Monthly Archives: May 2017

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 16, 2017) May 20 kicks off the summer programs of the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association (NHA) in partnership with the Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness (MSJSP&W).

According to NHA President Joe Migliore, “While we live in a desert, we decided to launch a new educational program series featuring a high mountain experience.”

The first program entitled “The Ten Essentials of Wilderness Travel” is led by Senior Patroller Carl Maple and includes an undisclosed hike. Advance registration is required.

Then, on May 27 and 28, “Junior Ranger Days” returns to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Formerly “Family Days,” these popular events led by MSJSP&W Interpreter Allison Barnes are held at the base of the Mountain Station’s walkway from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and include such children’s activities as “Leave No Trace” games, “Spin the Wheel” information board and “Meet & Greet” with animal pelts. Additional dates are June 24, July 29, August 12, and September 2 and 3. No advance registration is required.

Also, free Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers resume May 27 and continue Saturdays and Sundays through late summer. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required.

There is no charge for any of these programs, except for regular Tramway admission.

For more information about the NHA summer programs or to register, please visit www.msjnha.org/events.

State Park Programs

State Park NHA Poster

Diners Enjoy Peaks Restaurant At 8,516 Feet

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 08, 2017) Fine dining in an Alpine forest with panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley can be found in only one location—Peaks Restaurant at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. And there’s no better time to experience Peaks than during Palm Springs Restaurant Week June 2-11, 2017.       

The three-course $49 prix fixe menu (exclusive of tax, gratuity and tram fare) includes:

• Starter—Beef Tartar, Arugula Salad or Corn Chowder.
• Entree—Chimichurri Steak, Lemon Pepper Chicken or Potato Gnocchi.
• Dessert—Orange Bread Pudding or Godiva Chocolate Cheese Cake.

Reduced tram fares after 4:00 p.m. are $18 for adults and seniors, and $12 for children (ages 3-12) with confirmed Peaks Restaurant reservations during Restaurant Week. The last tram car up Sunday through Thursday is 8:00 p.m. and the last car down is at 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the last tram car up is 9:00 p.m. and last tram car down is at 10:30 p.m.

For menu details and more information on Palm Springs Restaurant Week, please visit https://pstramway.com/dining/.

Summer Schedule Begins May 26

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of the summer season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Extended holiday hours, late-evening weekend trams and early-morning Friday trams are just a few of the ways the Tramway is helping to extend your mountain adventure.

• In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, weekend hours will be extended through Monday, May 29 with the first car up at 8:00 a.m. each day.
• Beginning Friday, May 26 and continuing through Saturday, September 2, evening hours will be extended on Fridays and Saturdays with the last car up at 9:00 p.m. and the last car down at 10:30 p.m. Enjoy over an extra hour in the Mount San Jacinto State Park and the sparkling nighttime views of the entire Coachella Valley. Also, Peaks Restaurant will remain open until 8:30 p.m. and Pines Café until 9:30 p.m. on those days.
• Beginning May 26 and running through September 1 is “Early Fridays.” For those fifteen Fridays, the tram will open two hours early at 8:00 a.m.

According to Tramway Vice President of Sales & Marketing Nancy Nichols, “We are happy to once again offer our summer visitors an extended-hours program. Everyone seems to appreciate additional time to both escape the desert heat and enjoy our pristine Alpine forests.”

Start the summer above it all at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!