Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Everything You Want To Know) • OhMeOhMy Blog (2024)

If you have ever been to Palm Springs or you plan to go, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a sure bet for things to do in this desert paradise. This amazing tram ride takes you from desert to mountains in 10 minutes, on a ride you will not forget. This is a do not miss adventure! And after the tram ride, the fun doesn’t stop there. Once you get to the top at Mountain Station, you can hike, eat at one of the Palms Springs Aerial Tramway restaurants (and a bar!), camp, take amazing pictures, play in the snow during the winter months… you can even plan a once in a lifetime wedding celebration here! When we spend time in PS, it’s one of our favorite things to do. Steve and I want to tell you everything you will ever want to know about the Palm Springs Tramway. Because we want you to have no excuses not to make this a priority. You. Can’t. Miss. This!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway : A Guide to Everything You Want to Know

Palm Springs Tram Info

So on our first trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, I wasn’t entirely prepared. Really, I had no idea what to expect. You too? Ok! So let’s get you started by getting you there, ok?

• First of all, always check the tram schedule before you go. Also, check the weather at the top. It can be 30-40 degrees different than the valley floor. There are times of year you may be wearing shorts and a tank top at the Valley Station, but need a warm sweatshirt at the Mountain Station. Or there could be snow!

• Oh, and the Palm Springs tram cam is always fun. You can see exactly what it’s like up on top, in real time! Here’s the link to the Palm Springs tram cam.

• The tramway Valley Station, where you start the adventure, is at 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA. You can map it on your phone, or get directions to the Palm Springs Tram from wherever you are –click here. Basically you’ll turn off of N Palm Canyon Drive on to Tram Way and head southwest up the hill.

• You cannot bring any pets, except service animals. Mr. Woof stays at home.

•You can bring strollers, backpacks, even your own picnic if you like. Keep in mind though, that on busy days the tram can be packed a little tight. Make sure you know how to fold up that stroller if asked!

• If you are pregnant, or have any medical issues, ask your Doc first, ok? Steve and I saw an older women faint because of the fast change in altitude. You gain over 6000 feet of elevation in less than 10 minutes. Most people are just fine, BTW.

• There is security. So, if you plan on coming up the mountain, making a mess, getting plastered, or otherwise denigrating our amazing natural wonders here, don’t.

Here is where you start the adventure, Tram Way – the road up to the Valley Station!

Palm Springs Tram Tickets & Parking

When you finally reach this main entrance to the tramway, you will first encounter parking. Parking is $8 per vehicle, and you pay at this entry station. From there, they will direct you to a parking lot. You know the drill, Lot A, Lot B… etc.

But no, you aren’t quite there yet! At each parking lot, a shuttle will pick you up and take you the rest of the way to the Valley Station, where you will buy your tickets. You can buy tickets in advance if you like on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website, but you can also buy them at the station. After you buy your ticket, you wait for the next tram going up the mountain. The trams come on average every 30 minutes, so the wait is never too long. FYI – During the hot summer months, it’s warm in that station. Just be prepared, and get a cool drink at the snack counter. *Note – because of covid all Palm Springs Tram tickets must be bought in advance until further notice!

So once you are at the Valley Station, and waiting for your turn to board the tram, a few little things you should know.First, the tram ride is something you do not want to miss. (Have we said that already?) So unless you are seriously afraid of heights, or have severe claustrophobia, it’s worth everything. I mean, look at this! (And this is a look from the bottom! – from inside the valley station)

Second, the tram is packed pretty tightly most times of the year. Be prepared to hold small children, bags or backpacks, and move on over to make room for all the other passengers. It doesn’t matter much where you end up in the tram car, because the car rotates slowly all the way up the mountain so everyone gets a 360 view!

You will now be on a magical ride 2 1/2 miles up the mountain! You will see amazing views from the tram car of the valley below. Remember, the tram car will rock a bit, and rotate. There are bars to help you keep your balance.

Ok, so now you are at Mountain Station, at the top of the tram! Now what?

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Restaurants

First things first, let’s get a bite, shall we? The Mountain Station has two restaurants, and a bar.

Peaks Restaurant

First, Peaks Restaurant. Peaks is a higher end, romantic date night, celebrating anything place to eat. It was recently named Architectural Digest #8 Best Cliffside Restaurants! We have never eaten here at night, but this would be a rock solid date night, folks. I mean, look at this! Photo from ‘PS Aerial Tramway‘.

Pines Cafe

The Pines Cafe is a more casual, pizza and sandwiches kind of place. They do have an outdoor dining area as well. If you ride the tram after 4pm, you can buy what’s called “Ride N’ Dine” tickets, where you can ride and eat at the Pines Cafe with one price.

The Lookout Lounge

Here’s where the ice cold beer is! This mountain top bar offers co*cktails and appetizers. Great way to unwind after a day of adventure!

All the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Restaurants have online menus.

Palm Spring Tramway – Hiking and Nature

So Steve and I love the hiking at the top of the mountain the best. The photography is exceptional, the temperatures are mild most times of the year, the nature is stunning and the views are… well, the views are stunning too. You are now in the San Jacinto State Park with over 14,000 acres of incredible natural beauty. Yea, it’s really that good. 🙂

The hiking trails are well marked, and range from a short “Discovery Trail” to the more moderate “Desert View Trail”, all the way up to the top of San Jacinto Peak. We like the “Desert View” trail because it only takes an hour or so, but gives you a lot of valley views and rock formations. They also have guided nature walks that are great for families. Remember, take water. And if you have kids, snacks. Nothing is worse than enjoying that view and having kids whining, “I’m hungry, can we go back now?”

Photography in the San Jacinto Mountains

If you love nature photography, take you camera. Here are just a few shots Steve took from the “Desert View” trail.

I mean, come on! Does he really have to do that to me? But it was worth the shot. 😉

The blue sky on top of the mountain will amaze you. And the rock formations. And the trees. And the wildlife. And…

So you have bought your tickets, made your plans, and packed the camera, right? Seriously, Steve and I think that the Palm Springs Tramway is a must see attraction in the Coachella valley. And if you get the chance, go more than once!

If you want to find the best way to plan your whole trip to Palm Springs in one place, including booking flights, hotels, rental cars, reviews for restaurants, and tips on your trip, check out ‘Tripadvisor‘. They even have lists for the best hikes in Palm Springs! And, you can compare prices with many of the top booking sites, including Expedia and Hotwire to see who has the best deal.

We hope this post help you in planning your trip to the Palm Springs area and your potential Palm Springs Aerial Tramway excursion! You might also be interested in our post on Best Hikes and Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.