The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: 10 Minutes to an Alpine Escape

The lower station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the tramway

I was invited to visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by Jeff Ohlfs, a former guest on the Amateur Traveler podcast and currently the Chairperson of the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, which governs the tram. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is more than just a fun ride; it is a passage to a different world. The weather and biosphere at the top and bottom of this 10-minute tram ride could not be more different if you went through the wardrobe into Narnia.

Palm Springs is at an altitude of approximately 479 feet in the scorching Sonoran Desert where creosote bushes and cacti thrive in an arid, rocky landscape. In just 10 minutes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you from 2,643 feet to the cool alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park at 8,516 feet, where towering Jeffrey pines, fir trees, and mule deer inhabit a lush, shaded forest.

The temperature can drop 30-40°F from the valley floor, often bringing snow in winter, creating a stark contrast to the desert heat below. In terms of biodiversity, this rapid ascent mimics a journey from Mexico to Canada, shifting through five distinct climate zones.

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The Tramway

The tramway station is just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs. After parking (ample space available for a nominal fee), I made my way to the Valley Station, designed by Albert Frey in the mid-century modern style. Inside there is a small exhibit detailing the tramway’s history and construction.
We had the unusual opportunity to peek behind the curtain and see how the tramway works.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has some impressive technology. The Von Roll Tramway Company of Switzerland designed and manufactured the tram system. It immediately looked familiar to me, as it is a twin of the Table Mountain Tramway in Cape Town, South Africa.

It features large rotating tramcars, offering 360-degree panoramic views as they ascend 2.5 miles (4 km) up the rugged cliffs of Chino Canyon. Originally completed in 1963 and upgraded in 2000, the tramway was designed by Swiss engineer Von Roll. Due to the area’s steep and remote terrain, support towers were constructed (and now inspected) by helicopter.

Tramway Design

• Rotating Tramcars: Each of the two 18-foot-diameter cars slowly rotate twice per trip, ensuring every passenger gets an unobstructed view.
• Suspension System: The tram is supported by five steel towers, with cables securely anchored to the valley and mountain stations.
• Capacity: Each tramcar holds up to 80 passengers, moving 900 people per hour.
• Speed: The ascent takes approximately 10 minutes, traveling at about 12 mph (19 km/h).
• The Mountain Station’s water tank is refilled by a tank in the base of the cars. When you get off at the top, watch as the water pours out from the bottom of the car.
• Length: The tram spans 12,800 feet, or approximately 2.5 miles.

Safety Features

• Advanced Braking System: The tramway has multiple braking systems, including emergency brakes that engage in case of mechanical failure.
• Backup Power: A redundant power system ensures that, in the event of a power outage, emergency generators can safely return passengers to the nearest station.
• Wind and Weather Monitoring: The system continuously monitors wind speeds and weather conditions, and operations are halted if conditions become unsafe.
• Seismic Safety: The tramway is built to withstand earthquakes, with flexible cables and shock-absorbing components.
• Regular Inspections: The entire system undergoes daily, weekly, and annual safety inspections, following stringent industry standards.
• Rescue Plans: In rare emergencies, a detailed aerial rescue plan using trained personnel and evacuation baskets ensures passenger safety.

The Ride

Once aboard the tramcar, the real adventure began. As we ascended, the floor of the tram slowly rotated, ensuring everyone had a chance to soak in the panoramic views of Chino Canyon and the sprawling desert in the distance. Chino Canyon is incredibly rugged, with a stream flowing down the hill and directly under the station at the bottom. Because of the water, the canyon is greener than the surrounding landscape, but it gets more and more green during the ascent.

Partway up you, the city of Palm Springs comes into view, originally hidden by the hills surrounding the tramway.

The canyon provides shelter from the high winds that come off the mountain, but riding the tramway, you get a bit of a bump as you pass the towers. This is normal. A large counterweight holds the cable taut as the cars move past the towers. As you pass the towers, note the small helicopter landing pad at the top of them and be thankful if you have a desk job instead of the job of inspecting the towers.

As you climb higher, the entire Cochala Valley comes into view. At the far side of the valley, the hills you see are part of Joshua Tree National Park, which is also worth a visit. This national park is larger than the state of Rhode Island. My host Jeff Ohlfs, was the former chief ranger at the park. (Listen to the episode we recorded on Joshua Tree National Park).

We traveled on the tramway in December. On our way up, a narration told us about the construction of the system. On the way down, the operator played Christmas carols.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway car interior

What to Do at the Top: Mountain Station

When you reach the Mountain Station, don’t just turn around and come back down. The station itself boasts several amenities, including a small museum, movie theatre, observation decks, dining options, and a gift shop.

view of Mount San Jacinto State Park from Mountain Station

Make sure you have enough time to explore Mount San Jacinto State Park, which surrounds the station. The park boasts over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy loops to challenging summit climbs. This park is part of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and is renowned for its lush forests, granite peaks, and expansive views.

Salton Sea

Take in the Views

The observation decks offer breathtaking vistas of the Coachella Valley. Even those with mobility issues will have beautiful views, but on a clear day, you can get better views by climbing up a set of stairs to an observation platform above the station, where you can see all the way to the Salton Sea.

Did you know the Salton Sea was created by accident?

The Salton Sea was formed in 1905 when engineering failures caused the Colorado River to flood into the Salton Sink, a low-lying desert basin. For nearly two years, uncontrolled water flow created California’s largest lake, which remained due to agricultural runoff. Historically, the region had been home to an ancient lake. Still, without natural outflows, the Salton Sea became increasingly saline and polluted, leading to massive fish die-offs, habitat loss, and toxic dust emissions as water levels declined.

Explore the Trails

The tramway is the gateway to Mount San Jacinto State Park, offering over 50 miles of hiking trails. We opted for a short loop trail to a desert view. For seasoned hikers, there are more challenging options, like the trail to the summit of Mount San Jacinto, the second-highest peak in Southern California.

Dine with a View

The Peaks Restaurant at Mountain Station provided a relaxing spot to refuel with a meal. The menu features locally inspired dishes, and the floor-to-ceiling windows made dining scenic.

The Pine Café offers sandwiches, snacks, and coffee for something more casual.

See the City by Night

If you are at the top after sunset, you will need a coat but you will also get to see the lights of the nearby Coachella Valley.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

1. When to Visit
   • Summer: Perfect for escaping the desert heat and enjoying the cooler mountain air.
   • Winter: Our trip was before the snows in winter, but snow often blankets the upper trails, transforming the area into a winter wonderland.
   • Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
   • Later in the day (which is what we did), you can hike and then enjoy the city lights after dark.
2. What to Bring
   • Layers: Temperatures at the top are significantly cooler than the valley.
   • Comfortable shoes: Essential for exploring the trails.
   • Camera: The views are too good not to capture.
3. Tickets and Reservations
   • Tickets can be purchased online or at the Valley Station. During busy times, it’s a good idea to reserve in advance.
   • Round-trip tickets are approximately $35 per adult, with discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel.
4. Getting There
   • The tramway is located about 15 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. A dedicated parking lot is available for $10 per car. Alternatively, rideshares and shuttles are convenient options.

Unique Experiences

1. Stargazing at the Top
   The elevation and minimal light pollution make this a fantastic spot for stargazing. The tramway occasionally hosts stargazing events led by local astronomers.
2. Snow Play in Winter
   The upper station becomes a hub for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when snow falls. Equipment rentals are available at the station.
3. Sunset Rides
   Catch the tram in the late afternoon for a sunset ascent. From the observation deck, you can watch the desert bathed in golden light, an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

Visitor Numbers: The tramway attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in Southern California. I understand why. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a new perspective, this attraction is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Palm Springs. As I rode the tram back down at the end of the day, the city lights twinkling below, I couldn’t help but feel awe-struck by the beauty and diversity of this incredible landscape.

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