Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tours and Activities

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway


Glide over cliffs, wildlife and several vegetation zones as this glass-enclosed ride carries you up dramatic mountainsides.

Francis Crocker’s vision for the Aerial Tramway first came about in the mid-1930s, although construction didn’t commence until 1960. Helicopters undertook more than 20,000 missions to deposit materials and workers on the mountain during the 26 months of construction. Since then, this engineering wonder has carried over 12 million visitors to the lofty heights of San Jacinto Mountain.

Although the actual ride from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the San Jacinto Mountain Station lasts just over 10 minutes, exploring this area deserves at least a few hours: the many hikes and views waiting at the top are sublime.

As you make the 5,873-foot (1,790-meter) ascent, the tram car completes two slow revolutions, providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the area. To the east, you’ll see Palm Springs and the Joshua Tree National Park. To the north are San Bernardino National Park and the San Gorgonio Mountain.

When disembarking at the Mountain Station, a viewing platform provides further photo opportunities. On a clear day, you’ll see the Salton Sea to the southeast, and possibly as far as Las Vegas and Mount Charleston to the north.  

For lunch or dinner, make a reservation at the Peaks Restaurant atop the mountain. There are spectacular views and the fine dining menu includes fresh produce sourced from the Coachella Valley below. There’s also a nice children’s menu. For something more informal, grab a coffee and snack in the adjoining Pines Café. 

During the busy warmer months, it’s advisable to buy tickets for the tram in advance from the website. The downside is that tickets are for a specific day and non-transferable, which may not be ideal if the weather is disagreeable.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station is a four-mile (6.5-kilometer) drive west of central Palm Springs. Free parking is available. The attraction is open daily (including holidays), with a tram car departing every half-hour.

Plan a trip to see Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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Reviews of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
89
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
59
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Andrew

The road was washed away day before arrival...tramway closed indefinitely

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

It poured rain the day I went so I couldn’t see anything on the way up the mountain on the tram.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn’t like the fact that you had to pay $8.00 to park your vehicle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

breathtaking views

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Be prepared to wait hours during busy times!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only downside was the bar - Couldn't serve us 3/5 of their "special holiday" drinks, as they ran out of stock.

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