The tram cars rotate 360 degrees during the journey so every passenger gets a panoramic view.
The base station is located at 2,643 feet, while the Mountain Station reaches 8,516 feet.
The project was envisioned by electrical engineer Francis Crocker in 1935, but construction did not begin until 1961.
The tram's support towers were installed using helicopters due to the rugged, inaccessible terrain.
It is the only aerial tramway in California.
The summit area features five life zones, ranging from lower Sonoran to arctic-alpine.
The tramway has carried over 20 million passengers since its opening in 1963.
The cables supporting the cars were originally manufactured in Switzerland.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world's largest rotating tram car system, climbing 5,873 feet from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the top of Mount San Jacinto. The 10-minute ascent transitions riders from the Sonoran Desert biome to an alpine forest environment. The cars rotate slowly during the journey, providing 360-degree views of Chino Canyon and the surrounding mountain ranges. The top station, Mountain Station, sits at an elevation of 8,516 feet. Visitors gain access to over 50 miles of hiking trails within the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. The facility includes two restaurants, observation decks, and a natural history museum. Temperatures at the summit are typically 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the desert floor.
The observation deck at the Mountain Station provides a clear view of the valley floor below.
Bring a layered jacket, as the summit is significantly colder than the desert valley.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes if you plan to explore the wilderness hiking trails.
Check the weather conditions at the summit via the website before starting your journey.
Do not attempt to hike the Long Valley or Summit trails without proper water and hydration, especially during summer months.
The tramway occasionally closes for brief annual maintenance periods, usually in late summer or early fall; check the official website for current closure alerts.
No smoking, pets, or drones are permitted; remain on marked trails in the state park.
