May 13, 2007
Details:
- Rotating Tram transports visitors from the Palm Springs valley floor (elevation 2,600 feet) to the San Jacinto Mountain State Park (elevation 10,800 ft).
- The ride lasts about 10 minutes and passes through five distinct ecological zones.
- Temperature at the top is about 40 degrees cooler than at the desert floor - please dress accordingly.
- Jaw-dropping views of the Coachella Valley in addition to waterfalls (in season) and wildlife (if you are lucky).
- Activities at the top include hiking, nature walks, camping, cross country ski and snowshoeing.
A unique experience, the tram offers a little bit of something for everyone. There is the obvious draw for nature lovers and outdoorsy types. And there is the not-so obvious draw for engineering buffs (this is a celebrated civil engineering marvel), history addicts (its story spans a century), romantics (mountaintop twilight dinner packages available), and desert dwellers seeking shelter from the 100+ degree heat. A one-time visit is essential if only for the ride. A dizzying 8,000 ft elevation gain in 10 minutes coupled with views from a rotating carriage and cool, crisp mountain air at the top is well worth the fee... and the drive.
Directions:- From 111 and Washington
- Take I-10 West
- Exit Date Palm
- Turn Right on Vista Chino
- Turn Right on N. Palm Canyon Drive
- Turn Left on Tramway Road
- The road ends at the entrance to the Tram's Valley Station
***Instant gratification - The tram eliminates 8,000 feet of heavy hiking, making the hikes through the wilderness or to the Peak accessible to all willing adventurers. Don't rob yourself of a unique opportunity to truly experience all that the tram has to offer. Even if you don't plan to hike, come prepared for a nice walk in the woods - water, snacks, proper clothing, good shoes. At the top, you may just be hit with the urge to explore.
Trail phogs:
Links:
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway WebsiteWeather Report
This was brutal and surreal - runners were jumping into fountains and fainting on the asphalt. Chicagoans trucked out their stashes of bottled water and ice to share. I survived by begging for water from strangers on the street and in restaurants. Thank you Chicago! My running buddy pulled me out at mile 13. What a blessing! I would have kept on sputtering along. The ambulance sirens sounded non-stop through the night.
I was disappointed by La Salle's cowardice. A formal apology was never issued. To the end, they blamed the runners for showing up on an unusually hot race day. I was, however, completely won over by the people of Chicago. They were the perfect race crowd. They came out in droves to cheer us on. And, in the end, they nursed us through the heat, the thirst and the pain.
Millenium Park
The Art Institute of Chicago
