Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Guide

By Vanessa Howard

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

On the Palm Springs Tramway, you’ll travel two and a half miles along the gorgeous cliffs of the Chino Canyon. As the world’s largest rotating tram car, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The journey on the tramway takes about 10 minutes but there are so many things to see and do at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Keep reading to discover all that this amazing Palm Springs destination has to offer. 

Where To Stay In Palm Springs

Arrivls has so many great options for places to stay in Palm Springs

Amber Springs

Amber Springs

Amber Springs is a boho dream! The bright and airy Amber Springs is the ideal place to kick back and relax in the heart of Palm Springs. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is less than 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.

A fully equipped kitchen is perfect for cooking delicious meals, and the fantastic outdoor living space is complete with a shaded dining area. Enjoy the private pool, spa, and plenty of comfy lounging areas.

Book Amber Springs today!

Hermosa Vista 

Soak up the sun and unforgettable views from the privacy of your own backyard oasis at Hermosa Vista, a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the heart of Palm Springs. This inviting space welcomes guests with comfortable bedrooms, spacious living areas, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Hermosa Vista is just one mile from N Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs where some of the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife are located!

Take a look at Hermosa Vista!

Azul Escape 

Azul Escape

Escape from it all at this ultra-private, luxury Azul Escape. From its spacious and bright interior spaces with high ceilings and modern design to the feature-filled outdoor living space, you’re sure to find your own favorite spot (or many!) while staying at Azul Escape.

Lounge in the sun, splash in the pool, and soak in the hot tub while looking out over the Coachella Valley. In the evenings, downtown Palm Springs is just minutes away with award-winning dining (listed below) and entertainment.

Check out Azul Escape!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Guide

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-visit destination while staying at any of the Arrivls properties in the area! You can purchase tickets before you arrive here. Keep in mind that children under 3 are free but require a boarding pass which can only be obtained on the day of your visit from the Tram’s ticket booth. 

Ticket Information:

Purchase tickets here

Adults: $29.95

Children (3-10): $17.95

Seniors (65+):  $27.95

Things To Know:

Cars depart at least every half hour from 10 a.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. on weekends and holiday periods. The last car up is 8 p.m. with the last car down at 9:45 p.m.

If you miss your ticketed time there is no need to worry, just take your boarding pass to the ticket counter and they will issue you a new one for the next available tram car.

The weather at the Mountain Station is typically 30-40 degrees cooler than on the desert floor. 

*The Tramway will be closed for annual maintenance from September 12, 2022 through October 9, 2022 with a tentative reopening date of October 10, 2022. 

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway| 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262| 760-325-1391

Your ride on the tramway culminates in reaching the Mountain Station at an elevation of 8,516 feet, you can enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails through the state park. 

Hiking 

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is located in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, which offers over 50 miles of hiking trails located within 14,000 acres of stunning wilderness. All trails are easily accessed by exiting the Mountain Station and descending the pathway to Long Valley. You’ll notice picnic tables, the ranger station, flush toilets, and several easy trails.

Some of the most popular trails in Mt. San Jacinto State Park include…

Long Valley Discovery Trail

Distance: 1.3 miles

Rating: Easy

This trail is good for all skill levels and a great introduction to the park’s flora and fauna. 

Desert View Trail

Distance: 1.5 miles 

Rating: Moderate

Although it’s a short climb, the elevation gain makes this a moderate hike. This trail features amazing views at several scenic overlooks. 

Desert View Trail

Round Valley

Distance: 2.5 miles 

Rating: Moderate

This trail will lead you to the picturesque Round Valley and is a relatively level trail that’s good for most skill levels. 

San Jacinto Peak

Distance: 5.5 miles 

Rating: Moderate/Difficult

For this hike wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, layered comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. A light jacket in spring and early summer, and for fall and winter, a heavy jacket and gloves are a good idea, along with appropriate waterproof shoes. 

Guided Nature Walks

There are also guided nature walks available that are conducted by Mount San Jacinto State Park Volunteers. The guided walks happen Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. You can choose between two easy trails, the Desert View Trail or the Long Valley Nature Trail beginning at 1:30 p.m. There is no advance registration required and there is no charge for these walks. Participants are urged to wear comfortable shoes. 

Dining

You’ll find the spectacular views combined with delectable food intoxicating! The unique dining experiences of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway include two dining options. Peaks is a fine dining experience with a breathtaking view of the Coachella Valley and the Pines Café is a cafeteria-style restaurant. Both restaurants are open for lunch and dinner.

Pines Cafe

This is a cafeteria-style restaurant that is open daily for lunch and dinner with the following hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 am – 8:30 pm, Friday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm, and Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am – 9:30 pm. 

They specialize in prepackaged sandwiches, salads, and beverages, and are a great option for a quick lunch or dinner before heading down the mountain. 

Peaks
Peak Restaurant

Peaks is a culinary experience above the clouds where the chef has created a menu featuring fresh vegetables and greens from right here in the Coachella Valley.  Enjoy dry-aged meats and poultry, as well as fresh breads from local bakeries. Additional selections include market-fresh seafood and pastas. There is also a children’s menu available. 

Reservations are highly recommended for Peaks, you can make a reservation here (760) 325-4537 or on OpenTable. Lunch is served daily from 11 am to 4 pm and dinner is served from Sunday – Thursday 5:00pm – 7:30pm, and Friday & Saturday 5:00pm – 8:30pm. 

You’ll love a family day spent at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway before coming back to relax at Arrivls Amber Springs, Hermosa Vista, or Azule Escape. What are you waiting for? Book your desert getaway today! 

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