Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: What to Expect, What It Costs, and If It’s Worth It

👉 Pro tip: Tickets can sell out during peak seasons and weekends. Book your Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets in advance to secure your preferred time here.

Escaping the Heat – Why I Took the Aerial Tramway

If you’ve ever been to Palm Springs in the summer, you know it’s basically like walking into a giant hair dryer. It was a toasty 115°F on the desert floor the day we visited. The kind of heat where your flip-flops melt and your will to function slowly fades.

So, naturally, we decided to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up the mountain—where it’s usually about 20 to 30 degrees cooler. That day, it was a blissful 85°F up at the top. It was still warm, but way better than feeling like a baked potato in an oven.

One big perk of going to Palm Springs in the summer – no crowds. We went on a Thursday at 2 p.m., and the place was nearly empty. No lines, no loud tour groups, just easy boarding and wide-open space.

Want to plan more desert fun? Check out my Palm Springs to Joshua Tree day trip for more ideas nearby.

💡 Pro tip: if you want the tram almost to yourself, come midweek during the hottest months when everyone else is staying indoors.

Tram Troubles and Second Chances

Technical Glitches and No A/C

We were all set—tickets scanned, bags packed with exactly one bottle of water (a rookie mistake)—when the tram stopped running. Yep, just before takeoff, they had a technical issue and asked everyone to get off. Inside the tram? No air conditioning. Just a bunch of mildly sweaty and very confused passengers watching a technician poke around.

Honestly, it was one of those “Do I really want to be suspended thousands of feet in the air right now?” moments.

🎟️ Don’t Miss Your Ride! Tickets can (and do) sell out—especially on weekends and during cooler months. Book your Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets in advance here so you’re not left sweating it out at the bottom like I almost was.

Up, Up, and… Away!

About 20 minutes later, they gave it another go. Round two was a success—though if you’re not great with heights, just a heads-up: it’s high. The tram rotates slowly, which gives you a 360-degree view of the Chino Canyon, but also means there’s no escape from the height if you’re even slightly afraid of falling into the abyss.

💡 Tip: stand in the center of the tram if you get queasy or don’t want to stare straight down a cliff. You’ll still get the views, but with a little less existential dread!

Despite the nerves, it’s stunning. Giant rocks with tons of texture and color, a dramatic shift in landscape as you ascend, and the breeze starts to feel cooler with every foot of elevation.

First Impressions at the Top of Mount San Jacinto

The second those tram doors opened, it was like walking into another world—cooler air, pine trees, and the smell of an actual forest instead of hot asphalt. It dropped to about 85°F, which felt almost chilly compared to the 115°F sauna I’d just left behind.

The first part of the trail is paved, so even if you’re not planning a big hike, you can still enjoy a walk with amazing views. The contrast between the desert below and the forest up top is wild—same mountain, totally different vibe.

You’ll want to take a second to just breathe it all in. The fresh air, the quiet, the fact that you’re not actively melting. Bliss!

💡 Good to know: The tram and paved paths right off the station are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

What to Pack for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

I brought one bottle of water. Just one. That was… not enough. Don’t be like me.

Here’s what you actually need:

• Water – It’s cooler up top, but still dry. You’ll get thirsty fast.
• Sunscreen – Even in the shade, the sun is strong at 8,500 feet.
• Hat and sunglasses – Extra protection never hurts.
• Good walking shoes – You don’t need hiking boots, but ditch the sandals. Stick with sneakers or trail runners.
• Layers (in winter) – It snows up there. Palm Springs can be sunny and 70, and the mountain can be freezing.
• Camera or phone with space – The views are ridiculous. You’ll want proof you conquered the tram.
• Camping gear – If you’re planning on staying for more than just a day trip.

Optional but recommended: snacks (nothing messy), a small backpack, and maybe trekking poles if you plan to hit the trails and want to feel like a true mountain queen (or king)!

Want a full guide on what to pack for warm and cool days in the desert? Here’s my detailed what to wear in Palm Springs guide.

Hiking, Camping, and Advice from a Park Ranger

Easy Hikes or Something More Intense

Once you’re at the top, there’s more to do than just soak in the views (though honestly, that alone is worth the ride). You’ve got a few trail options depending on how ambitious you’re feeling.

• Nature Trail Loop – Easy, short, and mostly flat. Great for a casual stroll and quick scenery fix.
• Desert View Trail – A little longer and has some incline, but nothing wild. Good for light hikers who want some variety.
• San Jacinto Peak – This one’s the real deal. Bring serious gear and plan for hours if you’re heading to the summit.

All trails are clearly marked!

Camping and Snow

Feeling adventurous? You can camp up here!

There are designated sites, but the process is a bit old school. You’ve gotta mail in a reservation request—no online bookings. If you’re going during the week, you might even be able to walk in and grab a spot.

In the winter, it turns into a snowy playground. You can snowshoe, build a snowman, or even ski or snowboard—if you’re willing to hike your gear in. There are no lifts, so it’s a full-on backcountry experience.

Also: stop by the ranger station to ask any questions you might have. They know everything and are super friendly. The one we talked to gave us tips on the best trails and the quietest time to visit (spoiler: it’s the fall when kids are back in school, plus, you can see all the beautiful orange and yellow foliage).

Final Thoughts – It’s Worth the Trek

Despite the tram delay at the start, the questionable footwear, and my unexpected cardio workout, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway totally delivered on my visit. The views were incredible, the temperature drop was a dream, and the experience felt like a mini escape from the desert heat without having to drive hours out of town.

It’s a little pricey (check the current rates before you go), and yeah, it can be intimidating if you don’t love heights—but it’s one of those “only in California” experiences that’s absolutely worth doing at least once!

Would I do it again? 100%. But next time, I’m bringing more water and maybe some actual hiking clothes!

🎟️ Planning to take the Palm Springs aerial tram? Book your tickets here so you don’t miss your time slot—especially during weekends and cooler months.

Want more local tips? Read my Palm Springs Weekend Getaway Guide to build out your perfect trip.

And if you’re driving from LA, here are my tips for driving in Los Angeles—they’ll come in handy.

Looking to save money on accommodations or extend your stay? Here’s how I use TrustedHousesitters to travel affordably.

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