palm springs wind turbine tours

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

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Palm Springs Windmill Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Palm Springs Windmills

Palm Springs Windmills Adjacent to Highway 111 and the I-10 Freeway just northwest of Palm Springs Tour The Palm Springs Windmills!

Immortalized in the helicopter chase in the movie Mission Impossible III starring Tom Cruise, the Palm Springs windmills are an increasingly popular alternative source of energy. Wind turbine generators are a type of windmill that produces electricity by harnessing the wind. They require average wind speeds of at least 21 km/h (13 mph). The largest of these windmills stands 328 feet tall with blades half the length of an American football field (150 feet). The compartments at the top containing the generator, hub and gearbox weigh 30,000 to 45,000 pounds.

The North Wind 250 is an advanced technology, 250 kW wind turbine developed by the New World Power Technology Company under the DOE Wind Turbine Development Program. The two-bladed, upwind turbine uses aircraft-style aileron controls that deploy in high winds to smooth out energy spikes.

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Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Review Highlights

“ We started the tour with a complimentary bottle of water and stopped at the windmill market for a date shake ... ” in 21 reviews

“ Randy was incredibly helpful in answering all of my questions over the phone when I was considering booking. ” in 17 reviews

“ They have done a great job transitioning from a in-person experience to a COVID friendly activity for all ages! ” in 7 reviews

Location & Hours

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62950 20th Ave

Palm Springs, CA 92258

Serving Palm Springs Area

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

The Palm Springs Windmill Tour is a top attraction for friends and family and to learn about wind energy. You know you've arrived in Greater Palm Springs once you see the iconic wind turbines. Now you can tour the first operating wind farm in Southern California. The Palm Springs Windmill Tours take you on a journey in which you will learn about wind energy, how wind turbines work and the history of the wind farm. Not only will you be able to get up close to real operating wind turbines over 400 feet high, you will quickly become a wind energy hack. Whether you take our self-driving tour or a guided golf cart tour, our expert guides will easily be able to describe the inner workings of wind turbines and how it contributes to our energy grid. From the novice tour participant to engineers-types, everyone will be able to leave the tour with a better understanding of how this renewable energy is fast becoming part of our energy solution. Guests will be able to get up close to real operating wind turbines over 400 feet high and our expert guides will easily be able to describe the inner workings of wind turbines and how they contribute to our energy grid. Meeting Location: 62950 20th Avenue, Palm Springs, CA Interstate 10 at Indian Canyon exit (Palm Springs, CA) …

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Does this tour accommodate wheelchairs? And do they have a lift to get in the van?

I did not see a lift to get into the van, and the paths were all gravel and dirt that would be hard to push a wheelchair on.

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Overall rating

119 reviews

***This review is for the viewing of the windmills from the 10 Fwy only*** Over this past weekend, my eldest daughter and I took a self drive-through tour of the Palm Springs windmill from the 10 Fwy. Every time I drive to the Palm Springs area, I am just amazed by the massive size of the windmills and the beautiful panoramic view of them from a far. I was thinking how long does it take to build one of them windmills and for that many windmills to exist, it must have taken them years to get them all in place. Maybe one of these days, I will take the opportunity to participate in one of the actual tours to get a history of the windmills. For the time being, thank you for the showcase of the windmills for our viewing during our drive to and from Palm Springs area.

See all photos from Linh Y. for Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Really interesting tour. We did the guided one ut I heard the self guided is much better.

We took the older version of this tour in 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Well, it's better now. Tom Spiglanin, the director of education at Palm Springs Windmill Tours, had created a much more evolved and thorough program. He was super communicative and helpful from booking, on the day of our tour booking before we even arrived, and of course throughout our tour. Such amazing, personal service from start to finish. He loves what he does and has a passion for the wind farm and technology. Even if I was only mildly interested in wind power, this would have been a great tour. But I have great interest and curiosity about the subject, and the Palm Springs farm in particular. So Tom's love and deep knowledge made the whole experience just the best for me. I'd do this tour again for sure.

One of my favorite tours and attractions in Palm Springs! I've driven by the windmills for years, and always wanted to know more and get close to them. Well, that's what this tour is all about. It's extremely personal, the guide is super friendly and knows a lot about the history of windmills in the valley, and knows what is happening today and into the future. It got me so excited about the future of wind and solar power. Plus you get to touch and get up real close and personal with these giant behemoths that soar above you like gentle giants. Just do it!

Paying for a self driving tour, that you can see for free from the highway, is CRAZY. These massive turbines are truly something great to admire, but no need to have to pay, the interstate view is fine with me.

Windmill T.

Business Owner

Dec 7, 2023

Yes Jolanta - Great views all around...but what did your learn by ust driving by?

And now for something completely different! I never would have guessed I'd be bouncing around a Palm Springs wind farm in a plush golf cart listening to the soft whoosh-whoosh of 200 foot long turbine blades, yet, there I was, and whoosh they did. But more than that , I got a whole rundown on the history and legacy of the windmills that have dotted this area outside of Palm Springs since the late 1970's. Our guide Amir really knew his stuff and learning about this really interesting technology was fascinating for me. Ok, so if you have absolutely no interest in technology or engineering this might not be the thing for you. But if you do like this kind thing it's a great hour and a half of wind technology mixed with regional history and fun conversations:-).

See all photos from Tony M. for Palm Springs Windmill Tours

We signed up for a tour with Tom on our way back from a trip to Palm Springs, and we had a blast! (Clever wind pun entirely unintentional...) My engineering and physics-minded companions loved talking about gears and fail-safes, and I enjoyed trying to think of ways around the apparently dozens of failure points that can allow these behemoths to shake themselves to pieces, with or without shrapnel -- who doesn't enjoy hearing about expensive stuff failing spectacularly because the smarty-pants engineers didn't think of one or two little things? We talked about the old days of windsurfing at the percolation ponds and what environmental conditions you need for a successful wind farm (besides the obvious requirement for not too much and not too little wind). Educational, as hands on as you want to be with the non-operational stuff, outside in the fresh air -- thumbs up all around. What you can see as you drive past tells you nothing about the history, operations, and politics around these giants. Highly recommend for engineers, potential future engineers, and climate activists.

One giant wind turbine, three tiny little people in front

Very interesting tour for everyone in our family, including our 2 teenagers! We saw and learned a lot in a short period of time. The guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Really great experience!

After years of driving through the area and admiring the windmills, we finally asked ourselves "can you tour the area?" and discovered, yes you can! We did the self driving tour which was priced at $50 for the car. We got a timed ticket ahead of time and found the spot where you check in easily with GPS. Upon arrival the folks working were really nice and explained the route to us and provided us with a paper map. Inside the place where you check in, they have some information and photos on the walls, as well as a 15 minute informative video to kick off your tour. Then you get back into your car and start your drive! They have an app you download which provides some light audio commentary for each numbered stop. There are ten official stops on the tour which give you a decent background on the history of the windmills and energy in general. We completed the tour in about 45 minutes, which included the time we got out of the car to take photos at a couple of stops. Overall, we were glad that we came and enjoyed our tour. That said, $50 is a bit pricey for the ten stops and the audio commentary was interesting but not super in depth. If you're really interested in the windmills and want to get up close, then I'd recommend checking it out. If you don't care about the details and are just looking to kill time, I'm not sure this would be the best value for you.

What a hidden treasure that's in plain sight! Palm Springs Windmill Tours is information made interesting and meaningful. Our guide, Rich, was superb. No question was unreasonable, all were answered well and he had a personal and professional interest in wind generated power. Follow your GPS, it is off the beaten path, but on all asphalt roads. While the outside of the green building is plain, the inside has all the amenities. The displays are very interesting and the staff are very educated. I've been driving by the windmill farms (there are many various parcels and owners) for decades. But over these years I have failed to appreciate the change in technologies and the evolution of power - history in the making before my eyes. All of this is explained by our tour guide. It was also fascinating to hear and see the mitigation of the windmill technology. (As you can see in my pic, we stood directly under a windmill going about 75% of full power, and it was barely audible.) This was a far better experience than what I was expecting to see and learn, up close, regarding wind power. I'd recommend all to visit this location - you can't learn it all from Google!

A lot of windmills

Tall windmills, windy hair

Great tour. I loved being able to learn so much about wind power in general. This is the only wind farm that has tours. San Gorgonio pass has the most wind coming through in all of the US. The tour was casual & informative. It started with a 15 minute video that talks about the history but also shows you up inside the base with a maintenance team. Then the guide took us out on a shaded golf cart to point out parts of the farm and history of the turbines. We felt it was worth the $50 per person.

See all photos from Kathy M. for Palm Springs Windmill Tours

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WINDMILL TOUR

The most comprehensive wind/solar/energy tour available anywhere.

Adults 18+ - $45

Seniors 65+ - $40

Ages 13-17 - $20

Ages 12 and under - $15

Tour lasts approx. 2 hours

REQUIREMENTS

Advance purchase required

Palm Springs Windmill Tours is the longest continuously operating windmill tour business in the world. Our expert guide will answer your questions and provide interesting background on the subject. You will get an introduction to the weather and geology of the area, learn why windmills were built in California, and why the wind blows the way it does in this mountain pass. Your guide will even tell you how some of the native plants were used by the local Cahuilla Indians.

You'll be stopping at some of the projects where you will get information about the windmills themselves, how big they are, how they work, and the unique features of the different designs and models of windmills. Your last stop will be a power plant in the desert where you will learn about the economics and politics of wind energy in California, the United States, and around the world. We offer the most comprehensive tour of the windmills in America today. Windmill technology is worldwide and a very ancient source of natural power. Your history classes at school covered them from grinding mills to water power and how to harness the wind for electricity.

The San Gorgonio Wind Park is a mature project boasting four generations of technology and over two dozen types of turbines in operation. Learn how President Obama and the Department of Energy plan to derive 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030 from America's vast wind resources. Is the T. Boone Pickens plan practical? What are other countries doing about wind power?

Your expert guide will discuss a host of environmental issues such as bird strikes, bat kills, noise, shadow flicker, land use, and more. The economics of wind is explored along with the Production Tax Credit and Renewable Portfolio Standards. Federal energy policies can be a moving target, so what does the future promise ahead?

Jobs...both direct and indirect are a critical aspect of a green economy. How does the supply chain affect jobs? What happens to older turbines no longer used and useful? What about offshore technology?

Come be a part of America's green energy future. See firsthand what all the buzz is about. You have questions...our expert guides have some answers. Come let us blow you away! This tour is approximately 2 hours.

Views from our Windmill Tour

Ready to see the most Comprehensive Wind/Solar/Energy Tour available?

Purchase tickets online or call (760) 320-1365, best of the best tours.

The Best Of The Best Tours is Southern California's premier entertainment and informational tour service. Our tours have been voted among the 100 best tours in the world!

While based in the beautiful Coachella Valley, people visiting and living in Southern California journey to our area to take our tours. The tours are fascinating and educational. They offer photo opportunities galore. We can accommodate groups and conventions with advance notice and reservations, regardless of group size or age of participants.

Tour in the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle.

Meet & Greet and Transportation

Let us show you and your clients that we are the most dependable arrival/departure team! We have a team that is Professional, Courteous & Eager to Serve.

Whatever your Transportation needs, BIG or small while visiting here in the Greater Palm Springs Area can be arranged through us.

Special Events

View our current special events! There is always something fun to do in the beautiful Coachella Valley.

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The Best Of The Best Tours is available for group of 10 people or more, perfect for larger events or conventions.

Please contact them directly to arrange a custom tour for your group. They do not offer individual tickets to join a tour.

Indian Canyons

First stop, Andreas Canyon, the second largest palm oasis in North America where you will take an approximate 30-minute nature walk. The tour is filled with information on plants, animals, native lore, and history.

Next stop, Palm Canyon, home to over 3,000 native palms, forming an incredible canopy with breathtaking vistas of the oasis and valley below. At the trading post, you can purchase that special souvenir and snacks.

Learn how the native people, our own Cahuilla Indians, thrived on the desert floor for many hundreds of years. Visit a “kish” and “ramada” to learn how early housing was possible in a natural palm oasis. Be intrigued, standing atop a massive “metate” where mothers and daughters worked side by side to prepare family meals.

Rich & Famous Tour

Learn history and facts about the playground of the Hollywood stars. Your entertaining guide will regale you with stories and play a fun game of “Guess The Stars Homes.” This area is comprised of all custom homes and boast an amazing collection of fascinating architecture including the popular midcentury modern homes.

Elvis Presley not only honeymooned here but also owned a lovely estate where he and his “posse” could enjoy the warm and dry desert weather. Frank Sinatra built “Twin Palms” and is buried locally. Dean Martin, Liz Taylor, Dinah Shore, Liberace, Ronald Reagan, Frederick Lowe, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Alan Ladd, Debbie Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe…and dozens more came to bask in the warm sun and soak in the free and easy desert life style.

Windmill Best of the Best Tour

When driving into the beautiful Coachella valley, one of the most striking sights you will see is the vast array of wind turbines that sprout from the desert floor. The words “wind turbine” have evolved into what the locals call windmills. Undoubtedly, that view will pique your curiosity.

Their expert guide will answer your questions and provide interesting background on the subject. You will get an introduction to the weather and geology of the area, learn why windmills were built in California, and why the wind blows the way it does in this mountain pass.

You’ll be stopping at some of the projects where you will get information about the windmills themselves, how big they are, how they work, and the unique features of the different designs and models of windmills. Your last stop will be a power plant in the desert where you will learn about the economics and politics of wind energy in California and around the world.

Modernism 101 Tour

Come join us on the fun and fascinating tour of the midcentury modern design, architecture and the culture in Palm Springs.

Catch glimpses of the iconic Albert Frey-designed Tramway Gas Station, Richard Nertra’s 1946 Kaufmann Desert House and the mass-produced but stunning alexander homes. They will take you through the city’s diverse neighborhoods and see the many treasures and tell all the fascinating history of Palm Springs. You will see homes by noted architects, celebrity homes, film locations, preserved commercial buildings and public architecture.

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How Wind Turbines Work

How do wind turbines really work.

Wind turbines work on a simple principle: instead of using electricity to make wind—like a fan—wind turbines use wind to make electricity. Wind turns the propeller-like blades of a turbine around a rotor, which spins a generator, which creates electricity.

Wind is a form of renewable energy caused by a combination of three concurrent events:

• The sun unevenly heating the atmosphere
• Irregularities of the earth’s surface
• The rotation of the earth.

Wind flow patterns and speeds vary greatly across the United States and are modified by bodies of water, vegetation, and differences in terrain. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even generating electricity.

The terms “wind energy” and “wind power” both describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades, which work like an airplane wing or helicopter rotor blade. When wind flows across the blade, the air pressure on one side of the blade decreases. The difference in air pressure across the two sides of the blade creates both lift and drag. The force of the lift is stronger than the drag and this causes the rotor to spin. The rotor connects to the generator, either directly (if it’s a direct drive turbine) or through a shaft and a series of gears (a gearbox) that speed up the rotation and allow for a physically smaller generator. This translation of aerodynamic force to rotation of a generator creates electricity.

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