Cooler Weather at the Top

Whether simply escaping the desert heat, cross-country skiing, camping, or looking for a great place to hike, one might think it necessary to travel to up to four different places in order to achieve each goal. This is not true for inhabitants of the famous desert known as Palm Springs and neighboring areas such as Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City.

At the entrance of the fair city of Palm Springs from Highway 111 stands a sign post reading “Aerial Tram with Rotating Cars.” Driving up a curving road for only a few miles will take you to a beautiful scene of wild desert life as you approach the station where it is possible to be lifted to the top of Mt. San Jacinto.

An Affordable Palm Springs Retreat

All too frequently overlooked as an affordable day trip getaway, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram offers great scenic birds-eye views of both the city and the San Jacinto Mountain itself. Even more exciting, the Aerial Tram boasts having the largest rotating tramcars in the world. The tram ride lasts only a few minutes each way and utilizes sturdy cables and strategically engineered weight compensation to carry passengers up and down Mt. San Jacinto.

Aerial Tramway Restaurants

There is a great restaurant on top with a delicious, not-too-spicy tortilla soup; ideal for winter weather at the tram. Near the dining area you will also find a door that exits to a balcony with telescopes to aid in viewing the expanse of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. This balcony provides a view like no other of the amazing weather and distant mountains surrounding the desert.

Aerial Tramway Ticket Prices

For the price equivalent to one Disneyland ticket, adult summer passes are available for only $60 and are valid for a solid four months from May 1st to August 31st. Children ages 3 to 12 also enjoy a bargain summer pass at only $30. Summer passes are a great deal and allow visitors an opportunity to escape the desert hear while enjoying fresh mountain air and a view from the top of the Coachella Valley. The tram closes for maintenance from September 12 – 25, 2009. It is possible to buy and print tickets online in advance from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram Website.

Things to Do at the Palm Springs Aerial Tram

Aside from enjoying the beautiful view, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram offers a great list of things to do for the whole family (visitors are not allowed to bring pets to the aerial tram):

• Experience nature: whether hiking in a wilderness with 54 miles of trails to choose from, camping, or taking a guided nature walk of the Mount San Jacinto State Park, the Aerial Tram offers multiple ways to experience the natural splendor of the desert mountains. The best part is that these experiences in nature are all free of charge. For camping, the State Park requires campers to fill out a Wilderness Permit Application (free permit). The permit simply works to limit entries into the State Park and preserve the wilderness.

• Challenging Winter Sports: Cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, snow camping, and sledding are among the exciting winter activities available atop the San Jacinto Mountains. It is possible to bring personal gear from home or rent gear at the Mountain Station ($21). Skiing is free and only requires filling out of a Wilderness Permit Application (free permit).

With such a great deal to escape the desert heat and experience the beauty of nature in all her seasons, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is ideally priced and conveniently located for valley residents. Be sure to buy a summer pass every May for a great deal on, quite possibly, the best view in town.