Friday, May 25, 2012

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The next couple of Scenic Sunday posts will be exploring the incredible Aerial Tramway near Palm Springs, California, which climbs near the top of San Jacinto Mountain. I rode this with my son back in March, but my wife refused to go because it was too steep and high!
As shown above, the tram itself is large, holding up to 80 people. The floor rotates, ensuring that everyone gets different views as it ascends or descends.
At times it's high above the ground and it certainly is steep - I can understand why my wife was nervous!
It rises 5,920 feet (1,804 meters), with the top station at an elevation of 8,516 feet (2,596 m) above sea level.
The rotating trams were installed in 2001 as replacements for these original tram cars.
If you can handle the heights, this is the must-see attraction in the Palm Springs area. Next week I'll show you some shots taken while on the tramway.
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14 comments:

  1. LynetteMay 25, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    Oh, my. What a way to go! I don't think I could get myself to walk into the tram, but I did very much enjoy your post and all of the photos. Heights scare the hooey outta me!

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  2. trav4adventuresMay 25, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    You know, I've lived near Palm Springs now for 37 years and I've NEVER been up on the tram! Maybe this summer...

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  3. Sylvia KMay 25, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Oh, I would love to take a ride on this! What awesome views!! I'm just a tad jealous, but thanks to your incredible shots, I get to enjoy the next best thing to being there myself! Have a wonderful weekend, Al!

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  4. Sallie (FullTime-Life.comMay 25, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    We did this -- spent one winter in a Desert Hot Springs RV resort -- it was amazing, but scary.

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  5. ElettraMay 25, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    Have you had a good experience!!

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  6. JanaMay 25, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    Great view and shots, but I must admit I am petrified of heights......aaahhhhh!!!

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  7. AnonymousMay 25, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    What great shots and what a view!

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  8. LindaMay 26, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    Ooooh! I've been on this - in 1985. I was staying with my 2nd cousin in LA when I was a university student - she would have been in her early 60s at that point, and as a birthday present for me she hired a car with a driver and we did a tour out to Palm Springs. I remember the tramway vividly, as when we got out at the top we stepped into thick, chill fog. Needless to say as a Scot I felt quite comfortable in that micro climate.

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  9. SciaradaMay 26, 2012 at 5:02 AM

    Ciao Al, it is quite another point of view from which to view the world!
    Have a good Sunday!

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  10. Magia da InêsMay 26, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    °`°º♫°♫♫♪¸
    Que aventura!
    Paisagens deslumbrantes.
    Bom sábado!
    Bom fim de semana!
    Beijinhos.
    Brasil.
    º♫°♫♫♪¸

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  11. Debbie TaillieuMay 26, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    I've always seen this tram the few times I've been to Palm Springs, but I've never taken it! Drats! Great pictures!!

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  12. VagabondeMay 26, 2012 at 5:49 PM

    The view from this tram must have been spectacular. Last Saturday we almost went on the tram that goes from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, but we did not have the right change. They say it goes high and one can get a good view of Manhattan but I bet it’s not as splendid as your tram ride.

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  13. Yogi♪♪♪May 27, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    That is amazing! A tram that rotates. Great pics.

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  14. ViolaJune 2, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    More than 1.800 meters over ocean- wow!! My God, this is really high! I think your wife is wise! :)

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