Hi - will be in Palm Desert in three weeks and would love to do the tram even if there is snow at the top!

How long is the ride up and would it be a problem for someone with motion sickness?

What is the restaurant like at the top?

Thanks, sue

Hi, I took that tram two years ago. It is state of art tram and you feel real safe. I am terrified of heights but I did fine and would definitely recommend it. It is very cool and once at top, the temperature change is amazing, and it was August, 110 to like 72 up at top. Make sure you do it, no motion sickness

As previous mentioned, the tram is spectacular as it revolves, and the scenery is awesome. As for food, we were there in the morning, and we had hot chocolate and coffee, etc., and it was rather pricey. I don't know about dinner.

I seem to recall that in the center of the circular tram was some seating, and a railing. Since they run every 1/2 hour, the ride can't be more than 15 minutes.

When you get to Palm Desert, everyone will gladly give you plenty of input.
Enjoy!

I had an issue going up but mostly b/c I am afraid of heights and enclosed spaces. But I don't think motion sickness is an issue. It is really beautiful up there and worth the trip.

I've heard the restaurant at the top is just ok-- plenty of other better dining options in PS. We just ended up having hot chocolate to warm up.

If you want to save some time, I would go ahead and buy tkts online. We had to wait an hour and a half from the time we bought our tkts to when we could ride the tram...

http://www.pstramway.com/

Have a great time! Can't wait for our own trip to PS in March-- I need some sunshine and warmth!

Jane

Jane_R, what time/date did you go to the tram that you ended up waiting 1.5 hours?

This was over Christmas weekend in 2003.. I believe we got there around 2pm and ended up actually going on the tram around 3:30 or so. Given it was the holidays and that snow had fallen recently, that could be why it was such a long wait for us...not sure what the experience of others have been.

- ride is short, 10-12 minutes

- the floor of the tram car turns, but the ride is pretty gentle except over the towers where the car can swing a bit.

- the restaurant is...well, average at best. If you want to eat up there, get some good take out food from the valley floor maybe. Or go to Trader Joe's and get some great breads, cheeses, dried fruit, chocolate, etc.

- usu. 35-40 degrees cooler than the valley floor, be prepared.

- good amount of snow right now.

- if you can, do the desert view loop trail---great views of the valley and beyond on a clear day.

- AAA discount is worth several dollars on a ticket that is over $20

- have fun. It is a great ride, truly worth the experience.

PSL

I've been on the tram many times. The snow at the top is one of the attractions! This time of year you should be able to take a short or long hike through lite snow at the top. The restaurant is an nice-looking lodge-type place, but it's just a cafeteria.