Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Review

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Fodor's Review:

A trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides a 360-degree view of the desert through the picture windows of rotating tram cars. The 2½-mi ascent through Chino Canyon, the steepest vertical cable ride in the United States, brings you to an elevation of 8,516 feet in less than 20 minutes. On clear days, which are common, the view stretches 75 mi—from the peak of Mt. San Gorgonio in the north, to the Salton Sea in the southeast. At the top, a bit below the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, are several diversions. Mountain Station has an observation deck, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, apparel and gift shops, picnic facilities, and a theater that screens a worthwhile 22-minute film on the history of the tramway. Take advantage of free guided and self-guided nature walks, or if there's snow on the ground, rent skis, snowshoes, or snow tubes (inner tubes or similar contraptions for sliding down hills). Ride-and-dine packages are available in late afternoon. The tram is a popular attraction; to avoid a two-hour or longer wait, arrive before the first car leaves.

  • Cost: $22.25, ride-and-dine package $35.50
  • Open: Tram cars depart at least every 30 mins from 10AMweekdays and 8AMweekends; last car up leaves at 8PM, last car down leaves Mountain Station at 9:45PM
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