Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Mountain cable car · Palm Springs

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Mountain cable car · Palm Springs

5

1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by null

Highlights

Soar 8,516 feet above Palm Springs on the world's largest rotating tramway, where breathtaking mountain views meet cozy dining and scenic hiking trails.  

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1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Get directions

pstramway.com
@palmspringsaerialtramway

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1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Get directions

+1 888 515 8726
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Jul 26, 2025

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@travelleisure

19 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs, California

"The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a spectacular view as it travels 2.5 miles up to an alpine forest." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/things-to-do-in-palm-springs-7564607
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@cntraveler

The Best Things to Do in Palm Springs

"A Palm Springs visit seems incomplete without a tram ride up the slope of Mount San Jacinto. Opened in 1963 and modernized in the year 2000, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ascends about 2.5 miles in 10 minutes, from the valley to the cliffside Mountain Station. Up at 8,516 feet, you can soak in the views from observation decks, Peaks Restaurant, Pines Café, the Lookout Lounge (with full bar), picnic areas, or along more than 50 miles of hiking trails accessed from the lofty station. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can join weekend guided nature walks along two easy trails (led by volunteers twice daily); and there are a limited number of campgrounds within the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. In winter, come for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with equipment rentals at the Winter Adventure Center; or you can bring your own sled." - Kelsy Chauvin

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-palm-springs
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@goop

"The concept for the tramway was born in 1935, but the project didn’t come to fruition until 1963: It was really ambitious. After boarding at the Valley Station, the ride up the mountain (elevation 8,516 ft) takes no longer than ten minutes and the views of Chino Canyon from the rotating tramcar are nothing short of breathtaking. At the top you’ll find Peaks restaurant (the food isn’t too memorable but the setting is extraordinary), the ultra laid back Pines Café, and The Lookout Lounge cocktail bar. There are hikes and the like available (you'll probably share your tram with a troop of eager campers). Because temperatures in the valley and the top of the mountain vary drastically, riding the tramway offers a much-needed reprieve from the desert’s sweltering heat in the summer—off-season, pack a sweater."

The Palm Springs Guide
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@travelleisure

8 Best Weekend Road Trips to Take This Summer

"Escape the heat for a day and enjoy spectacular views of the Coachella Valley via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ascending two and a half miles to Mt. San Jacinto State Park." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/best-summer-weekend-road-trips
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@emmiline
Palm Springs
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Cindy Ali

Google
Absolutely incredible experience! The Aerial Tramway is a must-do in Palm Springs. The ride up the mountain was smooth, breathtaking, and surprisingly peaceful. The rotating tram gives you 360° views of the desert, cliffs, and forest—unlike anything else. At the top, the temperature was refreshingly cool and the views were spectacular. Whether you're up for a hike, a bite to eat, or just want to take in the scenery, it's well worth the trip. Staff were friendly and organized, and everything felt safe and well-maintained. Truly one of the highlights of my visit to Palm Springs. Don’t miss it!

Matthew

Google
What a great way to spend the day! The ride up was fun—just a little scary at times—but much easier on the way down. There are about five lookout points at the top with stunning desert views. The hike wasn’t too difficult and is manageable for kids, with a couple of loop trails to explore. The facilities at the top are well-maintained, making it a comfortable visit. Overall, a great day adventure and a perfect escape from the valley heat.

Nemanja Zdravkovic

Google
This place is truly unforgettable! The Aerial Tramway takes about 10 minutes to reach the top station, just below the peak of Mt. San Jacinto. We visited in June, and while it was 105°F (40°C) in Palm Springs, it dropped to 57°F (14°C) at the top! So, I highly recommend bringing a light jacket or something with long sleeves—you’ll definitely feel the temperature difference. The nature up there is absolutely beautiful. You can smell the fresh pine trees all around. There are some longer, more challenging trails leading toward the peak, but we chose shorter trails with peaceful desert views—so quiet and relaxing.

James Colon

Google
One of a kind experience in around Southern California. Opportunity to go from nearly sea level to 8000 feet within 20 minutes. very cool views of the surrounding San Bernardino mountains. Opportunity at the top to explore the state for it and national recreation area. Good trails marked for short day hikes. A must visit on your excursion to Palm Springs.

Alison Jackson

Google
We had to wait quite a while for our tram as it was showing a fault on the computer so they had to run some safety tests. As we went upwards the floor rotated so you got a 360 degree view. The views from the top were amazing, well worth the wait.

Heather A Adams

Google
Absolutely spectacular. Do not miss thing in Palm Springs! I can’t imagine a better activity to get acquainted with the beautiful Coachella Valley and the surrounding indigenous land. We came right before sunset so that we would go up during golden hour and catch the sunset from a top and it was perfect. Where good shoes because there’s a hike down into the Alpine forest and you can do trails and walk around. You could also use a jacket. Within the aerial museum at the top there is a small movie theater showing a video on loop and a gift shop. There’s also two restaurants one fancy one cafeteria style. We hung out at the bar and had a drink and at this altitude having one drink is like having three lol that was fun! The photos don’t even do it justice and coming down at night and seeing the valley lights was just beautiful. Everyone that works there was very kind. There are lockers and you can’t even get your photo taken.

J. S.

Google
Happened to come across this tram while passing through the area. It was such an unexpected experience. We rode up to the top and hiked around for a couple of hours. Wish we would have had more time to explore as there is days worth of hiking out there. We arrived on a Monday afternoon and it wasn’t all too busy. I recommend buying tickets in advance though as it’s the kind of place that gets busy and will likely have long waits to board the tram/find parking etc. There is plenty of parking but there are a series of parking areas staged down the mountain. It’s a steep walk up from parking to the entrance.. Also, the drive up to the tram is an incredibly steep road. Make sure your car can handle it. The road is paved but we did see a broken down mini van on the side of the road. It looked like it had over heated and died.. There is a restaurant at the top which we didn’t eat at but it looked really nice and had impressive views of the Palm Springs Valley. I recommend you arrive early and with plenty of energy to explore as much as possible while there.

Benjamin Mota

Google
This is the nicest tram I have had the opportunity to ride on. As you cross o er the towers the tram swings giving you a sense that your stomach is falling. It's exciting. I received free military parking and a discounted ticket with my military ID. I'm very greatful they support the local military population. There is an amazing view at the top of the mountain with a nice gift shop and food. The tram floor rotates giving you an amazing view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and city of Palm Springs. I was unable to get a ticket online however I went in person, arrived at 1045 and was able to park, get a ticket and board the tram by 11:24. It was 64 degrees when I got on the tram and 40 at the top. Bring a sweater or light coat. Overall an amazing experience that is a must if you are in the Palm Springs area!
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Lobak s.

Yelp
When I went on the tram it was cool and we got to go to the top of MT. San Jacinto peak when we got there it was 50 degrees over 10/10
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Richard D.

Yelp
The tram is something to do in Palm springs. I think it provides a nice view and a quick ride up to the top. The rotating car is pretty neat, but my only gripe with this is that it is incredibly expensive for what it is. Especially considering you still have to pay for parking on top of the $30+ per ticket for each adult. I think it's a bit overrated, and this is a one and done for me.
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Paulina S.

Yelp
Soar above the clouds and get whisked away on this amazing tramway to the beautiful mountain oasis of Mount San Jacinto State Park, high above the Southern California desert. This is definitely an attraction you don't want to miss! The whole process is seamless. We reserved tickets online ($34 per adult, which is a fair price for a round trip) and couldn't make it on our reserved day, so we went the following day. It wasn't an issue, as tickets are valid for up to a year! You can also purchase tickets at the window. Boarding is very smooth, and the staff is incredibly kind. Taking the tram up the mountain was exhilarating, with beautiful views and a positive atmosphere all around. The tram dips and spins, adding an extra kick of excitement. We truly had a wonderful time! We took the tramway up and then hiked to San Jacinto's peak. We started at 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday and reached the peak around 12 p.m., with a few 10-15 minute breaks and a longer 30-minute lunch break. We were back at the tram by 4 p.m. For reference, we are well-conditioned hikers. Weekends can get crowded at the top, so be prepared for a wait of around 20-30 minutes for a tram back down. Overall, it was a beautiful experience, and we plan to return soon to enjoy the views in different seasons--and hopefully at night!
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Kimberly W.

Yelp
It wasn't too hot, nor too cold, so it was the perfect day to hike. I had a great experience taking the tram and enjoying my stroll. Definitely a fun day trip to for hiking enjoyers and people who just want to enjoy some scenery. Could probably spend up to 2 to 3 hours doing the hike if you're strolling.
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Theresa Renee W.

Yelp
I truly had no idea how many folks can fit into the areial tram. It is all standing with a seat or two for those that need to take one. (Seniors) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway--the world's largest rotating tram car--travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs. transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During our approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station--elevation 8,516 feet--enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails. The Areial Tramway is magnificent. Tickets well yes normally I go online to purchased tickets. So I gambled big time I assumed I could purchase the tickets for us 3. I was highly pleased as we were able to purchase tickets, look at the gift shop, view the museum that is within the location, your able to stand outside on the deck and see all the views.
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Keith A.

Yelp
What a nice way to get out of 104 heat and go up 7500+ feet of elevation to get a nice look of palm springs and the surrounding area. Temps at bottom were 104 plus, and when we arrived at the top about 66 degrees. Parking is like $15 or $20, a little outrageous. Fee for the tram with various discounts is like $28-35. A little steep but worth trying it out once, and getting out of the heat. They do check your bags before allowing you in to buy tickets. The trams themselves can hold up to 80 people, but they don't pack them in, and they run all day long (but check the times as it is different on certain days of the week). The trams are very nice, and they do rotate 360 degrees so keep that in mind and take a strategic spot or a rare seat if you don't have good balance, or vertigo issues. It goes pretty fast, like 10-15 minutes to get to the top. Once you get there you will disembark and can head for food and drink, relax, or start hiking and enjoy the flora and fauna. There are 3 trails, 1 is easy, 1 is moderate, and the other you need to check in with the ranger station and get a pass and I think there is a fee as well. There is a bathroom and drinking fountain at the ranger station. The scenery is nice on the ride up and down, but once at the top and walking around you get out in nature and see all the trees, and birds. Nice way to beat the heat.
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Marisela S.

Yelp
This was a really cool experience. My MIL got us all tickets and it was a beautiful night to see all of the land and lights and counties from the glide up the mountain. The history was cool and the person leading our tour was super nice and great with our kiddo's on the ride up and down and gave us plenty of time to walk around and see the beauty that there was here. We loved it
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Roslyn L.

Yelp
FYI it is worth the wait and the money, just things you need to know before you go. If you have reservations, you should still get there early because you aren't guaranteed a parking space and to get in. So during holidays or weekends or busy hours in general, recommended to get there an hour early anyways and hang out at the cafe and waterfall area and enjoy the scenery. They have bathrooms at the top and it's an easy place to kill time until it's your boarding reservation time. Be prepared with the mentality to get there very early, eat and hang out, then go up even for reserved time slots. Without reservations also go with the same mindset 1.5 wait once you get in. It is absolutely worth everything !!! All about mindset and an amazing experience
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Connie P.

Yelp
Had a great experience on the tram going up and down. The tram slowly rotates to get the whole view, it was beautiful. It was probably 100 degrees and maybe 70 up top. It was sunny, cool in the shade. Walked down the walkway to the bottom where there were 3 trails for a nice nature walk. BUT I have to say, walking back up the walkway was a B*^% lol For me, the air seemed a little thick, made it somewhat hard to breath walking back up. Overall great experience I just wished I was better prepared for that walk.
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Robert H.

Yelp
So this was the highlight of our trip to Palm Spring outside of being in the pool during triple digit weather. The parking is self explanatory once you pay and the buses are running constantly. The heat does make waiting a bit uncomfortable. Even if tickets are sold out online you are able to purchase them on the spot and get to the top rather quickly. Highly recommend using the bathroom before you take tour ride up.
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Josh J.

Yelp
The Palm Springs tram offered an incredible journey up the mountains, revealing breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. From this vantage point, I was able to appreciate all five notches from my hike, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the adventures that await.
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Jared S.

Yelp
Parking: This location has serval parking lots to choose from, and a shuttle that will transport you to the main area. Or, you can park up front if you use a handicap pass. You have to pay for parking. 4 stars. Employees: All staff I spoke to were friendly and professional. 5 stars Facilities: The building at the base and the top both had restrooms and food. 5 stars. Overall: This place is AWESOME. I expected to spend maybe 30 minutes here, but to my surprise I stayed 3 hours. Lots of hiking and sight seeing. Very fun place and great for family and friends to get out of the heat and hike up in the mountains. (4+5+5)/3= 4.6 stars
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Denise M.

Yelp
When we got our tickets, I had no idea that the car rotates on it's way up so everyone can get a view. I'm not going to lie--it was a little scary for me. It is definitely high, but what a view! There is a snack bar, gift shop, and a full service restaurant at the top, as well as a hiking area with picnic tables. You are assigned a parking lot when you come in, and it's $15 for parking. Trams today were leaving every 15 minutes.
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Jonathan L.

Yelp
I thought this tram was really fun and such a beautiful ride up. It is very unique in that the standing area rotates as the tram makes its way up to the top. There are some scary parts where the tram swings passing the polls if you're afraid of rides. I thought it was fun however. The top has excellent views of the mountains and it surprisingly very green and lots of hiking trails at the top. The only caveat is the price. I don't think it's worth $35 honestly. Maybe if you go up and spend the night camping, etc. However if you plan to just go up, spend and hour and maybe eat at the restaurant, it probably isn't worth it. There is also a parking fee to park at the lot on top of the ticket price. Overall, it's a really great feature and I've never been on a tram anything like this which such high views which rotates and also goes so fast to high a high elevation. It's quite a unique experience.
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Will P.

Yelp
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was an unforgettable experience. For just $30 per person, we were treated to awe-inspiring views of the Coachella Valley as we ascended over 8,500 feet in the world's largest rotating tram car. At the Mountain Station, we had plenty of time to explore the scenic trails, take in the panoramic vistas, and even grab a snack from the quick bites cafe. While there is also a sit-down restaurant at the top, we didn't have a chance to dine there on this trip. The waits were about 30 minutes each way, but the time flew by as we chatted with fellow passengers and admired the scenery. If you're seeking a unique adventure and don't mind heights, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an absolute must-do!
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Jonathan W.

Yelp
My recent visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was an unforgettable experience! Riding the tram up the mountain was both exhilarating and breathtaking, offering stunning views of the desert below and the lush landscape above. Once we reached the top, we enjoyed a few small hikes, each offering unique and beautiful scenery. We also grabbed a bite to eat at the restaurant, which was a perfect way to refuel while taking in the magnificent surroundings. The entire experience was incredibly family-friendly, making it a great outing for all ages. This adventure is definitely a bucket list item, and I can't wait to return for another visit. Highly recommended! The Rangers were so helpful and friendly, made our experience a breeze. Our tickets were for 8 AM loved it. It was such a great time to go.
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Cherie M.

Yelp
Oh, my partner and I were heading to Indian Wells, we thought we would like to take the opportunity to head to the Palm Springs aerial Tram Way. Whether you're local or coming in from out of town, this is an excellent place to go to! They have a lot of educational sessions on site. The view is also fantastic. During the busy month, a.k.a. the holiday season, you might have to wait a little bit longer. I would recommend getting there early! I broke my foot, so I wasn't able to walk outside and hike. It was snowing the day we went there. It was just a magical site. This is some thing I would definitely want to bring my family and friends to when they come in from out of state. The team here is 10 out of 10.
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Karyn M.

Yelp
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is only about 13 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs but it is also worlds away. You board the world's largest rotating tramcar on a 10-minute ride to the top of Mount Jacinto, more than 8,500 feet. In early spring, the air was cool on the mountain, but even cooler were the pristine air and breathtaking views. There was snow blanketing the ground, and my light down jacket was appreciated. I saw a bunch of schoolchildren wearing snowpants, but also tourists in tank tops and open-toed sandals (go figure). It is about 30-40 degrees cooler than below. There are hiking trails and and easy 1-mile path, the Long Valley Discovery Loop, but we just went up for the views and to eat in the restaurant, Peaks. During the spring, it's probably best to purchase your tickets in advance. We didn't and we ended up having about a 1.5-hour wait to board. There is a snack shop and tables and chairs on the outdoor patio. It's a nice view, as long as you don't psych yourself out watching the car's ascension. I don't think I've ever been on a rotating tramcar before, so it's a little disorienting at first. Of course, whenever the tramcar passes through the stations there's a little bumping, and inevitably, there are a few little screams. Just don't think about it. The descent was very pleasant and we had a little sing-a-long to "Sweet Caroline," and other songs. We parked in lot A, and the incline up to the station is very challenging, deceptively so. We were quite out of breath. Save your breath for the amazing views!
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Nickola B.

Yelp
We went right before dusk and left at night. Both views were amazing! The operator was professional and had a great play list. We will be using the tram when we return.
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George H.

Yelp
No cellular reception at the location, so I was unable to check in with Yelp. Folks are really nice and tickets can be purchased online and onsite. You can purchase aerial tram fares with or without food. This is an annual must have trip for family and friends IMO. Hiking trails are fun and relaxing with ranger station available. Restrooms are readily available and accessible. What a beautiful view and blast!
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Esther T.

Yelp
My family and I had a great time here. Upon arrival you pay the parking fee ($15). The security officer gave me useful recommendations, tips, and directions. We waited a couple of minutes for the bus shuttle to take us to the top, walked up to the 2nd floor and bought the tickets. Our boarding time wasnt for 2hrs, we killed time by visiting the gift shop and walking around. We had just had breakfast & we weren't hungry but got a couple of snacks and drinks from the cafe. As expected the food (fries and tenders) were horrible and the coffee was even worse. $45 for a pretzel, fries, tenders, 2 kids drinks and 2 coffees. The cafe area was a little crowded and there wasn't a lot of shade. The rides were fast and the views were great. After we made it to the top we took a quick walk, played with the snow and took pics.
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Genezaret C.

Yelp
Everyone should experience this at least once. The views are incredible! The change in scenery from dry desert to cool mountain trees is amazing. Lots of things to see on the way up. We even got to see a rainbow on our ride with a 360 degree view. It did get a little crowded on the ride so make sure you arrive early. I also think it's cute how they take your photo right before, feels a bit like an amusement park.
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K B.

Yelp
Thee best experience!!! The 1st time we tried to go there was a 3 hour wait so we tried again the next day and were successful! The views were breathtaking, stunning, and majestic! Felt so safe and secure and the guide giving the facts on our way up and down were both great! Was so happy to get to do this! 10/10
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Lisa H.

Yelp
I really enjoyed the tramway experience in the evening! We purposely went at 8 pm right before closing and it was the best decision! No line whatsoever, easy parking and a great view of Palm springs all lit up! Despite being 100 degrees down below, it quickly became 60 degrees at top. We weren't prepared and definitely suggest jackets and pants!! I was so pleasantly surprised there were food options and a restaurant up above. We had a few chicken tenders and fries from the casual court and they were warm and toasty. I'm definitely coming back here again if I visit Palm springs to explore the hikes!
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Hayley H.

Yelp
A very fun outing on the outskirts of Palm Springs! It was wild to go from the hot dessert sun to the snow in the mountains in just about 10-minutes. The tram ride itself was enjoyable! The inside of the tram rotates 360 degrees. If you're prone to motion sickness, you may get a little queasy from the spinning floor and the tram rocking on the way up after each tower. It was a bummer that parking costs on top of the ticket cost.
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Nancy F.

Yelp
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It's something to try at least once. Parking is $15 and an adult ticket was $32.95. I happened to go on a Thursday in July. No crowds and close parking. The gift shop was ok and the restaurant was basic. The tram rotates so you will get a great view no matter where you stand. It runs every 15 minutes. The views are amazing.
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Vision O.

Yelp
This is an absolute must while in Palm Springs. The views are great, the trip on the tram is fast, fun and has music. All the staff are wonderful and the bar is the best in the city! You can get a one way ticket up or down and hike through mountains for true eye pleasures, but be mindful, it is 20 degrees cooler at the top.
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Beautiful views! Parking was $15 and we were in lot A (the closest) but it was still a huffing walk up to the tram. We bought tickets right when they were boarding so we did not have to wait at all. Great timing. The ride up was fantastic. The car rotates 360 degrees so no fighting for position. I wish you could keep riding the tram up and down because that was definitely my fav. Once you are up to the top, I hope you brought warm clothes because it's cold. If you aren't hiking, it didn't seem like there was a lot to do at the top. We took some pics, watched the sun set behind the mountain, went through the small animal display and headed back down. We were probably up there for 30 minutes. The tram ride was the highlight. The steep mountain rock was beautiful against the flat red desert. Definitely worth the time and cost.
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Kimberley K.

Yelp
Yo peeps, I'm here to give you a heads up: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is super popular, so tickets sell out weeks in advance, especially during peak season. So if you're planning a trip to the Coachella Valley, be sure to book your tramway tickets at the same time as your flights. I know it's a bummer to learn that you won't be able to get tickets on the day and time you want, but trust me, it's worth booking in advance. The tram ride is an amazing experience, and the views from the top are incredible.
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Lili H.

Yelp
The Palm Springs Tramway is a cool ride that shows one of the majestic views of Riverside county. It's about 8000 ft from the desert to the summit, and the view is awesome. The tramway rotates all the time giving you 360 degrees views, making the time go really fast. Totally worth the trip. Highly recommended!!!
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Jason P.

Yelp
Palms to Pines 10,000 feet above sea level This tram ride is really amazing. From the bottom platform you look out over the rocks, mountains, and the entire valley as you go up to the peak. The tram is actually pretty fast as it only takes a few minutes for the whole ride. Inside the car or tram the floor moves around 360 degrees so that everyone has a view and you actually get to see everything instead of just one view. At the top you are at the mountain platform which is the San Jacinto Mountain National Park. The building houses several restaurants, theaters, and gift shops which are in my review of that attraction. Very unique and amazing!
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Karina C.

Yelp
Before going check the weather at https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-San-Jacinto-Peak/forecasts/3293 We did the desert view trail which was 6 miles, it was hard with the snow and we stop.to have some fun. The sun helps so much it was not perfect weather for us. They have a cafe and restaurant up there, we heard the restaurant open at 4pm. Parking is $15.00 Entrance is $27.50 per person. I used an Omni heat jacket and pants from Columbia and I didn't feel cold.
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Michelle T.

Yelp
I had heard about Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from a couple of people who came out to explore around the area. I didn't do any research prior to coming out here, so I was able to take it all in bit by bit, as we discovered why this location was so popular. Also, this was a surprise trip for me as I was told that we were going somewhere fun, but wouldn't find out until we arrived. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is situated outside of the main city. You'll drive down a long road and observe plenty of people enjoying an early morning hike. Pay the parking fee and if you arrive early enough, you'll be able to park in one of the closer lots. If you arrive later in the day, you'll end up parking further down the road and taking a shared ride on a bus to the front entrance. When you arrive, you'll see a couple of stationary trolleys outside of the building. A lot of people like to stop here to take photos. You can also observe the tram as it makes its way through the mountains on a cable. You can't really see how high it goes as it will disappear from sight as it reaches a higher elevation. When you walk inside, you'll have to go through a security screening. They check all bags and make sure that you are not carrying any prohibited items. The gift shop is in a prime location as it's the first thing that you'll see when you clear security. The ticket booth is to the left and then you'll board according to your group number. The trolley cars themselves are a decent size and can accommodate at least 30 people. There are two bench seats in the center for elderly or disabled passengers. The floor rotates around giving all standing passengers a great view of the topography around them. The ride for the most part is smooth. However, it tends to rock a little as you pass each station as you go up. A few stations are bumpier than others. They also provide you with a history of the area as you ascend to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the top and prepare to disembark, you will begin your journey into Mount San Jacinto. The area differs from the desert lands below. There's plenty of hiking trails and campsites. The temperature is also much colder at the top, so take a light jacket on warm days because you might be caught off guard as you misjudge the temperatures for the areas. There are multiple vantage points for you to view the area. As you walk out on the deck, you can view the desert basin from several locations. Also, there is a small museum that gives you background information about the area itself. Several wild animals call this place home so be cognizant of your surroundings and be respectful of nature as you are a visitor to the area. I enjoyed my visit to the tramway. I can see the why this place is a popular destination for tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The one piece of advice that I can offer to visitors is to arrive early as this parking lot fills up quickly! Plan your visit accordingly and take a couple of layers of clothes with you as the temperature drops significantly once you reach the top of the mountain.
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Elizabeth L.

Yelp
We just love this tramway. It is great for families with kids who don't want to hike and for those that can not handle hiking. It can be very hot in Palm Springs so we avoid the summer. The tram is such a great way to see the dessert and all of it is magical. The trams have AC when needed and the price is fair. You will be able to see so much on the tram. At the Mountain Station when you reach the top you can enjoy viewpoints and take photos. They have a cocktail lounge, and a nice gift shop. We love the Natural History Museum and the two documentary movies about the. Tramway. They have 2 places to eat, you can dine at one of the two restaurants, Peaks Restaurant offers fine dining, while the Pines Restaurant offers an affordable self-serve alternative. Construction of the Tramway began 1963. The first tower is the only one that can be reached by road as far as I know. The Tramway has been designated a historical civil engineering landmark. In 1998 the Tramway began its modernization program that would see the installation in 2000 new cars . Since September 2000, passengers ride the world's largest rotating tramcars. It really is a must do in Palm Springs. We go there every time. well almost every time we are in the area.
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Ana T.

Yelp
This was such a fun experience, to ride the rotating tram car up to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The entrance to the building below has huge signage at the traffic light, so there's no way to miss it. Do not follow Google Maps directions to the other side. Parking is $15. Go early in the morning so you can be in the closest parking lot to the building (opens at 10 am during the weekdays). Once we arrive at the top, there's a restaurant, observation decks, small natural history museum, two small documentary theaters, gift shops, and hiking trails. They have a very cool interactive display to figure out which trail to take. Bring a jacket because it can get cold.
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Marisela V.

Yelp
I recommend purchasing tickets directly from the official website. Our group bought tickets from a third-party site, which meant we didn't get a designated time until we checked in, resulting in an additional hour's wait for the tram. During this time, we enjoyed some drinks. The ride to the top offered beautiful views. However, despite the conductor's reminder that the tram rotates as it moves, some people held onto the railing, causing others to get squished. There was plenty of snow during our visit, making the scenery even more breathtaking. However, it also required extra caution on the hikes. I recommend arriving early to make the most of the experience, as the departure line gets long. Our departure wait was nearly two hours.
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Sean S.

Yelp
The Palm Springs tramway is a great place to come to with family. We went when it was snowing and there was so much beautiful scenic areas to really enjoy and take great family photos in. They have a website with a live link that showcases what the area looks like so you can see if there is snow or not during the winter. It took about an hour waiting for the tramway to take us up and during that time, we made the best of it by doing charades. You can even camp out in the area but we were not prepared for that lol. Maybe next time we go, we will turn it into a family camping trip.
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Aiko N.

Yelp
While this thing was more fun going up than down (there's so many bars up top that most people are tipsy on the way back haha), it was an overall awesome experience. I loved that the view was 360 degrees, as the platforms in the trams rotated. It was about 10 minutes each direction and I got to see moving water up in the hills. I wish I was with hikers, though there was enough to do without heading all the way down the trails. What was super awesome was, the temperature's about 30 degrees cooler up above! It was a nice option that we could come back down whenever we wanted, though the last aerial tram is 9:30 pm. Pros: - views - easy parking (modest 15$ fee) and trams to the entrance - lots of trails, shops, dining options - lots of restrooms - wifi where necessary - lots of bees! Cons: - a bit pricey - they really cram people in like sardines, especially on the way down - can trigger motion sickness
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Erick Z.

Yelp
I went on a field trip here in March 2024 when I was in 3rd grade, lots of snow! Soooo many games, and I ate snow Recommend visitors!! Especially During the snow ! Happy Holidays!!
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Ilona S.

Yelp
Yes, a must do when in Palm springs and the weather cooperates. We were able to get tickets without making reservations, and have lunch at the top in the restaurant without making reservations. I guess we got lucky. Nice views. Cool as how the aerial tramway slowly spins around. Absurd prices for $30 ride but oh well. AND you have to pay $15 to park, no other options available. Worth it, sure
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Jose R.

Yelp
Amazing trip and capped off very well. All the staff was professional and environment was awesome.
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Travis H.

Yelp
If you're looking for beautiful views of the Palm Springs area, and enjoy the much cooler weather with pine trees, highly recommend. From main roadway to tram boarding is about 5-10 minute drive. Disabled friendly with close handicapped parking and elevator. Tickets are reasonably price and tram leaves every 15 minutes. It's a 10 minute ride to the top. Outside and indoor views, and light hiking available.
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Jose G.

Yelp
Tried to come up here in the winter time and it was an absolute nightmare... got there around 10 and we were told they were booked for the day and we had to turn around unless we already had a reservation. Tried again for Father's Day with a reservation and it was a much better interaction... PLEASE NOTE, if your reservation is at 2 PM, you actually want to get there around 1:30 because you'll have to park, take the bus up and then start loading... the reservation time is actually like departure time, so we kinda learned the hard way Once you're up though, it's gorgeous... the tram itself is huge and a little sketch going over the bumps, but really cool nonetheless. A few restaurants and stores up at the top which I didn't try out, but I'm sure are decent. The views are killer, and the scenery is beautiful. My kid walked around, we found a little lake, a lot of places to take photos... it was nice! I'm not a big camper but this place definitely seems like a nice place to give it a shot at... definitely worth the money and the time of day
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Erica C.

Yelp
Parking is $15 and each adult tram ticket is $30. But totally worth it. The views are breathtaking. I was disappointed I wasn't able to do the Murray Canyon hike since they closed the roads due to high winds. So this totally made up for it. Once you get up to the top, there's a bunch of view points and also a few different trails you can go on. It felt so refreshing and peaceful hiking around the mountain. It does get quite chilly at the top. I think it was around 47 degrees when we went. So don't forget to dress appropriately. The gift shop also sells sweaters if you need something warm. The ride up was a bit scary for me. The inside spins around so that you get a view of everything around you. But it's stable enough so that you don't get motion sickness.
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Alex D.

Yelp
This thing was pretty cool, but a little scary for people who are DEATHLY scared of heights. If you have a small to mild fear of heights, you might be fine, but for someone like me who is EXTREMELY scared, I don't recommend. I'm still giving it 5 stars, though, because it was cool and safe, although I was terrified. I hated the tram ride itself, but seeing the mountains up so high, and so close, was a perspective most people will never get to see in person, and it was cool. Being at the top was my favorite because it's a national or state park at the top, with so many beautiful trees, fresh water flowing, and trails to hike. Definitely come here if you like heights and/or hiking.
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Claudia C.

Yelp
Omg it was our first time there we had John and Yogi as the tram drivers , they made sure to give our friend Janet a happy bday shot out and put some music for us they were so awesome Best Customer service !!!
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Steve W.

Yelp
This is a very fun getaway that takes you from warm weather to snow. We went in late February and knew that you didn't need a ticket (although you can make reservations). We got there by 9:30 and got on a tram to the top at 10 on a Sunday. We loved the ride up the mountain, with the swaying cabin that turns 360 degrees while you ascend. Once at the top, we found many snowy trails to explore (we brought snow shoes, but saw many families with sleds). It's fairly flat at the top, so easy to get around, unless you want to go deeper into the wilderness (then you'll need a permit, but it's free). After we hiked for a couple of hours, we enjoyed a beer and a burger at the bar. They have more than one eating areas and the views are great while you dine. All in all a great experience.
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Lynn G.

Yelp
A+ experience! The staff was available to answer any questions or concerns that popped up
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Gisela L.

Yelp
My partner and I bought tickets online. When we arrived, they simply scanned the tickets from our phones; printing them out is not necessary. We purchased the 7pm ride. The views were spectacular! The prices at the gift shops were reasonable. Friendly staff! I'm looking forward for visiting again during the snowy season.