Sight guide · Palm Springs · United States
Visiting Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Rotating tram cars climb from the Valley Station in Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at about 2,600 metres, crossing roughly 4 km of cliffs in around ten minutes while the floor turns slowly so every passenger gets the full view.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mfield , Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an experience in Chino Canyon, Palm Springs. Allow half a day; it is mid-priced. On peak winter and spring weekends, buy timed tickets online in advance to avoid long waits at the Valley Station.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Chino Canyon
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- views, kids, outdoors and photo spot
- Best months
- February–March and November
Plan a trip to Palm Springs
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About Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Rotating tram cars climb from the Valley Station in Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at about 2,600 metres, crossing roughly 4 km of cliffs in around ten minutes while the floor turns slowly so every passenger gets the full view. At the top, the air is often 15–17°C cooler than the valley, with pine forest, viewing terraces and the trailheads of Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Tip: Bring a warm layer even in summer, and in winter check for snow at the top; the trails can need proper footwear from December to March.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: On peak winter and spring weekends, buy timed tickets online in advance to avoid long waits at the Valley Station.
- Where: Chino Canyon.
Best time to visit Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- March: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, very busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-November the sun sets at about 16:44 local time (calculated for Palm Springs).
When to visit Palm Springs has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Palm Springs itinerary visits Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on day 1, together with Mid-century modern homes drive, Mount San Jacinto State Park and Palm Canyon Drive and VillageFest.
- No. 1 of the 16 sights in our Palm Springs things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Palm Springs.
- A family favourite in Palm Springs with kids.
If you like Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Mount San Jacinto State Park — San Jacinto Mountains, 2 hours to a full day
- Indian Canyons — Agua Caliente Reservation, 2–4 hours
- Moorten Botanical Garden — South Palm Springs, 1 hour
- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — Palm Desert, 3–4 hours
Staying near Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Where to stay in Palm Springs compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?
Plan half a day.
+Is Palm Springs Aerial Tramway free?
No, it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?
February–March and November for the most comfortable weather. Bring a warm layer even in summer, and in winter check for snow at the top; the trails can need proper footwear from December to March.
+Do I need to book Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in advance?
On peak winter and spring weekends, buy timed tickets online in advance to avoid long waits at the Valley Station.
+Is Palm Springs Aerial Tramway good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Palm Springs. Palm Springs works well for families who rent a house with a pool or stay at a family-friendly resort, with the tramway, the Living Desert zoo and easy canyon walks as highlights.