5 BEST things at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a 15-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, and is best reached by car. This incredible tramway was constructed in 1963, and is the largest aerial tramway in the world.

Visitors can experience a 10-minute ride to the top of Mount San Jacinto (8,516 feet) over Chino Canyon, with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley. The rotating tramcar can fit up to 80 people, with just two cars in operation. There are no seats, so it’s standing room only.

Bring a sweater, because the temperature drops up to 40 degrees at the top of the mountain!

Check hours and admission for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

5 best things to do at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

1. Take the thrilling 10-minute ride to the top of Mount San Jacinto, traveling a distance of 2.5 miles.

2. Eat at two restaurants at the top, or enjoy a beverage in the cocktail lounge.

3. Visit attractions at the top, like a gift shop, history museum and two theaters with films that explain the incredible engineering feat involved in constructing the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

4. Explore hiking trails, guided nature walks, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the top of the tramway, in the 14,000-acre Mount San Jacinto State Park. Hike the easy Discovery Nature Loop (0.6 miles) or Desert View Trail (1.5 miles), or explore other moderate or advanced hikes.

5. Skip the ride, and hang out at Valley Station at the base of the tramway. Valley Station has a gift shop, café, and a short video that explains the engineering feat of constructing this tramway. You can also step outside to a viewing platform, and watching the tramcars slowly ascending Mount San Jacinto. Valley Station is also adjacent to a shaded park with chairs and picnic tables, and the beautiful Johnson Waterfall.