Up the Mountain: Riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Into Two Climates
An alpine elevator from desert heat to pine-scented cool—ride, hike, and explore Palm Springs’ vertical world.
The tram begins like a promise: a low hum, a swell of light, and then the city below reclining into a mosaic of palm shadows and mid-century roofs. The car rotates slowly—an engineered courtesy—so everyone gets a turn with the view. Below, the Sonoran-tinged desert and the geometric grid of Palm Springs heat up in the midday glare; above, the San Jacinto Mountains gather a cool, blue hush. In roughly ten minutes you’ll climb 5,873 feet, trading sand and sage for pine and the thin, scrubbed air of high country. It’s the kind of transition that feels cinematic and practical all at once: the tram is an ascension, a natural elevator between two seasons.
Trail Wisdom
Dress in layers
Temperatures can drop dramatically from the base to the Mountain Station—bring a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer.
Book timed tickets
Purchase the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket in advance on weekends or holidays to avoid long lines.
Acclimate before hiking
Spend 10–15 minutes at the summit to let your breathing settle before starting any trails; altitude can fatigue faster than distance suggests.
Leave no trace at high elevations
Stay on trails and pack out all trash—the alpine flora is fragile and slow to recover.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Hike the short sort-and-snap Round Valley Loop for dramatic valley panoramas with minimal effort
- •Drive the North Lykken Trailhead for quieter trail access and early-morning wildlife viewing
Wildlife
bighorn sheep, mountain bluebird
Conservation Note
The Mountain Station sits adjacent to protected lands—stay on trails, pack out waste, and respect seasonal trail closures to protect fragile alpine ecosystems.
The tram opened in 1963 and was conceived as a mid-century engineering landmark connecting Palm Springs with Mount San Jacinto’s alpine environment.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower blooms, moderate hiking conditions, comfortable summit temps
Challenges: variable afternoon storms, windy ridgelines
Spring is ideal for wildflowers and comfortable hikes, though sudden storms and wind can appear in the afternoon—start early.
summer
Best for: escaping valley heat, pine-scented trails, evening photography
Challenges: thunderstorms at elevation, limited water sources
Summer brings relief from desert heat at the summit; expect cooler temperatures but watch for afternoon thunderstorms and bring extra water.
fall
Best for: clear skies, longer daylight for hikes, crisp mountain air
Challenges: cool mornings, shortening daylight
Fall offers clear, stable weather and great visibility—pack layers for chilly mornings and plan hikes with daylight in mind.
winter
Best for: snow scenes and solitude, snowshoe-friendly terrain, dramatic skies
Challenges: icy trails, possible tram closures in severe weather
Winter transforms the mountain into a snowy landscape; check tram operations and traction conditions before heading up.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Layered clothing (base, insulating midlayer, wind shell)Essential
Crucial for handling the rapid temperature shift between valley and summit.
Sturdy hiking shoes or bootsEssential
Trails at the Mountain Station range from paved overlooks to rocky singletrack—support and traction matter.
Water bottle or hydration system (1–2 liters)Essential
Limited reliable water at the summit; hydrate before hiking and carry enough for your planned route.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
The rotating tramcar and summit viewpoints offer layered vistas—battery life matters in cold air.
Common Questions
How long is the tram ride?
The ascent takes about 10 minutes each way; factor in wait times and time spent exploring the Mountain Station for a half-day visit.
Are tickets required in advance?
Timed tickets are recommended, particularly on weekends and holidays—reserve the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket online to avoid lines.
Is the tram wheelchair accessible?
Yes—the tram and Mountain Station have accessibility features, but check the tram operator’s site for specific accommodations and assistance options.
Can I hike from the top?
Yes—several trails start at the Mountain Station, from short interpretive loops to longer routes like the Skyline Trail; choose a route matching your fitness and allow time to acclimatize.
What should I do if the tram is closed due to weather?
Check the tram’s online status before traveling; if closed, consider local options like the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway visitor center exhibits, or a town-based tour such as the Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours.
Are dogs allowed on the tram and trails?
Service animals are permitted on the tram; pets are not allowed in the Mountain Station (rules can change—confirm current policies before visiting).
What to Pack
Layers for temperature swings, sturdy shoes for alpine trails, 1–2 L water for hydration, sunscreen for the exposed desert and summit sun.
Did You Know
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ascends 5,873 feet and uses rotating tramcars—one of the largest rotating aerial tramcars in the world—offering panoramic views during the ride.
Quick Travel Tips
Buy timed tram tickets in advance; start hikes early to avoid afternoon winds; bring cashless payment options for the Mountain Station café; check tram status before driving up.
Local Flavor
Palm Springs mixes mid-century modern architecture, celebrity history, and thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife—sample date shakes, tour iconic homes, and consider the Drag & Fly Tours for a theatrical spin on local history.
Logistics Snapshot
Base address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs. Ride time: ~10 minutes each way. Elevator to alpine trails and viewpoints. Timed tickets advised on weekends. Allow 2–4 hours for a combined tram ride and short hike.
Sustainability Note
Visitors are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles, stick to designated trails to protect alpine plant communities, and use shuttle or ride-share options to reduce parking pressure at busy times.