Up, Up And Away In The Tramway!

Tuesday, I finally got to go for a ride on the Palm Springs Tramway and it was fantastic.  The 2 1/2 mile trip began at the Valley Station, elevation 2,643 ft. and transported us to the Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 ft. in just 10 minutes.  The temperature at the bottom of the hill, at 10:30am, was 80F and at the top it was just 48F – and there was 4 ft. of snow up there.

This is one of the Trams that go to the top of the mountain in 10 mins.

Unlike the other 2 times I tried, there was absolutely no problem getting a $20 ticket and walking right on the the next available tram – a 15 minute wait.  One of the unique features is that the inside floor of the tram makes a few complete revolutions while it is moving so that you get a great view from several different angles.

Looking up the mountain to the next tower from inside the Tram

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a major gateway to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.  The area was officially designated a treasured natural and cultural resource by a special act of the US Congress in 2000.  Many of the beautiful hiking trails begin at the top of the Tram and extend over the San Jacinto Mountains to the outskirts of Idyllwild.

Click the arrow for a quick ride on the Tramway

For years, the Palm Springs Tramway was the dream of a young electrical engineer named Francis F. Crocker to "go up there where it's nice and cool".  Crocker's dream began in 1935 while he was on a trip to Banning, CA.  Mopping his brow in the heat, Crocker gazed up at the still snow-capped peak of Mt. San Jacinto 10,804 feet high. At that moment, the idea for the tramway was born.

Made it to the top – this is the docking station at the top

Even though the enthusiasm for the tramway idea was high locally, political roadblocks caused numerous disappointing setbacks.  However, Crocker's vision of a tramway to scale the cliffs to the coolness of the San Jacinto mountains never died.  Years after the original plans were shelved, they were dusted off and the battle enjoined.  In 1945, a tram bill was passed and Governor Earl Warren signed the measure creating the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority.

It was 80F at the bottom and a cool 48F at the top

Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and was soon labeled the "eighth wonder of the world.''   The superlative was earned because of the ingenious use of helicopters in erecting four of the five supporting towers.  Some 20 years later, the Tramway was designated an historical civil engineering landmark.

Just starting to head back down to the Valley Station

Francis Crocker's dream was completed in 1963; the inaugural ride occurred on September 14th with scores of local and state dignitaries and celebrities on hand.  More than 12 million people have been safely transported by the Tramway into the majestic mountains overlooking the Coachella Valley since the attraction opened in September 1963.

The view out the back of the Mountain Station

After the 10 minute ride to the top, you can stay up there for as long as you want.  There is a gift shop, a cafeteria and a dining room as well as several viewing platforms.  Or, if you’re inclined, there are several hiking trails to take – I wasn’t inclined to do that yesterday.  When you’re ready to head back down, just hop on the next tram heading down!

That’s Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley way down there!

It was a great way to spend a couple of hours in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad either, as I just spent time at the pool and outside reading.  I couldn’t convince Paulette to go up in the tram – not a chance!!

Have a great Wednesday, and thanks again for visiting!