The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway makes one of the Coachella Valley’s fastest landscape changes possible: a roughly 10-minute rotating tram ride from the desert floor to the alpine environment of Mount San Jacinto State Park. At the Mountain Station, 8,516 feet above sea level, the air is typically 30 to 40 degrees cooler than it is in Palm Springs.
Current planning notice: The Tramway is closed for annual maintenance from September 8 through October 4, 2026, with reopening tentatively scheduled for October 5. Confirm the reopening and operating hours on the official Tramway website before traveling to Valley Station.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at a glance
- Start: Valley Station, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
- Ride: About 10 minutes each way in a rotating tramcar
- Top elevation: Mountain Station at 8,516 feet
- Best for: Mountain views, a cooler-weather break, dining, short sightseeing visits and trail access
- Allow: About two hours for a simple up-and-back visit, or a half day or longer if you plan to hike or dine
- Before you go: Check current operations, weather, trail conditions and ticket availability directly with the Tramway
Choose the visit that fits your day
A quick sightseeing visit
Ride up, walk through Mountain Station and spend time at the observation decks. The station also has two documentary theaters, a natural history museum and a gift shop. This is the simplest option for a short Palm Springs trip or a break between other activities.
A relaxed half day
Add a meal or drink and time outside near Long Valley. Peaks Restaurant offers table service, while Pines Café is the more casual choice and Lookout Lounge serves drinks. Restaurant hours and reservations can differ from tram operating hours, so check the official dining information separately.
A hiking day
The Tramway provides access to more than 50 miles of Mount San Jacinto State Park trails. You do not need a wilderness permit to walk in Long Valley. If you continue beyond the Long Valley Ranger Station into the wilderness, obtain the required permit and carry the supplies appropriate for mountain conditions. Elevation, temperature and snow can make the top of the tram very different from the city below.
What changes with the seasons
This is a year-round attraction, but it is not the same experience year-round. In warmer months, many visitors use the mountain as a cooler setting for views, walking and hiking. Temperatures can still shift quickly, especially around sunset, so bring a layer even when Palm Springs is hot.
Snowfall is typical sometime between November and April, although timing and depth vary. When snow conditions permit, the seasonal Winter Adventure Center may offer cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals on a first-come basis. Snow play, winter hiking and overnight plans all depend on current conditions and park rules. Check the Winter Adventure Center before treating any snow activity as available.
The Tramway also schedules annual maintenance, commonly outside the winter high season. A ticket search is not a substitute for checking the operating notice on the official homepage.
Accessibility and sensory planning
Valley Station, the tramcars and Mountain Station are accessible, and accessible parking and passenger drop-off are available. The state-park trails are not ADA-accessible. The Tramway also provides sensory guides, closed captioning for its films, printed narration and Braille materials. Visitors who need a particular accommodation should confirm the details with the Tramway before arrival.
Getting there and preparing for the ride
There is no public bus or Tramway shuttle to Valley Station. Driving, taxi and rideshare are the practical options. If you use a rideshare, remember that mountain geography and crowds can affect pickup timing.
The tramcars are not heated or air-conditioned, and their windows are open. The ride is brief, but a light layer can make the elevation change more comfortable. Only service animals are permitted; pets are not allowed.
Check these five things before leaving
- The current operating notice and any maintenance closure
- Mountain weather, snow and trail conditions
- Your ticket time and the latest boarding guidance
- Restaurant hours or reservations if dining is part of the visit
- Wilderness-permit requirements if your hike extends beyond Long Valley
Use the official Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website for current tickets and notices. For more local orientation, see our Palm Springs city guide.
Information checked September 12, 2026. Operating conditions, prices and schedules can change.