Cities/Palm Springs/Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

4.8(16K)google

4.4(1.9K)yelp

Adult $32.95·Senior(65+) $29.95·Child(3-10y) $19.95·Infant(under 2) FreeUSD(Prices cover standard round-trip tram tickets. A general $15 vehicle parking fee applies at the Valley Station lot (waived for local Palm Springs residents).)

TramHiking

Overview

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs, California, is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. It was opened in September 1963 as a way of getting from the floor of the Coachella Valley to near the top of San Jacinto Peak and was constructed in rugged Chino Canyon. Before its construction, the only way to the top of the mountain was to hike hours from Idyllwild.

Practical Info

1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Mon10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tue10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wed10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thu10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Fri10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sat8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sun8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Suggested Duration2-4 hours

Best TimeThe best months to visit are October through May. The premier time of day to ascend is late afternoon between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Riding the 360-degree rotating car allows you to watch the afternoon sun hit the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, catch a breathtaking desert sunset from the top, and stay to see the valley floor transform into a sea of twinkling night lights.

Getting ThereDriving or utilizing a rideshare is required. From Downtown Palm Springs, take CA-111 N, turn left onto Tramway Road, and drive up a steep, winding 3.5-mile mountain grade to the Valley Station. The station features seven terraced parking lots (A through G); a complimentary shuttle operates from the lower, more distant lots to transport guests to the main ticketing entrance.

(888) 515-8726

pstramway.com/

Travel Tips

The cable tram enforces strict daily capacity caps, causing same-day walk-up window sales to completely dry up before 09:00 AM on weekends; secure a specific timed boarding slot online 14天 in advance and clear the lower valley valley terminal security 30 minutes early.
A brutal temperature differential exists between the arid Valley Station and the 8,516-foot alpine summit terminal; while the base swelters at 40°C, the crest routinely registers cold tracking down to 5°C with severe wind chill, making heavy technical outerwear non-negotiable.

Photo Tips

Photo Spots

To capture smooth rotational time-lapses slicing past Chino Canyon's sheer granite curtains, anchor your hand-held setups flush against the perimeter windows rather than the revolving center floor; time summit observation terrace framing past 05:30 PM for twilight desert depth.

Reviews

Positive

The world's largest rotating tramcar; the cabin rotates a slow 360 degrees as it ascends, granting unobstructed canyon vistas.
In just minutes, you soar from the hot desert floor to a 2,600m pine summit where temperatures drop 15°C, an elite summer escape.
The Mt. San Jacinto State Park at the top boasts miles of scenic trails; winter and spring blanket the peak in snow for play.
The mountain station features premium accessibility, hosting a small nature museum, two view restaurants, and observation decks.

Heads up

Round-trip tram tickets combined with lower lot parking fees make total costs steep, putting financial pressure on families.
The car sways and drops noticeably whenever passing the structural towers, which can terrify acrophobic or motion-sick travelers.
Due to the massive temperature swing (often over 15°C), tourists who fail to pack winter jackets end up shivering uncontrollably.
Weekend ticket and boarding lines are highly tedious; the cable cars are occasionally packed to maximum capacity, feeling stuffy.