It’s time for another edition of “Perspectives,” a video showing my POV (point of view) of things I’ve done or come across during my travels. On a recent weekend getaway to the desert, I took a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. In only eleven minutes, passengers are swiftly transported from the floor of the Coachella Valley to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, at an elevation 8,516 ft (2,596 m) above sea level. From this brief video you can get a sense of what it was like for yourself!
The two-and-a-half mile journey passes through five unique life zones on its ascent through steep, rocky Chino Canyon. Recorded narration provides interesting facts and trivia about the tramway and its history. They say it’s like traveling from the Sonoran desert of Mexico to the alpine wilderness of Alaska in only a few minutes. What makes the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway unique is that the cabin floor slowly rotates, so passengers can enjoy spectacular views of every direction without changing position.
What a difference eleven minutes makes! On my visit, it was a sweltering 110°F (43°C) in Palm Springs but a crisp and refreshing 68°F (20°C) at the top of the mountain. Several viewing platforms offer unbelievable panoramic vistas of the barren desert eight thousand feet below. Visitors can exit the rear of the building to access 14,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The State Park offers miles of picturesque nature trails for hiking and areas for picnicking and camping too. In winter and early spring, it’s even possible to take the tram up and play in the snow. The Mountain Station features a café, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge and of course, a gift shop.
| When: Cars depart at least every half hour. Monday-Friday: first tram up 10 a.m. Saturday, Sunday & holidays: first tram up 8 a.m. Last Tram up 8 p.m. and last tram down 9:45 p.m. * Note that the Tramway’s annual maintenance is scheduled for September 12-25, tentatively reopening September 26. |
| Where: 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, California (760) 325-1391 Google Map
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| For more information: Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website
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Here are some photos I took on my adventure:
Michael Figueiredo is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he’s not gallivanting around the world, he’s enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited thirty-six countries and territories on five continents. His goal is to see at least one new country every year! . Read more from this author
Twitter: @MalaysiaAsia
Nice. I like how the cabin rotates for the beautiful views. Got to try this one day.
David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..12 Free things to do in Kuala Lumpur (KL)
Twitter: @aviewtoathrill
Sweet! I rode the tram at Jackson Hole this past week too. It’s a great way to see the area from a different perspective. It had been years since I’d been in one, so, good times!
Renee recently posted..My Jackson Hole, WY Trip Report
Twitter: @eurotravelista
I have taken this tram before and it is a very fun adventure. We left Palm Springs it was warm and sunny but at the top we played in snow. Gotta love SoCal
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Favorite European Travel Moments
Twitter: @thetravelchica
Enjoyed the photos!
The Travel Chica recently posted..First Week in Ohio
Twitter: @InspirngTrvlrs
Sounds brilliant – I’d love to explore this part of the US! I think attractions like this encourage people who don’t otherwise hike or camp to check out more of the parks.
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Twitter: @SophieR
Looks like a fun adventure!
Sophie recently posted..Images of Innsbruck
Twitter: @struxtravel
Thanks Sophie! It was. It was a little scary too
Palm Springs is gorgeous, I love driving out there! It’s only a couple hours away from where I live, such a relaxing little getaway place. Do you have to drive through those windmills? It always scares me!
Sara
Twitter: @struxtravel
I grew up in LA but never made it to Palm Springs until I was an adult. Now I love going out there at least once or twice a year. It is so beautiful! I think the windmills are so cool! I wish there was a good place to stop and take photos of them!
This is a very interesting post of yours. i was attracted with the video that you have attached because you were able to show how nice palm spring is. Thanks a lot for sharing this blog. I hope you will still be sharing more of your interesting blogs.
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