The Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour offers an exhilarating 4-hour adventure through the heart of this California desert oasis. Exploring natural wonders and scenic highlights, this intimate experience whisks travelers up the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway to Mount San Jacinto State Park. With breathtaking vistas and educational experiences, the tour promises an enriching journey. However, what truly sets this excursion apart is the chance to uncover the fascinating history behind one of Palm Springs’ most iconic attractions. Delving into this captivating narrative just might be the highlight of the day.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Palm Springs.

Key Points

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Key Points

  1. A 4-hour small group tour that takes visitors on a scenic drive, explores Tahquitz and Andreas Canyons, and culminates in a ride on the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway.

  2. The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, admission to the aerial tram, and access to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, with opportunities for dining and hiking.

  3. Visitors can enjoy a continuous video presentation at the Mountain Station detailing the captivating history and innovative engineering of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

  4. Dining options at the summit include the Peaks Restaurant for fine dining with panoramic views and the Mountain Station Café for casual fare, complementing the scenic tramway journey.

  5. The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and easy booking with "reserve now & pay later" option, making it a convenient choice for a Palm Springs adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Tour Overview

The Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour offers a comprehensive 4-hour excursion that’s limited to just 9 participants.

The tour is conducted in English and features a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include a scenic drive past the Palm Springs Art Museum, exploration of Tahquitz and Andreas Canyons, and a ride on the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway to Mount San Jacinto State Park.

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as admission to the aerial tram, though meals and gratuities aren’t included.

Itinerary Highlights

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour takes visitors on a scenic drive past the Palm Springs Art Museum, before delving into the natural wonders of Tahquitz Canyon.

This oasis features a 60-foot seasonal waterfall and indigenous wildlife.

Next, the tour explores Andreas Canyon, renowned for its groves of skirted palms and unique rock formations.

The highlight of the day is a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.

This scenic ascent takes guests to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where temperatures can be up to 40°F cooler at the summit.

Guests can enjoy fine dining or casual options at the summit.

Aerial Tram Experience

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Aerial Tram Experience

Riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors on a scenic ascent to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

At the summit, travelers can enjoy one of two dining options, including fine dining. The continuous video presentation at Mountain Station details the tramway’s history, providing a deeper understanding of this engineering marvel.

The cooler temperatures, up to 40°F lower than the Coachella Valley below, offer a refreshing contrast.

Guests can explore the:

  1. Stunning mountain vistas
  2. Hiking trails through lush alpine forests
  3. Educational exhibits on the local flora and fauna
  4. Opportunities for wildlife spotting

The aerial tram experience caps off an immersive tour of the Palm Springs region’s natural wonders.

Dining Options at Summit

At the summit of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visitors can choose from two distinct dining options to refuel after their scenic ascent.

The first is a fine dining experience at the Peaks Restaurant, offering panoramic views and an upscale menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

For a more casual option, the Mountain Station Café provides a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Both dining establishments are located conveniently within the Mountain Station, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while taking in the breathtaking alpine wilderness surrounding them.

With these two options, the tour’s participants can savor the flavors of the region while relishing the stunning vistas from the top of the tramway.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Tram History Presentation

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Tram History Presentation

Continuous video presentations at the Mountain Station educate visitors on the captivating history of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

These informative displays cover the following key aspects:

  1. The tramway’s construction, which took over 3 years and over 1 million hours of labor to complete.

  2. Its designation as the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway, with two cars that can each hold up to 80 passengers.

  3. The innovative engineering feats that allow the tramway to operate safely at high elevations and through dramatic changes in terrain.

  4. The tramway’s role in providing access to the stunning alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Included in the Tour

The tour package includes comprehensive exploration of the Palm Springs area’s natural wonders. Guests will be guided through the stunning Tahquitz Canyon, featuring a 60-foot seasonal waterfall and indigenous wildlife.

They’ll also visit Andreas Canyon, known for its groves of skirted palms and unique rock formations.

The centerpiece of the tour is the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. This thrilling ride transports visitors to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where they can enjoy two dining options, including fine dining.

The tour concludes with hotel drop-off, providing a seamless and immersive experience.

Preparation Tips

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Preparation Tips

Travelers are advised to come prepared for the Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour. This guided exploration includes a scenic hike and a ride on the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway, so appropriate attire and gear are essential.

To make the most of the experience, visitors should:

  1. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for light hiking.
  2. Bring a warm jacket or layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at the higher elevations.
  3. Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect against the desert sun.
  4. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.

Booking and Payment

Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour W/ Aerial Tram - Booking and Payment

Booking this Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour is made easy with the reserve now & pay later option. This allows you to secure your spot without an upfront payment.

Once you’ve reserved your tour, you can pay later, giving you the flexibility to plan your trip on your own schedule. The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can make changes to your plans without penalty.

With limited group sizes, it’s recommended to book early to ensure availability. The seamless booking process and flexible payment options make planning your Palm Springs adventure a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Summit?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the summit. The Mountain Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a variety of gift shops where guests can find unique items to commemorate their visit.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tram or During the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram or during the tour. The policy is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Service animals are permitted with proper documentation.

Is There a Time Limit at the Summit?

There is no stated time limit at the summit of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. Visitors are free to explore the alpine wilderness and take advantage of the dining options for as long as they wish before descending.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the summit. However, there are also two dining options available, including a fine dining restaurant, for those who prefer to purchase food on-site.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is only available in English. According to the details, the language offered is English, and there is no mention of other language options being available for this specific tour.

Recap

This small group tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Palm Springs. From the stunning canyons to the thrilling aerial tram ride, this tour provides an enriching and memorable journey. With breathtaking views, educational experiences, and a focus on the area’s highlights, it’s the perfect way to explore the best of Palm Springs. Don’t miss this chance to discover the region’s beauty and charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: