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No, Paulette did not go with me on the aerial tramway to the 8,500' level of San Jacinto Peak. Not a chance! She stayed back at the RV Park, nice and comfortable and perfectly safe, relaxing in the sun with the excuse that someone had to look after Mo and Molly.
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| From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak |
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| From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak |
The Palm Springs Tramway is one of only three rotating trams in the world. The other two go to the top of Table Mountain in Capetown, South Africa, and to the peak of Mount Titlus in Switzerland. Built in 1963, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ascends 2.5 miles from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto in about 15 minutes. It travels approximately 12,800' with a vertical ascent of 5,873' so it is a very steep ride.
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| From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak |
The tram travels at a speed of 20mph and rotates 360 degrees several times during the accent and descent. Each time the tram passes over one of the towers there is a slight drop which caused quite a few screams from many of the tram riders.
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| From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak |
Once at the top, you get off the tram and you can stay up there for as long as you want. There are hiking trails for those who want to do some exploring as well as a restaurant, gift shop and viewing platforms.
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| From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak |
The trip back down was just as interesting as the trip up - lot's of great scenery. It was nice to get back down to 70F - the temperature on the viewing platform was 42F!! Not used to that!
It was a great experience especially for the cost - just $20.
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