Events

Due to maintenance delays, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s reopening date has been rescheduled from Monday, October 7 to tentatively Saturday, October 12.

According to Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch, “Due to a one-day weather delay and projects taking longer than anticipated, we had to make the unfortunate decision to delay our reopening by five days.”

Adds Bartsch, “While we regret the inconvenience this may cause our guests, our number one goal is always the safe and reliable operation of the tram.”

37^th Edition of Scenic 6K Run/Walk

The 37th annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, with a start time of 7:00 a.m. (walkers start at 6:30 a.m.). This 6K run/walk begins at the bottom of Tram Way and ends at the Tram’s Valley Station, an elevation increase of over 1,900 feet in just 3.7 miles. Registration is open now until race day.

Special finishers’ medals will be presented to all participants along with a 2024 Tram Road Challenge tee shirt. Participants will also receive a post-race breakfast snack. 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place awards will be given in each age category for male, female, and non-binary finishers during an awards ceremony near the finish line immediately following the race.

For more information or to register for the race, please visit http://www.TramRoadChallenge.com  or call (949) 444-2365.

Guided Nature Walks Conclude September 1

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will observe holiday hours for Labor Day Weekend Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2, 2024. On Saturday and Sunday, the first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up is at 9:00 p.m., and the last tram down is at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, the first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up is at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down is at 9:30 p.m.

Guided Nature Walks by Mt. San Jacinto State Park Volunteers end Sunday, September 1. 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 charge. Walks begin at the bottom of the Mountain Station concrete trail.

September 9 Through October 6

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday, September 9, through Sunday, October 6 with a tentative reopening date of Monday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. The last day to ride the Tram before the annual maintenance closure is Sunday, September 8.

“During this year’s shutdown, we will be performing a track rope repositioning, which ensures even wear of the cables,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch. “Additionally, we will be conducting annual state-permit testing, and our Switzerland-based technicians will be performing necessary annual service and upgrades.”

Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols explains, “The Tramway’s annual maintenance closure allows our maintenance team to perform complex projects that cannot be completed during normal business hours. We appreciate the understanding of the community and look forward to welcoming them back in October.”

Complimentary Tram Admission in August for Qualifying First Responders

For the entire month of August, all qualified first responders receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as part of “First Responders Days.” In addition, up to four of their guests receive 25% off their regular Tram fares.

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “The Tramway is greatly appreciative of the hard-work and dedication first responders put in every day. A day at the Tramway is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and wishing them—along with their family and friends—a relaxing and enjoyable experience.”

Qualifying personnel include (see full list):

• Fire and police personnel
• California Highway Patrol
• County Sheriff Officers
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

This program runs August 1-31, 2024, with tickets available at the Tramway’s Valley Station on the day of visit.

Guided Nature Walks Continue Sundays

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours on July 4 and 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. On Thursday, July 4, 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. On Friday, July 5, the first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 10:30 p.m.

Join the Mount San Jacinto State Park rangers on a guided nature walk along the 1 ½-mile Desert View Trail on Sunday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. or the ¾-mile Long Valley Nature Trail loop at 1:30 p.m. (free with Tramway admission). Those interested should meet at the bottom of the cement walkway located just outside the Mountain Station after riding the Tram to the top.

Beat the heat and celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend in the cool mountain air at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

U.S. Armed Forces Receive Free Tram Admission Throughout July

During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former, and retired—receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, along with a special gift for “Military Days.” Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. Military personnel are encouraged to bring friends and family and receive 25% off regular Tram admission for up to four guests.

While visiting the Tramway, guests can enjoy:

• Over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
• Guided Nature Walks every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend.
• Dining along the skyline at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café.
• Learning about the plants and animals in the State Park at the Natural History Museum located on the lower level of the Mountain Station.

The Tramway is pleased to continue this annual tradition of showing appreciation to former and current military personnel and their families.

Enjoy Panoramic Views of the Coachella Valley from Peaks Restaurant

Celebrate Palm Springs Restaurant Week at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway May 31-June 9. Peaks Restaurant is offering a special dinner menu while guests enjoy spectacular 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—Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Lemon Roughy, Filet of Beef, Smoked Gouda Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, or Half Roasted Duck
• Dessert Options—Tiramisu, Flourless Caramel Chocolate Crunch 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 10:30 p.m.

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

Popular Program Runs May 1 through August 31, 2024

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Summer Pass is back! Starting May 1, guests may purchase a Summer Pass to escape the hot summer heat and enjoy a refreshing experience at the peak. Temperatures at the top of the Tramway are typically 30-40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor.

The Summer Pass includes unlimited Tram admissions for the passholder, a 10% discount on additional Tram admissions (limit 4), a 10% discount at Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, and unlimited free parking. Summer Passes are $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children ages 3-10. Beginning May 1, guests may purchase their Summer Pass online at www.pstramway.com or in-person at the Tramway’s Valley Station. Summer Passes are valid May 1 through August 31, 2024.

Passholders will enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds in the 14,000-acre pristine wilderness of the Mount San Jacinto State Park.

The Tramway’s Mountain Station offers spectacular views stretching from the Salton Sea to the San Gorgonio Pass. Cocktails are available in the Lookout Lounge, and there is a gift shop, natural history museum, and two documentary-style films about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Mount San Jacinto State Park.

For more information or to buy your Summer Pass today, please visit https://pstramway.com/tickets.

The Palm Springs City Council has announced two reappointments to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority (MSJWPA), the governing board of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Nancy Stuart, a desert resident since 1975, was first appointed to the Tramway board in 2000. She has served as chairperson three times and is currently secretary. For 32 years, she managed financial institutions in the City of Palm Springs including Santa Fe Federal Savings, Downey Savings and U.S. Bank. She has served on the board of the Downtown Business Improvement District—a precursor to “Main Street”; was on the initial board of the Ruth Hardy (Movie Colony East) Neighborhood Organization; is a former chamber of commerce liaison committee member with the city council; and has served on various committees of the Palm Springs Woman’s Club. “It is important for the Tramway to run efficiently and safely,” states Stuart. “As well, it is essential to be good stewards of the pristine environment within which we operate. We look forward to many future generations enjoying this iconic experience.”

 Jerry Ogburn was first appointed to the Tramway board in 2006 and has served as chairperson three times. For over four decades, Ogburn worked as an urban planner and designer in both the public and private sectors leading interdisciplinary teams of specialized consultants. Most recently, he served for five years as a senior designer for The Planning Center in Rancho Mirage, and then another five years for MSA Consulting, Inc., also in Rancho Mirage, as a senior planner. He has served as a member of the Urban Land Institute, a charter member of the American Planning Association and associate member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. “At the Tramway, we work to continually enrich our visitor experience,” says Ogburn. “With the recent completion of our Mountain Station remodel, we look forward to future projects that will further enhance, what is truly, one of the world’s most unique attractions.”

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “I am delighted with the reappointments. They, along with our other Authority Members, have made critical contributions to the success of the Tramway through the years and I look forward to their continuing leadership.”

The other Authority Members are Brian Conley, Sandra Magana-Cuellar and Jeff Ohlfs, appointed by the Governor, and Bary Freet, appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.