For some people, getting to the top is an obsession, but in Palm Springs it means relief from the heat and a whole new scenic world of nature and beauty. Here, the journey is just as spectacular as the destination.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was completed in 1963 but had been envisaged as far back as 1935. It is an engineering marvel that was built and continues to be maintained with the aid of helicopters.
Since the year 2000, a major modernization enabled passengers to ride in rotating tramcars for the 10-minute, two-and-a-half-mile journey to the top of the Chino Canyon more than 8,500 feet above the valley below. Since 1963, more than 20 million people have made this journey and, importantly, have got back down again.
It’s easy to have a feeling of trepidation standing on the platform waiting for the tram to arrive, looking up at the rugged cliffs and realizing that you can’t see the top. Any fears are soon dispelled when the tram starts rotating and you are mesmerized by the stunning views.
For a great all-round experience, I’d suggest traveling to the summit by day and returning by night. The atmosphere on the tramcar at night was buzzing on the night we did it, and there was a definite sense of achievement as we descended to the tune of We Are The Champions.
Hiking Trails With Spectacular Views
Awaiting you at the top is the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. In contrast to the weather conditions in Palm Springs, the park is likely to be covered in snow in winter. In summer, you might need a jacket, although the temperature during our October visit was still pleasantly warm. There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from a quarter-mile loop to a twelve-mile round trip. All the trails offer spectacular views; on a clear day you can sometimes see the ocean.
Most of the hikes are moderately strenuous but even if you’re not up for hiking, the views from the observation decks at the Mountain Station are well worth making the journey. There’s also a gift shop, a small natural history museum, and two cinemas screening informative films. I highly recommend the one showing the history and building of the tramway; it gives a good appreciation of what it took to achieve what is sometimes called one of the wonders of the modern world.
Dining Choices at the Top of the Tramway
Whether or not you do a hike, you’ll probably have an appetite, which will be well catered to by either casual or more formal dining. The Pines Café offers cafeteria-style meals. You can combine the cost of the tram with dinner for only $41, or check out the Grab and Go Menu.
For a finer dining experience, we loved our meal in Peaks Restaurant. Chef John Fitch serves an enticing menu designed around fresh seasonal produce. The choice of wine and cocktails is superb too but be warned: dining at elevation can make you a little heady. The restaurant has a cozy alpine atmosphere, at the same time begging you to step out on the deck to take in the magnificent views.
I’m told that you shouldn’t look down on Palm Springs. Doing that from the top of the Aerial Tramway, however, is not a bad thing.
More Information on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
To purchase tickets or find out more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visit www.pstramway.com. Tickets are $30.95 for adults, $18.95 for children (3-10 years), and $28.95 for seniors. Summer passes and annual passes are also available.
You might also enjoy:
- Palm Springs’ Indian Canyons: Supernatural Beauty
- The Velvet Rope: A New Palm Springs Hotel Spins Old Hollywood Glamour
Maurie O’Connor’s blog can be found here: https://www.foodwinetravel.com.au/
