You’ll Never Forget The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The most visited attraction in Palm Springs, California is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which takes you from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the heights of the San Jacinto Mountains. This spectacular ride which has been in operation since 1963 will whisk you to 8,516 feet in 10 minutes providing a 360 degree view as the tram car rotates during the 2. 5 mile ascent. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a truly unique experience which everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, so add it to your bucket list now!

Mount San Jacinto State Park

The tram will whisk you up the jagged cliffs of Chino Canyon through different ecosystems until you arrive at the subalpine forest of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Mount San Jacinto rises to 10,834 feet above see level, so there is still a bit of a hike to reach the summit from the tramway’s mountain station at 8,516 feet. But there is no need to continue hiking upwards as there is a lush meadow which greets you as you exit the mountain station for a leisurely stroll around the high-country wilderness area. The one thing you can always count on is temperatures about 25-30 degrees cooler on the mountain versus the desert valley below. During the winter, expect to see snow so bring your snow-shoes or cross country skis to navigate the meadow. During the summer, enjoy cool mountain air around 80 degrees F while it is a sweltering 110 degrees F in the desert below. Wilderness campgrounds are available for overnight trips with required permits.

Valley and Mountain Station Highlights

You’ll begin your trip at the Valley Station. Shuttles are available to take you from the parking areas to the station itself where you can purchase your lift tickets. Tickets are also available for purchase online for future dates but not same-day tickets. While waiting for your tram ride, enjoy the gift shop and cafe at the Valley Station or venture onto the viewing decks to watch the tram move up and down the mountain in anticipation of your own adventure.

The Mountain Station has several spectacular viewing decks overlooking both the Coachella Valley to the east and an alpine meadow to the west. Don’t forget your camera because the panoramic views are a memory to hold on to and treasure. The visitor center for the Mount San Jacinto State Park has a theatre with a looping presentation on the history of the tram including its design and construction as well as a preview of the ecosystem which awaits outside the Mountain Station. Two dining options are available at the Mountain Station: fine dining at The Peaks Restaurant and cafeteria-style dining at The Pines Cafe. If you’d like to just relax with a cocktail to help you drink in the views, The Lookout Lounge offers appetizers and alcoholic beverages. Full menus and special dining events can be found on their  website and reservations are suggested for The Peaks Restaurant.

Come Stay with Us at POSH Palm Springs Inn!

Whenever you want to explore the San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, make sure you stay in the best possible lodging! POSH Palm Springs Inn is conveniently located just a few miles from the Valley Station.  You will love unwinding in the relaxing environment of our desert paradise; not only do we have comfortable rooms and accommodations, but we also feature unparalleled amenities, like our homemade breakfast and poolside happy hour. Don’t hesitate another minute; check our availability to start planning your ultimate vacation today!

Photo Credit: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway