Palm Springs Aerial Tram Pictures Map Information

Palm Springs Sights & Attractions

The tram features one of the worlds largest rotating tram cars. The 10 minute ride takes you 2.5 miles from 2,643 feet to 8,516 feet, passing 5 separate life zones from the Mexican Sonoran Desert to Alpine trees. At the top is the scenic San Jacinto State Park with 54 miles of hiking trails, camping, a ranger station and an adventure center for winter activities during snow season. Amenities include 2 restaurants, cafeteria, viewing areas, a natural history museum, movie theater and gift shops. Be sure to find your way up to the highest point at the station, Grubbs View. This is the must do sight in Palm Springs and one of the reasons the main Palm Springs Visitors Center is located at the entrance road to the Tram.

A concrete pathway leads down from the Mountain Station to Long Valley, where easy forested terrain entices families to explore in summer or have snowball fights in winter. There are even flush toilets available! Below are some of the popular trails:

Long Valley Discovery Trail

This is a 0.75 mile easy and level nature trail that follows posts around in a loop. Information is given on the park's plants and animals.

For some greater views than the tram area, this trail from Round Valley to Wellmans Divide is a 1-mile hike with a 600 feet elevation gain. The Divide is a worthy destination but you can continue from there to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto Peak or go down to Idyllwild.

The ultimate hike from the tram is a 5.5 mile hike one way to the second highest point in southern California, San Jacinto Peak.

The Adventure Center

At the bottom of the concrete pathway into Long Valley, signs point to the Adventure Center. There, you can rent snowshoes or cross-country ski equipment. It is open mid-November to mid-April, but it depends on snow conditions. Sleds and winter equipment is for sale as well.

This 2.5 mile trail leads to Round Valley. There are some ups and downs with this trail as well.

This 1.5 mile loop trail leads to scenic overlooks and forest views. There are some ups and downs with this trail.

Looking south from Grubbs Viewpoint

People playing in Long Valley

Paved trail from the Mountain Station down to Long Valley

South edge of Palm Springs

Johnson Falls at the lower station

Picnic area at the base