Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Aerial tram · Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
An aerial tram opened in 1963 that rises from the valley to about 2,600 meters in the San Jacinto Mountains, in cabins that rotate during the trip, with a pine forest and trails at the upper station.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway opened in 1963 and connects the Coachella Valley to the high San Jacinto mountains. The ride, about 4 km and roughly 10 minutes, climbs the steep slope of Chino Canyon, rising from roughly 800 meters in the desert to about 2,600 meters in a pine forest.
The cabins rotate slowly during the ascent so all passengers can view the valley, the rock cliffs and the mountain. They are the largest rotating aerial tramway cabins in the world. At the upper station the temperature is usually much lower than in the valley, and in winter there can be snow.
The mountain station has viewpoints, restaurants and a small museum, and is the starting point for trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park, ranging from short walks to long climbs to the peak. The tramway closes every year for maintenance, generally in September.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours, with a short trail at the top.
Best time
Early morning, when the air is clearer and lines are shorter, or late afternoon to see the valley in low light. The tramway closes annually for maintenance, usually in September, and can stop in strong winds; confirm before you go.
How to get there
The valley station is at the end of Tram Way, off Highway 111 at the north entrance to Palm Springs, about 6 km from downtown. Parking and the tram ticket are charged.
Tip
Bring a jacket: the temperature difference between the valley and the mountain often exceeds 15 °C.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Do the Palm Springs tramway cabins rotate?
Yes. The cabins rotate slowly during the ascent so everyone can see the scenery.
What is the elevation of the upper tramway station at Palm Springs?
About 2,600 meters, in a pine forest of the San Jacinto mountains.
When does the Palm Springs tramway close?
It closes every year for maintenance, generally in September, and can stop in strong winds. Confirm before you go.