Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs tramway takes you from the Valley Station (where you can purchase tickets if you didn’t buy in advance) up to the Mountain Station, which sits at an elevation of 8,516 feet (2,595 meters). At the top you can visit the observation deck, two restaurants (sit-down Peaks Restaurant and cafeteria-style Pine Café), the Lookout Lounge, theaters, a gift shop, and the small natural history museum. Or enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, depending on the season.

• The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is great for hikers and cross-country skiers, and first-time visitors to the area.

• Dress in layers—the temperatures at the Mountain Station are usually 30 to 40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor. Tramcars are not air-conditioned but the windows open for air flow.

• The tramcars run at least every half hour, on the hour; more cars may operate when demand is high.

• Both tramway stations and the tramcars are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

If you’re staying in Palm Springs, head west a few miles off of North Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111) to reach the tramway’s Valley Station; paid parking is available (parking is free for area residents and for those with tramway summer or annual passes). There is no public transportation but cabs are available from Palm Springs.

The tramway is open daily from morning to night, but hours vary by season and day of the week, so check the website for times. It also closes for annual maintenance each September.

More than 50 miles (80 kilometers) of hiking trails within Mt. San Jacinto State Park’s 14,000 acres (5,665 hectares) can be accessed from the tramway’s Mountain Station. When you get off the tram, walk down a paved path to the Long Valley Ranger Station, where the trails start.

Palm Spring Aerial Tramway, built in 1963, is an aerial tram system in Palm Springs, California. It runs from the Coachella Valley through Chino Canyon to San Jacinto Peak, which is 8,516 feet (2,596 meters) in elevation. At the top, it offers observation decks, hiking trails, a natural history museum, restaurants, and more.

An adult admission ticket to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will cost about US$33, with senior tickets discounted to about US$30. A child’s ticket to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is about US$20. Although it may seem pricey, it’s worth the ride and the views you’ll take.

California’s Palm Springs Aerial Tramway isn’t long at all—it lasts just about ten minutes. The ride is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, which means it’ll take about 20 minutes out of your day round-trip.

Yes, a handful of hiking trails are at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway inside Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The trails range in length and difficulty level, so make sure to check out all the details about the trail you want to try before your visit to ensure it’s right for you.

At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there are many things to do and choices for different kinds of travelers. There are restaurants and a cocktail lounge, as well as a natural history museum, observation decks to take in the sights, and hiking trails for those wanting to stay active.

Yes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is accessible for people with disabilities—it’s completely wheelchair accessible and A.D.A compliant. The tram cars on the tramway and both stations are accessible for travelers with disabilities.