PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY CELEBRATES 60 YEARS
Posted: Sept. 5, 2023
$13-Million Mountain Station Renovation Commemorates Occasion
Throughout the month of September, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is celebrating its 60th 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 60th 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 60th anniversary visitors.”
In celebration of the anniversary, a series of events and promotions are planned for September including giveaways for every 60th visitor, a 60th anniversary celebration quiz on the Tramway’s mobile app, a free 60th 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.
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY REOPENS SEPTEMBER 1
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.
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CLOSURE
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.
FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND AT THE TRAMWAY
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!
“MILITARY DAYS” 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/