Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs gets HOT in the summer so a man named Francis F. Crocker decided to do something about it. He had the vision to build a tram to go up in the mountains where it is much cooler.
Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and was soon labeled the “eighth wonder of the world” (by whom we don’t know). The superlative was earned because of the ingenious use of helicopters in erecting four of the five supporting towers. Some 20 years later, the tramway was designated a historical civil engineering landmark. When you visit Palm Springs it is something out of the ordinary to do, while others are golfing you can be seeing for miles!
Take the tram u to do some hiking on the 54 miles of hiking rails which run in the area. Trails range from 5 ½ mile trek to the 10,834 foot peak of San Jacinto to just over one mile nature walk through picturesque Long Valley, located ust behing the tram’s mountain station.
Perhaps you want to cross-country ski or try snowshoeing. You can rent the equipment for these activities (of course the weather has to be right).
Camping is also an option, there are primitive campsites in four designated campgrounds throughout the Wilderness area. You will need a permit for any hiking of backpacking. Day permits are available from the Ranger Station located in Long Valley. Requests for advance permits may be made in person or in writing but NO phone or fax requests will b accepted.
If you want a guided nature walk so you can learn about the natural environment at the Top of the Tram you can have one, there is no charge for this outing.
The Valley Station, Mountain Station and Tram Cars are all handicap accessible.
Just remember that there is usually a 30 degree difference between the desert floor and the top of the Tram so you may want to consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.
There are two restaurants at the top of the Tram. There is a fine dining facility with a breathtaking view of the Coachella Valley and a cafeteria-style restaurant which are both open for lunch and dinner.
Hours: Cars depart at least every half hour from 10am, Monday – Friday; 8 am weekends and holiday periods. Last car up is at 8 pm with the last car down at 9:45 pm.
Location: One Tramway Rd., Palm Springs, California 92262
Phone: 888-515-TRAM or 760-325-1391
E-mail: pstramway@pstramway.com
Ticket Prices (can change without further notice) $21.95 Adults; $14.95 Children (3-12); $19.95 Seniors (60+) Ride ‘n’Dine Prices: Adults, $35.50, Children $23.00 (ages 3-12) Available after 3 pm.
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