One of the most popular attractions here in our Coachella Valley is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Originally completed in 1963, it boasts the world's largest rotating tram cars in the world and ascends 2.5 miles up to a station on Mount San Jacinto at 8,516 feet high. Since it first opened, over 13 million people have traveled the 10-minute ride. In addition to breathtaking views of the valley, the temperature differential between the valley floor and the top of the Tram is usually about 30 degrees. During the Winter and Spring months, we usually have snow at the top of the tram; Mount San Jacinto actually rises 10,834 feet high, so the highest peaks above the Tram are heavily covered in snow. It's a real treat for desert residents to take a short ride and see snow. In the summer heat, the Tram offers a refreshingly cool respite from the 100+ degree temperatures. So just for the fun of it, here are two photos of the Tram to give you an idea of what it's like. 
above: this image was taken fairly high up- you can see the top of the lower peaks below. Tram cars pass each other, one riding up, and another back down.
In the photo above you can see the snow that is at the higher elevations of Mount San Jacinto.
I hope you enjoyed these photos today. Have a great Tuesday!
-Rick Rockhill
19 comments:
I love to do stuff like that. The scenery is incredible!
I remember riding a tramway as a kid with my parents in the mountains of Vermont (not during ski season). My mother was so scared she referred to herself as "chicken in a basket". Every time I see a tram, I remember that.
I've always heard about it, and even seen it, but never been on it. Sometime. I promise.
Chicken in a basket...tee hee!
So that's the tram that Shag painted...Cool!
That tram makes me dizzy, but the views of the desert are worth it.
The cars rotate, don't they? What's the top elevation there?
my fave thing to do when in town!
I would love to take a ride in that. I would be scared, but I'd do it.
I've been on that Tramway. Many many years ago as a child. Back in the early 1980s.
Gorgeous views.
New post title - "Get high the Rockhill Way!"
Wow! That is an amazing view. I am petrified of heights, though, so it really would not be a lot of fun for me.
I stand on a step stool and my knees shake.
Seriously.
Told you I am a wuss.
wow! had no idea.
the first pic is so retro classic.
:)
The tram is so fun! It's the first place I take out of town visitors.
Wow fantastic views!
Greets Rick, I didn't read your entry I was drawn here bec someone used the word "savant". I know an amazing idiot savant yet most ppl don't understand the term, you obviously do. I stayed and looked at your pix, very charming. Love Ms. Madsen, she's aged well like wine. San Jacinto, remember the 1978 Gabriel song about it? No, maybe yer too young but either way, nice place you keep here.
I'm sure the view is lovely. You couldn't drag me on one of those though. *shudder*
I love going up in the summer for a relatively cool hike. Plus I love the pine trees!
Russell
I remember going up there in the Mid 70's and was shocked st the Temp Difference....I thought I was prepared with the right over garments...well, I Was WRONG! LOL!
It was BEAUTIFUL, though I personally found the Tram itself kind of scary....!
GREAT PICTURES, Rick....!
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