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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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By kiwi91

The Rotating Tram Cars in Palm Springs, California

Gorgeous mountaintop views of Coachella Valley and Palm Springs

If you can only do one thing in the entire Coachella Valley, the Aerial Tramway might just be it. With a beautiful view of the Coachella Valley below and miles upon miles of open hiking trails atop the San Jacinto State Forest, the ride up and back are an unforgettable experience. Pack a sweatshirt and get ready for the trip, and keep in mind temperatures are often 30 degrees cooler at the top! Located in the town of Palm Springs, the Tramway is easy to find on Highway 111.

An incredible night shot of the valley below. Expect to see this nearly every night from the top of the mountain. Head up an hour before sunset and enjoy! Photo by Bossco on flickr under Creative Commons 2.0.

A tramcar makes its way up the mountain from the bottom station. Photo by Omar Omar on flickr under Creative Commons.
A tramcar makes its way up the mountain from the bottom station. Photo by Omar Omar on flickr under Creative Commons.
The Tramway road, before you get to the tram station. Even the ride up is beautiful! Photo by Boscco on flickr, under Creative Commons.
The Tramway road, before you get to the tram station. Even the ride up is beautiful! Photo by Boscco on flickr, under Creative Commons.

The Incredible View from the Tram (Going Down)

On the tram car, looking down towards the valley. Photo by Omar Omar under Creative Commons.
On the tram car, looking down towards the valley. Photo by Omar Omar under Creative Commons.

Things to Do on the Aerial Tramway

The Tramway has a number of fun things to do at all times of year, besides just taking the ride up and back. Here are some ideas:

  • Take a hike on the 50+ miles of hiking trails atop the mountain
  • In the winter, cross country skiing is a great activity
  • Dine at the restaurant atop the mountain
  • Campsites are located in San Jacinto State Park atop the Tramway
  • Take a night photo from the top of the mountain
  • Have a drink at the station at the top of the tram


The sign for the Aerial Tramway. You can't miss it on Palm Canyon. Photo by Scott Ableman on flickr, under Creative Commons.
The sign for the Aerial Tramway. You can't miss it on Palm Canyon. Photo by Scott Ableman on flickr, under Creative Commons.

Recommended Books on Palm Springs and California

Julius Shulman: Palm Springs Julius Shulman: Palm Springs
Through Julius Shulman’s lens, the architecture of Southern California became iconic images of modernism. His photographs heralded the glamor and casual elegance of a lifestyle and architecture that has become revered worldwide.
Price: $33.13
List Price: $55.00
Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis
"an authoritative yet refreshingly nondoctrinaire view of the various ways European and American architects--some famous, some not--adapted the canons of modernism to suit the desert climate, landscape, and lifestyle."
Price: $35.94
List Price: $40.00
California (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide) California (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)
DK Eyewitness always provides a dependable and honest point of view in their guides. This one is no exception, with full page photos and reviews, along with a small convenient size that's easy to carry around.
Price: $22.96
A beautiful late fall early winter shot of the tram and the mountains after first snow. Photo by bossco under Creative Commons 2.0.
A beautiful late fall early winter shot of the tram and the mountains after first snow. Photo by bossco under Creative Commons 2.0.

Have you taken the Palm Spring Tramway?

  • Yes - it was great!
  • No - but I'd like to!
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Lenticular clouds over the desert. Photo by Bossco under Creative Commons 2.0.
Lenticular clouds over the desert. Photo by Bossco under Creative Commons 2.0.
Even between storms, the Aerial Tram has incredible views. Photo by Bossco under Creative Commons 2.0 on flickr.
Even between storms, the Aerial Tram has incredible views. Photo by Bossco under Creative Commons 2.0 on flickr.

Long Valley Creek, Mt San Jacinto State Park. Photo by bossco under Creative Commons 2.0.
Long Valley Creek, Mt San Jacinto State Park. Photo by bossco under Creative Commons 2.0.

Palm Springs in the News Right Now..

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Peggy W profile image

Peggy W  says:
5 months ago

Good hub. I had no idea that there was an aerial tramway in Palm Springs.

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