Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs

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This was an experience I will never forget and I know my family will remember it fondly. This tram is the world's largest rotating tramcar and you will some awesome sights while it takes you to the top following along sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. I kid you not at one point it is practically taking you all the way up a side of a cliff. I hate heights, but I knew my family would enjoy this.

They have various parking lots along the road up to the main area, because the parking areas are small due to being in a canyon. So we parked in the nearest, but hopped on the bus that took us to the main building. Here we purchased our ticket and waited till our time slot for our tram.

They have you board in a separate room. We boarded and I was thankful they had all the windows ajar to catch fresh air. We started our 10-minute ride starting at 2,643 ft. from the Valley Station and it rises to the Mountain Station at 8,516 ft. Ok, I was not all that happy but everyone assured me it will be ok, but I did it and I am proud of it.

I will tell you and the conductor does warn everyone it will “swing some” when you pass the towers…ok..wow…did not like that….LOL..one bit:)! Yet, once on top I was given a breath taking view of the whole Coachella Valley. It was well worth the trip and I will say when we left, going down was A-OK.

Once on top, you have some wonderful viewing areas, dining facilities, mini nature museum, gift shop, camping, guided tours and awesome hiking trails. During winter you can cross-country ski, and snowshoe.

Recorded information: 760-325-1391

9:45 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m weekends and holidays. Cars depart at least every half hour. Last car.

A trip to the Aerial tramway is a must. This photo shows the cables that climb on top of the mountain. As you can see, while the bottom of the tramway, in the valley is at the warm temperature of Palm Springs, the top, at 2555m (8516 ft) has snow remaining in April

We had intended on making the trip from the base of the mountain up 5000+ feet to the top but we were in Palm Springs during a freak Sprintime rain storm which clouded the entire route up to the mountain. The tram is the worlds largest rotating tramway that offers visitors spectacular views of the Palm Springs and the desert valley below. The top of the mountain in covered in pine forrest & jagged rocks with hiking trails that take you over mountain streams & thru wooded trails.

Weather at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram (elevation 8,516')

Tickets
-Adults: $20.80
-Children $13.80 (ages 3-12)
-Seniors $18.80 (60+)
-Annual Pass $120.00 (adults) $ 90.00 (children)

From the top, where the Aerial tramway brings you, the view on the whole valley is almost a bird's eye view. In the background of the valley, if you enlarge the photo, you can see a thin line that corresponds to the famous San Jacinto fault.

As this picture was taken in 1980, I expect that there are now even more houses than there were at that time. On top of the aerial tramway, even in full summer, the temperature can be low, due to the elevation. Always take care and clothe enough !

My favorite things to do is to head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a truly breathtaking view of the entire Coachella Valley. You get to the top with what is claimed to be the largest rotating trams in the world. From the base station at 2, 543 feet to the mountain station at 8,516 feet, the journey is an experience in itself. The journey takes about 12 minutes but it is worth it. Cost $20 per adult. You discover a big contrast between the desert and the top where temperature can change by more than 30 deg F or 15 deg C. In Winter the mountain is covered in snow. In the mountain there are hiking trails with tall pine and fir trees. I met people from around the world on the trails.

The view towards the Valley shows the 3000 wind mills used for generating electricity, the San Andreas Fault and, of course Palms Springs and other localities. Highly recommeded if you are visiting the area

The world's largest roatating tram ride starts from at an elevation of 2,643 feet to the 8,516 feet high up on Mt. St. Jacinto. It only takes 11 minutes! You can try some recreational activities like hiking and snowshoeing at the top. Even if you don't have time to do so, the ride itself is worth trying. Enjoy the view and the diversities of wilderness.

You'd better go there early in the morning to avoid lining up.

This cable car takes you from Palm Springs valley floor to the top of Mt San Jacinto. Along the way are great views and a chance to escape the heat at the top of the mountain. When I left Palm Springs it was 90 at the top it was 50F.

The Mount San Jacinto State Park at the end of the TramWay ride is a wonderful place to take a walk and enjoy fresh air and interesting and beautiful scenery. We took a short hike (The Desert View Trail) to a point from which we could see the desert below as well as the famous windmill farm. The 1.5 mile hike was just enough for us to build up a good appetite and the outdoor grilled burgers at the Top of the Tram Restaurant were delicious.

Tram schedule:
Cars depart at least every half hour from 10 a.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. weekends and holiday periods. Last car up is 8 p.m. with the last car down at 9:45 p.m.
Tram Prices:
Adults $21.00
Children $14.00 (ages 3-12)
Seniors $19.00 (60+)

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Whether you're adventurous or not, this is one of the main must dos in Palm Springs. We rode lots of tramways, but this one is unique while it's the world's largest rotating tram car. The ride, from 2,643 feet to the 8,516 foot high mountain station takes 10 minutes.
At full speed, you'll see the nature changing from desert to Alpine wilderness... at least, that's what a voice is telling you in the cable car, accompanied by the music of Ottmar Liebert.

In my opinion, the Alpine wilderness it totally different from what we saw on the top click here to compare.
See next tip for a view of the San Jacinto wilderness.

We loved the stunning view over the valley coming down from Mount San Jacinto.