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Posted: Sept. 5, 2023

$13-Million Mountain Station Renovation Commemorates Occasion

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 5, 2023) Throughout the month of September, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is celebrating its 60^th anniversary. During its six decades of operations, this engineering marvel has transported nearly 22 million people to the Tramway’s recently-renovated Mountain Station and the 14,000-acre Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness.

A signature attraction for Greater Palm Springs, the Tram attracts adventure-seekers from around the globe to dine, hike, take-in the spectacular views and enjoy the thrill of ascending nearly 6,000 feet along the rugged cliffs of Chino Canyon. But all this took nearly three decades of planning and construction before welcoming the Tram’s first visitor.

The idea for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway began in 1935 when a young electrical engineer named Francis Crocker dreamt of a way to escape the summer heat of the desert floor for the cool Alpine forests of Mt. San Jacinto.

After years of setbacks and delays, $8.15 million in private revenue bonds was raised and a land donation was secured from local businessman Culver Nichols for the Tram’s Valley Station. Construction finally commenced in July of 1961. On September 12, 1963, (then) Governor Edmund “Pat” Brown ‘cut the ribbon’ and the Tramway officially opened.

In 2000, the Tramway completed a $15 million modernization program, which included the installation of its new rotating tramcars. These became the first of their kind in North America and remain the largest rotating tramcars in the world.

In 2019, the Tramway’s Mountain Station began its first-ever renovation, which was completed in early 2023. Budgeted at $13 million, this effort was intended to not only bring electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems up to date, but to restore the original architectural vision of its noted Mid-Century architect, E. Stewart Williams.

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “We are very happy that the completion of our Mountain Station renovation has coincided with our 60^th anniversary. Members of the Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, our governing body, have worked for over a decade to make this a reality and what a wonderful way to welcome our 60^th anniversary visitors.”

In celebration of the anniversary, a series of events and promotions are planned for September including giveaways for every 60^th visitor, a 60^th anniversary celebration quiz on the Tramway’s mobile app, a free 60^th anniversary sticker for every visitor on September 12, continuous showings of the newly-restored original 1960s Tramway film “The Miracle at Palm Springs” in the Santa Rosa Theater, and other special displays and exhibits.

Posted: Aug. 30, 2023

Labor Day Holiday Hours Observed During Opening Weekend

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 29, 2023) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will reopen on Friday, September 1 after its annual maintenance closure. This first tram up will be at 10:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 9:00 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 10:30 p.m.

During this year’s annual maintenance closure, completed projects include updating Tramway systems, hydraulic and brake servicing, and State permit testing.

Labor Day holiday hours will be observed on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3 with the first tram up at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up at 9:00 p.m., and the last tram down at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, September 4, the first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., two hours earlier than usual.

Also, Guided Nature Walks by Mt. San Jacinto State Park Volunteers end Sunday, September 3. These walks, which are conducted Sundays during summer months, feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile route 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 and there is no additional charge. Walks begin at the bottom of the concrete ramp.

Posted: July 31, 2023

Last Day to Ride the Tram is Sunday, August 6

PALM SPRINGS, CA (July 31, 2023) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday, August 7, 2023, with a tentative reopening date of Friday, September 1 at 10:00 a.m.

“During this year’s shutdown, we will be performing our annual State-permit testing,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch. “Additionally, the Tramway control systems will be updated, the gearbox will undergo a rebuild, and the cables will be tested.”

Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols explains, “Since we are open seven days a week throughout the year, our annual maintenance closure allows our maintenance and tramway systems teams to perform necessary updates and general maintenance. This time also allows for training and planning in other departments as we prepare for our upcoming season.”

The last day to ride the Tram before the annual maintenance closure is Sunday, August 6.

Posted: Jun 26, 2023

Extended Hours on July 3 and 4

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 26, 2023) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July Holiday. The first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 8:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 9:30 p.m.

Begin your day with a ride on the world’s largest rotating tramcar and a hike in the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Then, visit the Natural History Museum to experience ten new audio tour stops on our free mobile app. Finally, end the day dining at Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café in the newly renovated Mountain Station.

Celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend in the cool mountain air at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

Enjoy Dinner with Panoramic Views of the Coachella Valley

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 2023) Celebrate Palm Springs Restaurant Week at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway June 2 through 11, 2023. Peaks Restaurant will offer a special dinner menu along with the usual unbeatable views and a ride on the world’s largest rotating tramcar.
The three-course $59 prix fixe menu (exclusive of tax, gratuity, and tram fare) includes:

• Starter Options—Spinach Salad, Corn Chowder, Charred Shrimp, or Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Entrée Options—Pasta Parisian, Lemon Roughy, Filet of Beef, Smoked Gouda Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, or Lemon Herb Chicken
• Dessert Options—Orange Bread Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake, or Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Reduced Restaurant Week tram fares are available after 4:00 p.m. and are $19 for adults and seniors, and $12 for children (ages 3-10) with confirmed Peaks Restaurant reservations.

The last tram car up Sunday through Thursday is 8:00 p.m. and the last car down is 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the last tram car up is 9:00 p.m. and the last tram car down is at 10:30 p.m.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.pstramway.com/dining .