Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Address:Palm Springs, California

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is a rare engineering wonder in California with a stunning view… that is, of you're not afraid of heights! The area also provides tourists with shopping, dining, and other opportunities for outdoor recreational sports.

Once at the top, there is a lot to do after you have taken in the spectacular scenery. Guided nature walks are available for free at the top of the tram. You can buy a souvenir of your journey at either of two gift shops at Valley Station or at the Mountain Station. If you are hungry, there are two restaurants to choose from, Peaks, a fine-dining restaurant with a view of the Coachella Valley, and Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant which is more family friendly. Both restaurants are open for lunch and dinner. At night, adults can go to the Lookout Lounge, a full bar located next to the restaurants.

Within the surrounding Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness there are also 54 miles of hiking trails, which vary by levels and lengths. If you want a hard hike try the over five-mile hike to the 10,834-foot peak of San Jacinto. For a simpler excursion, take the nature walk through Long Valley. The Winter Adventure Center, when open, can provide you with any rentals you need for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.

Tram prices vary for adults, children and seniors. Children under three are admitted for free, but require a boarding pass. There is also an option to purchase the "Ride'n'Dine" ticket, which includes a meal. Frequent visitors benefit from purchasing an annual pass. Tickets can be bought online or at the Valley Station. Avid tram-goers should also consider membership in the Alpine Club, a program which offers discounts on tram rides. The Tramster Club offers children aged 3- 12 free discounts on tram rides and gift shop purchases.

The tram cars depart every half hour from 10 am Monday through Friday, and from 8 am on weekends and holidays. The ride closes at 8 pm after Labor Day Weekend, and at 9 pm after Memorial Day Weekend. All trams are handicap accessible. Before you go, it is recommended that you check the "TramCam" online in order to check the weather, and plan accordingly, since the temperature differential between the valley floor and the top of the Tram is usually about 30 degrees.

If you plan to spend the night at the summit, you can either camp out or enjoy a relaxing stay at a hotel. Camping options are available at four designated campgrounds in the wilderness area. Permits are required in advance by making a request in person or in writing. There are also a number of hotels available in the surrounding area, including spa resorts and inns, which will certainly add to your experience at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Tram packages are also available if you check into The Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, Palm Mountain Resort and Spa, Welk Resort or Hyatt Palm Springs.

The construction of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was strenuous and took several years. It was envisioned in 1935 by a young electrical engineer named Francis F. Crocker, who wanted to "go up there where it's nice and cool." Several technical, bureaucratic and physical hardships delayed its construction at first, until it was finally finished in 1963. Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and was soon labeled the "eighth wonder of the world,'' in response to the clever use of helicopters in raising up four of the five supporting towers. In 1998 it was renovated, adding new tram cars and updating its facilities. Since its opening, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has transported over 12 million people.

The Tramway is found in Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs, about two hours by car from Los Angeles and San Diego.