The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was constructed in rugged Chino Canyon on the north side of Palm Springs as the dream of a young electrical engineer named Francis Crocker. He wanted to “go up there where it’s nice and cool” – what a concept !! This was in 1935, and there were many setbacks over the years which stymied his project, even though enthusiasm was high. Finally, in 1963, Crocker’s dream became a reality and more than 12 million people have been transported up those majestic mountains overlooking the Palm Springs Valley.
If you live full time in the valley here, round about this time of summer, it’s just HOT, plain stinkin’ HOT. And you find yourself wanting some relief from the intense heat (and this summer, the humidity too). Maybe you don’t have the time to drive up to Idyllwild or down to the coast to get your relief fix . . . so just a day trip up the Tram is the perfect Stay-cation.
The temperature differential between the valley floor and the top of the Tram is about 30 degrees. And if there’s a little wind up there, you might even want to bring along a light sweater or jacket since Desert Rats like us have thin blood and get chilled. But what a pleasure to have to put on a wrap on a day when it’s 105 degrees down below, but a chill 75 degrees up above. Yippeeee !!!
Tickets for the day are $23.95 for adults, $16.95 for children (ages 3-12) and $21.95 for seniors (62+). Year passes and Summer passes are also available. It’s a cheap way to rock your world for a day, from desert to alpine in one quick trip up the Tram. Take a picnic, bring a chair and binoculars for birdwatching or a good book to read, take a hike or have a sumptuous meal at the Peaks Restaurant or the Pines Cafe. Make a day of it, or even an evening.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is truly of of the Wonders of the World and certainly one of the Palm Springs Valley’s most popular and sensational attractions.