessible through contacting Palm Springs Windmill Tours. You may find it impressive just how large the individual windmill blades are when you get up close.

The VIP charter tour experience

This tour gives guests a behind-the-scenes journey of the windmill farms in the tour company's electric vehicle with a personal tour guide. Guests will begin their experience with a video that introduces the farm and explains how and why wind energy is important and significant in the area.

After the video guests will board a five-passenger covered electric cart and ride around the 100-acre wind farm while their guide explains all about the farm. This tour has a two-person minimum requirement with a maximum of five guests per vehicle. Tours are available from 10 AM to 2 PM and reservations need to be made in advance.

Taking a self-driving tour

Taking the self-driving tour option will go by more quickly and have a larger timeframe. Self-guided tours are available from 9 AM to 2 PM. When you enter the wind farm you will need to check in at the tour center. When you arrive at the center you are welcome to you enjoy the exhibit and the video of the farm. Tour guides are on property to assist anyone taking a self-driving tour.

More: What are the Windy Areas of Palm Springs?

Once you check in you’ll be equipped with setting up audio for your tour as you drive through the farm. With the audio, you will be guided to visit 10 visibly marked spots along the farm. It is encouraged to get out of your vehicle and explore the stops on your own. There are also two additional spots that are great for taking photos above the vista.

This tour can be booked in advance or you can just come out anytime between nine and two. All kids under 12 are free of charge.

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