Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tours and Activities

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway


Enjoy panoramic views over the Coachella Valley on the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.

To gain a bird's-eye perspective over some amazing scenery, take the 14-minute ascent on the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway, where passengers start in the desert and end up in an alpine forest. Electrical engineer Francis Crocker first proposed the Aerial Tramway in the mid-1930s, although work on actually building it didn't start until 1960. The only way up was via helicopter, and these undertook more than 20,000 missions to take materials and workers up the mountain during construction.

The journey takes passengers to the upper slopes of Mount San Jacinto, and as you make the 805-metre ascent, the tram car completes two revolutions, providing amazing 360-degree panoramic views. Look east to see Palm Springs and the Joshua Tree National Park, while to the north are San Bernardino National Park and the San Gorgonio Mountain. The air can be as much as 22°C cooler at the top than in the desert, so come prepared with warmer clothing.

When you arrive at the San Jacinto Mountain Station, and if you've been lucky with the weather, you might be able to see the Salton Sea to the southeast, and as far as Las Vegas and Mount Charleston to the north from the viewing platform.

At the summit, there's a fine-dining restaurant called Peaks Restaurant, which offers produce sourced from the Coachella Valley, or for something more casual, grab a coffee and snack in the adjoining cafe. Once you've eaten, you can walk it off along one of the many nature trails, take a ride on a burro – a small donkey – or play in the snow during the winter season.

Drive 6.5 kilometres west of central Palm Springs to reach the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The attraction is open every day with trams leaving every 30 minutes. In summer, it's a good idea to buy tickets for the tramway in advance from the website.

Plan a trip to see Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
Del Sol Inn - Anaheim Resort
Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center

Popular places to visit


Top Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Palm Mountain Resort and Spa

Palm Mountain Resort and Spa

3 out of 5
155 S Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA
Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Riviera Resort Palm Springs

Riviera Resort Palm Springs

4 out of 5
1600 N Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Riviera Resort Palm Springs
Hyatt Palm Springs

Hyatt Palm Springs

4 out of 5
285 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Hyatt Palm Springs
The Dunes Hotel

The Dunes Hotel

2.5 out of 5
390 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
The Dunes Hotel
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

4 out of 5
888 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Hotel Zoso

Hotel Zoso

4 out of 5
150 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Hotel Zoso
Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt

Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt

2 out of 5
414 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
100 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel by IHG
Andreas Hotel & Spa

Andreas Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
227 N Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Andreas Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

At the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visitors can enjoy a scenic tram ride that offers breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. Beyond the tramway, there are exciting day trips available, including visits to local amusement parks and shopping excursions in Palm Canyon. For those looking to unwind, the area also boasts luxurious spa options, and golf enthusiasts can tee off at nearby courses. Festivals throughout the year add to the vibrant atmosphere of this stunning destination.

Shopping

For shopping near Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visit Palm Springs Square Shopping Center, only 6.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. El Paseo Collection, 8.0km away, boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, while Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center, 9.7km away, combines city vibes with shopping fun.

Recreation

At Indian Canyons Golf Resort, enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning desert landscapes, just 9.7km from the tramway. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, 12.9km away, offers a scenic golfing experience. For a serene outing, visit Cathedral Canyon Golf Club, located 14.5km from the tramway, surrounded by picturesque views.

Adventure

The South Lykken Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning views, located 6.4km from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For a thrilling climbing adventure, visit Uprising Rock Climbing Center, situated 11.3km away. The Desert View Trail, also 6.4km away, provides more breathtaking scenery for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Plaza Theatre and Annenberg Theatre, both 6.4km from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, showcasing captivating performances. For a fun family outing, head to Boomers! Palm Springs, 8.0km away, where you can enjoy arcade games and adventure activities.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

While visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, explore the surrounding urban parks and stunning canyon gorges for outdoor adventures. For a touch of culture, check out the local art museums. Families will find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant area, whether it’s riding the tram or discovering the beauty of Palm Mountain. Don't miss the chance to experience the unique charm of Palm Springs during your trip!

  • Palm Springs Convention Center: This vibrant arts centre, located 6.4km from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, offers a blend of culture and community events. Its modern facilities host various exhibitions, conventions, and performances, making it a hub for arts enthusiasts.
  • Palm Springs Art Museum: Situated 6.4km away, this art museum showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and Native American art. The museum's striking architecture and beautiful gardens enhance the cultural experience, perfect for art lovers.
  • Palm Springs Air Museum: Located 9.7km from the tramway, this aviation museum features a remarkable collection of vintage aircraft. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays and learn about aviation history, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs.

Best time to go to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The best time to visit Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.9°F (11.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February54.7°F (12.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March59.5°F (15.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April65.8°F (18.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July87.6°F (30.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August87.4°F (30.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September82.2°F (27.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
December51.6°F (10.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

To save money on your visit to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, consider travelling between July and September for lower accommodation rates. Book your stay on a Tuesday to score the best deals. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and package your flights with accommodation for additional savings. Don't miss out on free activities like hiking in the stunning surrounding areas. For transport, explore public transport options or consider carpooling to keep costs down. By planning wisely, you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palm Springs Aerial Tramway are July to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel accommodation for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.