Courtesy of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Tram car with snow
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The world's largest rotating tram car—travels over 4 kilometres ( two-and-one-half miles) along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting visitors to the pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park. During this ten-minute journey, the ram cars rotate, offering spectacular vistas of the valley below.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—constructed in the rugged Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs—did not happen overnight; it required foresight, planning, financing, and most of all vision.
In 1935, electrical engineer Francis Crocker yearned to visit the peak of Mount San Jacinto on a trip to Banning, California, and thus the idea for “Crocker’s Folly” was born. Many roadblocks, however, stood in his way. A tramway-enabling bill passed the California State Legislature twice but was then vetoed by Governor Culvert Olson both times. Things started to look up when a new tram bill was passed by Governor Earl Warren in 1945, which created the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority. Crocker was named the first secretary for the organization, and his partner O. Earl Coffman was named the first chairman.
In 1950, designs started to be drawn for the tramway, and funds were accumulated through the sale of private revenue bonds. This $8.15 million in sales, along with the private donations of Culver Nichols, allowed the tramway to be built and operated without the aid of public funds.
What was then called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” opened in September of 1963, serving the first of what would eventually become nearly 18 million passengers for the 10-minute, 4 km (2.5 mi) ride, 4 kilometres (two-and-a-half miles) above the Coachella Valley.
At the Tram’s Mountain Station—elevation 2596 m (8,516 ft) and 30 degrees cooler than the desert floor—dine in two restaurants, enjoy viewpoints, hike over 80 km (50 mi) of trails, watch two documentary films or visit the natural history museum. Overnight camping is available with advance reservations.
In the winter (snow conditions permitting), enjoy snowshoeing, sledding or cross-country skiing in an Alpine wonderland.
Website: www.pstramway.com
Phone: 760-325-1391
Address: 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA. 92262
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Friday: First tram up 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: First tram up 8:00 a.m.
- Daily – Last tram up 8:00 p.m. Last tram down 9:45 p.m.
- Cars depart at least every half hour.
Admission prices:
- $26.95 adults
- $24.95 seniors 65+
- $16.95 children 3-10 years.
Courtesy of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway