Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Hiking from the Top of the Tramway

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.

What is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

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.

How much does it cost to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

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.

How long is the ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

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.

Are there hiking trails at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

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.

What is there to do at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

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.

Is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway accessible for people with disabilities?

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.

Ways to explore

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway begins at the Valley Station—where you can purchase walk-in tickets if you didn’t reserve online—and takes you up to the Mountain Station. There, you can take photos at the observation deck, have a meal at one of two restaurants (the sit-down Peaks Restaurant or cafeteria-style Pine Café), or browse a natural history museum.

If you’re visiting the Coachella Valley for outdoor pursuits, the Mountain Station is also a gateway for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, depending on the season.

Accessibility

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is wheelchair accessible, including both stations and the tramcars themselves. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, permits and gear for camping and outdoor activities

What to wear

It’s significantly colder at the high-elevation Mountain Station than it is in the valley, so pack layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Pets, outside alcoholic beverages, smoking, drones

Amenities

The Mountain Station has dining options, a gift shop, and the state park visitor center.

Address 

Driving is the best way to reach Valley Station, which is just 15 minutes northwest of downtown Palm Springs by car. Take an audio driving tour to learn about local landmarks along the way.

Driving

From central Palm Springs, take North Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111) to Tramway Road. You’ll find paid parking and electric vehicle chargers at Valley Station.

Public transportation

There’s no public transportation to the tramway, but cabs and rideshare services are available from Palm Springs.

Best times to visit

The tramway is open from morning to night. Time your ride around sunset for golden-hour views, or head up early for a full day on the trails.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are busy at the tramway, so visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

Open year-round, the high-elevation Mountain Station provides a respite from Palm Springs’ scorching summer heat, but be aware that the tramcars are not air-conditioned.

Special events

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge, an annual 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) run and walk, takes place in October. You’ll find holiday festivities at the Mountain Station throughout December.