Events

Posted: Sept. 5, 2023

$13-Million Mountain Station Renovation Commemorates Occasion

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

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.

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

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!

Posted: Jun 19, 2023

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.

For more information, please visit https://pstramway.com/tram-news-2/

Enjoy Dinner with Panoramic Views of the Coachella Valley

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 .

Class and Field Programs Begin May 19

The Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness (MSJSP&W) and the Natural History Association (NHA) are happy to announce the Class and Field Program Schedule for the 2023 summer season.

Through October 8, a total of 24 programs will be presented covering a range of natural history and hiking trail topics. To register for a class and field program, please visit www.msjnha.org/events.

“Happy Little Worlds, Mosses, and Lichens” marks the first program of the series on May 19, led by Nick Garduno, Mt. San Jacinto State Park Interpreter I.

Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers resume Sunday, May 28 and continue every Sunday through September 3. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails. The Desert View Trail is a 1½-mile hike beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Long Valley Nature Trail is a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required for the Guided Nature Walks.

All programs are free and open to the public with advance registration. Regular tram fares and parking fees still apply.

For more information about MSJSP&W and NHA Class and Field Programs, or to register for a program, please visit www.msjnha.org/events.

Free Tram Admission in June for Qualifying First Responders

For the entire month of June, 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, “We are honored to welcome those who dedicate their lives to protect and serve our communities. ‘First Responders Days’ allows us to extend the Tramway experience as an expression of our gratitude to first responders. We truly hope they enjoy their visits along with their family and friends.”

Qualifying personnel include (Download full list below):

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

This program runs June 1-30, 2023, with tickets only available at the Tramway’s Valley Station on the day of visit.

Note: “First Responders Days” is scheduled for June instead of August this year due to our annual maintenance closure moving to August to accommodate the Tramway’s 60^th Anniversary in September.

Extended Holiday Hours on May 28 & 29

Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of the summer season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Extended summer hours begin May 26 and end September 3.

Every Friday and Saturday, the last tram up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down will be at 10:30 p.m. In addition, Peaks Restaurant will extend the last seating to 8:30 p.m. and Pines Café will remain open until 9:30 p.m.

Also, holiday hours will be observed on Sunday, May 28 with the last tram going up at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, May 29, the first tram going up will be at 8:00 a.m., one hour earlier than usual.

“Our extended summer schedule provides guests the opportunity to spend more time outside in cooler weather during the hot summer months,” says Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols. “Visiting the Tramway after dark is a truly unique experience when guests can have dinner and enjoy seeing the city lights across the Coachella Valley from 8,516 feet.”

Chill in Cooler Temperatures April 1 Through July 31, 2023

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Summer Pass is back, and with new dates! Starting April 1, guests can purchase a Summer Pass to escape the hot summer months and experience “chill at its peak” in temperatures 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 per passholder), a 10% discount at Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, and unlimited free parking for the passholder. Summer Passes are $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children ages 3-10. Beginning April 1, guests can purchase their Summer Pass online at www.pstramway.com, or in-person at the Tramway’s Valley Station. Summer Passes are valid April 1 through July 31, 2023.

Passholders can also 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 Tram’s Mountain Station offers spectacular views stretching from the Salton Sea to the San Gorgonio Pass. Guests can also take advantage of two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a gift shop, natural history museum, mobile app audio tours, and two documentary-style movies 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 www.pstramway.com/tickets.