Home >> Summer 2010 >> Palm Springs Aerial Tramway [story by lala kubo-bevilacqua • photography by susan m. crittenden]
Hours of Operation: |
Weekends
First car up - 8 a.m.
Last car up - 8 p.m.
Last car down - 9:45 p.m.
Weekdays
First car up - 10 a.m.
Last car up - 8 p.m.
Last car down - 9:45 p.m.
Pets are not allowed on the Tramway. |
| Ticket Information |
Adults: $22.95
Seniors: (60+): $20.95
Children: $15.95
Children under 3: Free
FREE to active duty and retired military during July and 25% discount for up to 6 guests!
(Please bring proper ID)
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
760.325.1391
pstramway@pstramway.com
pstramway.com |
For Military Discounts, Contact Information, Tickets & Tours (ITT)
Bldg. 1533
760.830.6163 x252
itt29palms@usmc-mccs.org
Monday - Friday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Closed
|
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Thanks to the innovative dream of Francis F. Crocker, an electrical engineer who, back in the 1930s, made the construction of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway a lifelong project, we are blessed with a cool mountain refuge just an hour’s drive away.
In the early stages of Crocker’s efforts, not everyone shared his vision. Governor of California Culbert Orson twice vetoed a bill enabling the building of the tramway. Finally, after another disruption due to World War II, the project regained momentum with the passing of a new tram bill, signed by Governor Earl Warren. This bill created the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, the governing body of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. In an engineering feat as inventive as Crocker’s vision, four of the five towers supporting the tramway’s cables were erected using helicopters that, throughout the course of construction, flew over 23,000 missions in 26 months. This helped the Tramway earn its most deserving designation as a historical civil engineering landmark. The Tramway transported its first visitors, local and state dignitaries and celebrities, on Sept. 14, 1963, and has since safely carried more than 12 million visitors to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto.
On average, the top of Mt. San Jacinto provides a refreshing 30-degree difference in temperature to the rest of the high desert, making it one of the most desirable locations to be during the peak summer months. The Mountain Station upper terminal of the Aerial Tramway is located at 8,516 feet, nearly 6,000 feet above the Valley Station lower terminal. The ride up is simply breathtaking, with a 360-degree view of the Coachella Valley on the world’s largest rotating tram.
Once you’re at the top, you can choose from a multitude of activities. Enjoy a picnic and just soak in the company of nature or take your family along the three-fourths-mile nature trail. For the more adventurous, the San Jacinto Peak hike takes you on a strenuous, three to four hour hike to the second highest point in Southern California. On a clear day, the vast view reaches as far as Catalina Island. As in any hiking endeavor, make sure you are equipped with the right goods: water, a first-aid kit and a trash bag to pack out your garbage. Dress in layers, especially during the fall and winter months, and wear a hat to protect yourself from extended sun exposure.
If you’re famished after a full day of activities, you have two main dining choices on the mountain. Peaks restaurant is a fine dining establishment serving “contemporary California cuisine,” with many of their ingredients obtained from the local community and the greater Coachella Valley. Reservations are suggested, as the restaurant’s spectacular view makes it a popular dining destination. If you want a quick bite, the cafeteria-style Pines Café offers a wide variety of selections. If you just need a pick-me-up, you’ll find a full cocktail bar and appetizers at The Lookout Lounge.
Throughout the month of July, active duty and retired military members ride FREE! They can also bring up to six guests who will receive a 25 percent discount. So turn off that air conditioner and take a ride up where all you need is cool mountain breeze.
