Soaring 5,783 feet above the desert, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks visitors on a 15-minute journey to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains. With a capacity of 80 passengers per car, this must-see attraction offers breathtaking views of the unspoiled wilderness below. Once at the Mountain Station, guests can explore hiking trails, enjoy winter activities, and take in the stunning alpine scenery. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a thrilling adventure, the Aerial Tramway promises an unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- Admission ticket provides access to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which transports visitors up the San Jacinto Mountains in a 15-minute journey.
- Tram has a capacity of 80 passengers per car and offers stunning views of Chino Canyon and the surrounding wilderness.
- Mountain Station at the top provides access to hiking trails, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities in the Ponderosa pine forest.
- Visitors can explore the cocktail lounge, restaurant, and observation deck at the Mountain Station to experience the grandeur of the mountain landscape.
- Tram is wheelchair accessible and accommodates strollers, making it accessible for visitors of all abilities.
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Overview of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers visitors a unique opportunity to soar over the stunning desert landscape, ascending 5,783 feet to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.
This 15-minute ride transports guests from the Valley Station to the Mountain Station, providing breathtaking views of the unspoiled wilderness below.
At the top, visitors can explore the area around the Mountain Station, which features a cocktail lounge, restaurant, and observation deck, as well as access to hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails in the surrounding state park and wilderness area.
With its spectacular scenery and variety of activities, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Palm Springs region.
Ascending to the San Jacinto Mountains
Soaring 5,783 feet above the desert floor, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports visitors from the Valley Station to the Mountain Station atop the San Jacinto Mountains.
The 15-minute journey offers breathtaking views of the rugged terrain below, including mountain spires and Ponderosa pine trees.
As the tram ascends, passengers can see the stark contrast between the arid desert and the lush, forested mountainscape.
At the top, they can explore the area around the Mountain Station, which features a cocktail lounge, restaurant, and observation deck, providing ample opportunities to take in the unspoiled wilderness surrounding them.
From here, visitors can embark on hikes, snowshoe, or cross-country ski through the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area.
Exploring the Mountain Station Area
Visitors can check out the array of amenities available at the Mountain Station, which include a cocktail lounge, restaurant, and observation deck. From this vantage point atop the San Jacinto Mountains, they’ll be able to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding unspoiled wilderness.
Explore the area around Mountain Station, where you can:
- Take in panoramic views from the observation deck
- Enjoy a meal or cocktail at the restaurant and lounge
- Discover hiking trails that wind through the Ponderosa pine forest
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski during winter months
- Experience the sheer scale and grandeur of the mountain landscape
Hiking and Winter Activities
Along With the captivating views, visitors can explore a range of outdoor activities at the Mountain Station, from hiking along the trails to embracing the winter wonderland with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area offer miles of well-maintained trails, allowing adventurers to enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty.
During the colder months, the area transforms into a winter paradise, perfect for strapping on snowshoes or gliding through the snow on cross-country skis.
Whether one seeks a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, the mountain’s trails cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, providing unparalleled opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Tram Ride Details
The Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs transports passengers on a 15-minute journey, ascending 5,873 feet to the Mountain Station at an elevation of 8,516 feet.
During the ride, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Chino Canyon and the rugged San Jacinto Mountains.
Once at the top, they can explore the Mountain Station’s facilities, which include:
- A cocktail lounge with panoramic vistas
- A restaurant serving American cuisine
- An observation deck for taking in the breathtaking scenery
- Hiking trails that lead to the wilderness areas of Mt. San Jacinto State Park
- Opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter months
The tramcars hold up to 80 passengers and operate daily, providing a unique and thrilling experience for visitors to Palm Springs.
Included in the Ticket
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway admission ticket includes a round-trip tram ride, with tickets assigned on a first-come, first-served basis for the next available car. Gratuities are also covered by the ticket price. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
The ticket offers the following additional benefits:
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Round-trip tram ride | Hotel pickup/drop-off |
| Timed for next available tram | Gratuities |
| No additional fees | – |
| Access to Mountain Station | – |
| Hiking trails in state park | – |
Passengers can enjoy the 15-minute one-way journey, ascending 5,873 feet to the stunning San Jacinto Mountains.
Operating Hours and Duration
Operating hours for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway are Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The entire round-trip tram ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
The tramcars hold 80 people each, and passengers remain standing throughout the journey.
The tram covers a distance of approximately 12,800 feet, with a vertical ascent of 5,873 feet, taking 15 minutes to travel one way.
The tramway is a double reversible type, with each car serving as a counterbalance to the other.
Strollers are permitted, and the experience is wheelchair accessible.
Reservation and Cancellation Policy
Visitors receive confirmation at the time of booking for their Palm Springs Aerial Tramway admission tickets. Cancellations are eligible for a full refund if made at least 24 hours in advance. This flexible policy allows travelers to adjust their plans without penalty.
However, tickets are subject to delays and periodic shutdowns, and no refunds are provided in these cases. The aerial tramway operates year-round, with extended hours on weekends and holidays to accommodate more visitors.
Free shuttle service is available from the parking lots to the Valley Station entrance during these peak periods, making the experience convenient and accessible for all guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy while on the tramway. However, there are also dining options available at the Mountain Station for those who prefer not to bring their own.
Is There a Fee for Parking?
There’s no fee for parking at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Free shuttle service is available from the parking lots to the Valley Station entrance on weekends and holidays.
Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions?
There are no age or height restrictions for the aerial tramway. Children of all ages can ride, though parents should supervise young children. The tramcars can accommodate passengers of various sizes and mobility levels.
Can I Take Photos During the Tram Ride?
Passengers can take photos during the tram ride. The tramcars have large windows and an observation deck at the top, offering ample opportunities to capture the scenic views of the desert and mountains.
Is the Tram Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, the tram is wheelchair accessible. According to the additional information, the tramway is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.
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Recap
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers visitors a thrilling experience soaring over the desert landscape and exploring the wilderness of the San Jacinto Mountains.
With breathtaking views, a variety of activities, and convenient operating hours, it’s a must-see attraction for those visiting the Palm Springs region.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic journey or an outdoor adventure, the tramway provides an unforgettable experience.
