Are We Brave Enough?

My knowledge of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was pretty much limited to the old 1970s disaster movie Skyway To Death. Billed as an adventure/thriller, the story follows a carload of passengers whose lives are threatened when a windstorm cripples the tram and they are left hanging 8,500 feet in the air. The Palm Springs Tramway played a major role in this fictional film.

Fast forward to 2024. Tram cars continue to transport thrill seekers and curious visitors safely up 6,000 feet from the pick-up station to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Guests enjoy a 10-minute, 2 1/2-mile trip inside the world’s largest rotating tram car offering 360° views of the cliffs and valley below. It is a spectacular ride.

Once at the top there is much to see and do. Two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, observation deck, a small natural history museum, two theaters showing State Park and tram construction videos, 50 miles of hiking trails and, of course, a gift shop. But be prepared, especially if you go in the winter. Temperatures are a good 30° cooler then on the valley floor.

Quite a few kids packed saucers, hoping for some hill sliding down snowy banks up top. While the snow was a little sparse for sledding, everyone seemed to be having a good time…including us.