Palm Springs Tramway Desert To Mountains

Experience the breathtaking San Jacinto mountains by riding on the Palm Springs Tramway. This thrilling journey will transport you from the scorching desert floor to the incredible mountain peak via the world’s largest rotating tramcars, accommodating up to eighty passengers.

As you make your way up the steep road to the Palm Springs Tram Base Station, your adventure begins. While you wait for your tram to depart, you can indulge in a snack, peruse the gift shop, or watch a movie showcasing the construction of the tramway.

Palm Springs Tram Tickets

Tram Ride to Mountian Station

As soon as you hop onto the tram, the excitement starts. The Palm Springs Tramway scales 8,563 feet in roughly 15 minutes, rotating 360 degrees multiple times while going up. Whenever the tram glides above one of the towers, a slight dip often elicits screams from other passengers.

Tramcars leave every half an hour, and the journey to the top takes approximately 12 minutes. You’ll pass the descending gondola at the halfway point during the ride.

If you’re afraid of heights, you can sit in the center of the gondola, and before you know it, you will be at the top of the mountain. Be sure to bring along several layers of clothing, especially in the winter. It can be 90 degrees at Valley Station and quite cool when you arrive at the mountain station.

Things to do at Mountain Station

The refreshing snap of cool mountain air will welcome visitors arriving at Mountain Station. They will also have access to the award-winning Peaks Restaurant, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, rustic mountain decor, a gift shop, a snack bar, and the state park visitor center.

You can enjoy a breathtaking view of Palm Springs in the valley below at the mountain station. Once you’ve captured the idea in a picture, miles of trails are waiting to be explored in Long Valley. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can unwind and enjoy the refreshing mountain air.

Palm Springs Tram Trails

Long Valley Discovery Trail is an easy short loop trail that starts just outside Mountain stations (down the stairway.) Another popular trail is the Desert View Trail which offers some fantastic views of the Coachella Valley below.

More experienced hikers can tackle the Mount San Jacinto Peak Trail, an 11-mile round trip to the second-highest point in Southern California. Check the Valley Ranger Station for maps and trail conditions before attempting longer hikes.

When visiting in the winter, you can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes from the winter adventure center. It’s essential to bring warm clothing for your mountain trip as winters are very cold, while summers are milder.

I suggest allocating a half-day for your visit to the Palm Springs Tramway. Once you have enjoyed your ride, numerous activities are available to keep you occupied throughout the day.

Nearby things to do in Palm Springs

Your excursion to the summit of Mount San Jacinto will take approximately half a day to complete. To fully enjoy your trip, Palm Springs boasts many attractions that can enhance your experience. With so many options available, it may be worth considering spending at least one night in town. We have compiled a list of our top recommended activities in and around Palm Springs for your convenience.

• Living Desert Zoo – This family-friendly attraction is a breathtaking experience at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains and a worthwhile destination for any weekend trip.
• Palm Canyon Drive – Offers a fantastic selection of dining and shopping options. Palm Canyon Drive also has its own “Walk of Stars” 329, to be exact. Who says you need to go to Hollywood?
• Moorten Botanical Gardens – A little-known secret of visitors to Palm Springs, the gardens allow guests to view a vast and fantastic collection of desert plants.
• Indian Canyons – Just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs, the Indian Canyons are four canyons preserved by the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians.
• Shields Date Garden – A historic landmark in the exact location since 1924. Quality data, citrus, and organic food products to customers worldwide.
• Desert Hills Outlets – Anchored by Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth, Desert Hills is the perfect place to find exclusive merchandise at affordable prices.

Getting to the Palm Springs Tramway

The Palm Springs Tramway can be reached within a few minutes from downtown Palm Springs and is approximately a two-hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego.

Tramcars depart every half hour from 10 a.m., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays. The last car up is 8 p.m., with the latest car down at 9:45 p.m.

Directions Palm Springs Tramway. Turn off Highway 111 onto Tramway Road. (look for the Palm Springs Visitor Center) From there, it’s a steep 4-mile drive up Tramway Road to Valley Station, where you board the tram. Address: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA

Palm Spring Day Trip

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