Take a 2-hour road trip east of La Mirada and experience the world’s largest rotating tram car. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails.
After you arrive at Mountain Station, have a bite to eat. Peaks Restaurant is a culinary experience above the clouds. The chef has created a menu featuring a variety of fresh vegetables and greens from the Coachella Valley, dry-aged meats and poultry and fresh bread from local bakeries. Additional selections include market-fresh seafood and pasta.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, constructed in the rugged Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs, did not just happen. It required foresight, planning, financing and, most of all, vision. As a young electrical engineer, Francis Crocker’s dream began in 1935.
Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and was soon labeled the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The superlative was earned because of the ingenious use of helicopters in erecting four of the five supporting towers. Twenty-years later, the Tramway was designated a historical civil engineering landmark.
The first tower is the only one that can be reached by road. The helicopters flew some 23,000 missions during the 26 months of construction, hauling men and materials needed to erect the four other towers and the 35,000 sq. ft. Mountain Station.
Francis Crocker’s dream was completed in 1963; the inaugural ride occurred on September 12th of that year with local and state dignitaries, and celebrities on hand.
Since 1963, over 20 million people have traveled the 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride, which begins at the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 feet) and ends at the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 feet).
Source: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway