Hiking
Within the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness are 54 miles of hiking trails which should be sufficient to satisfy the appetite of the most avid outdoor enthusiast.
This tramway ride first opened in 1963 and was created to transport people from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the top of San Jacinto Peak. Before the invention of this aerial tramway, the only way to reach the peak was to hike for several hours. Over time, this necessary transport system actually became one of Southern California's biggest feature attractions. This eleven-minute "ride" begins at Valley Station and goes up the sheerest mountain face in all the continent, as it passes through several life zones and reaches over 8500 feet above sea level. Because of the differences in elevation, the bottom and the top of the ride locations can vary in temperature. The mountain air can be as much as 40 degrees cooler than at the start of the desert location. The view at the top of the aerial tramway can stretch on for over 200 miles on a clear day, all the way to Mount Charleston in Nevada and the Salton Sea can be seen to the southeast.
In 2001, the original cars of this Palm Springs Aerial Tramway were replaced by new rotating cars, which gave visitors a complete 360 panoramic view of the entire canyon and valley floor. The ride became such a success that owners decided to develop additional amenities. Visitors to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can walk along nature trails, take a burro ride or cavort in the snow in winter season. Hiking is permitted though hikers must have a permit from the U.S. Forest Service. There are also restaurants and shops that help to commemorate the Aerial Tramway experience. There is also a theater located at Mountain Station nearby a display of taxidermied fauna. For a time, there was a Tramway Animal Park and it featured tame animals such as deer, cockatoos, dolphins, macaques and monkeys. There is even an aerial tramway mascot named Ranger Raccoon!
Tourists who ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and awe-struck and inspired by the two mile-long scenery. The aerial tram glides up through the canyon as the panoramic windows allow travelers to view and even photograph everything they see. It's once you get to the top of the peak that the real fun begins, as guests can then seek out nature hikes, self-exploring missions or enjoy a romantic getaway. Speaking of romance did you know that some couples have gotten married using the grand vista of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as their wedding backdrop? After enjoying the amenities of the ride, you can treat yourself to a fine meal at the Peaks Restaurant or the Pines Café. Needless to say, once you're on top of the mountain you must stay there until you can catch the next tram down! What's great about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is that it's a family-oriented activity and a low-cost activity that manages to thrill guests every year!
