Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out on our Contact page and we'll help directly.
Trip Details & Planning
What's included in the trip price?
Trip pricing includes guided services and any amenities listed on the specific trip details page. It does not include personal gear, travel to/from the meeting point, or optional add-ons unless otherwise stated.
How physically demanding is the trip?
Most CP Guided Adventures trips involve moderate walking on uneven, sandy, or rocky desert terrain. Guests should be comfortable being on their feet for several hours at a time, carrying a small daypack, and spending extended time outdoors in sun and heat. Specific difficulty details, elevation changes, and distance estimates are listed on each individual trip page so you can choose the experience that best matches your fitness level.
How many people are in a group?
Group sizes are limited to ensure a quality, small-group experience and may vary by trip. Currently, for the Mojave Desert, we can bring up to 7 customers.
Do you offer private or group bookings?
Yes. CP Guided Adventures offers both private and custom group bookings for families, friends, and organizations. Reach out with your preferred dates, group size, and any special requests, and we’ll follow up with options and pricing.
Do you provide transportation to the meeting point?
Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the designated meeting point, Upland, CA. After you book, your confirmation email will include the exact meeting location, driving directions, and recommended arrival time.
Weather & Safety
What's the weather like / best time to go?
The Mojave Desert has extreme seasonal swings. Fall through spring (October–April) typically offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures, with cooler nights that are ideal for camping. Summer months regularly exceed 100°F and are not recommended for camping or strenuous hiking. We will send an email with a link to the weather a week before we go.
What happens if it rains or conditions are unsafe?
Guest safety is our top priority. Trips may be modified, rescheduled, or cancelled at the guide’s discretion due to extreme heat, storms, flash flood risk, high winds, or other unsafe conditions. If we need to adjust your itinerary, we’ll notify you as early as possible and review your options based on our Policies.
Is cell service available?
Cell service is limited or unavailable in many areas of the Mojave Desert - there are a couple of locations, but expect no service for the most part.
How do I know it will be safe?
Safety is our number one priority. Our team coordinates with Mojave NPS ahead of time so they are aware of when we're there. We bring vehicle recovery gear, a satellite phone, and a first-aid kit. Our expert guides are CPR-certified and Corey fixes cars and boats for fun.
What wildlife/plants might we see?
Depending on the season and route, guests may encounter desert bighorn sheep, kit foxes, roadrunners, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, Joshua trees, cholla and barrel cacti, and many other desert plants and animals.
Policies & Booking
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Our refund and cancellation policy is based on how far in advance you cancel your trip. In general, there is no refund within 2 weeks of the trip date, a 100% credit toward a future trip or a 75% refund for cancellations made 2–4 weeks in advance, and a full refund for cancellations made 4 or more weeks in advance or within 24 hours of booking.
How do I make a refund / what is the refund process?
Please reach out to us via Contact Us. From there, select "Cancellation / Refund Request". We will review and manually issue the refund!
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. All guests are required to read and sign a liability waiver before participating in any CP Guided Adventures trip. Guests under 18 must have a waiver signed on their behalf by a parent or legal guardian.
Is there an age requirement / can kids come?
Guests under 18 are welcome on select trips but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and have a waiver signed on their behalf. Some itineraries have minimum age or fitness recommendations due to distance, terrain, or overnight conditions.
Are pets allowed?
To protect local wildlife, fragile desert ecosystems, and the comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted on CP Guided Adventures trips unless explicitly stated otherwise on a specific trip listing.
What to Expect
What should I bring / pack?
The essentials are listed under the 'Trip Details' tab. The packing list will be provided again by email before your trip.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
We recommend closed-toed shoes for both the lava tubes and hiking the dunes. The sand could also get quite hot, so shoes will help.
What is the shower/restroom situation?
There are restrooms at Kelso Depot and pit toilets at Kelso Dunes (our camping spot). Both locations have toilet paper.
There are no showers. Some people like to bring sanitary wipes.
Still have questions?