Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs, CA
Photo courtesy Glenn Freeman

Heading into Palm Springs, check out the roadside marquee for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and that classic red tramcar climbing high above the desert floor. The ride trades palm trees and triple-digit heat for pine trees, cool mountain air, and sometimes plenty of snow. That is quite a change in scenery for a trip lasting only about ten minutes. Watch out for the high winds and the occasional power outage, though. At the top, a hot beef rib meal once waited for anyone ready to settle in and enjoy the view.

The tramway was first dreamed up by electrical engineer Francis Crocker in 1935 as a quick escape from the summer heat. Some dismissed the idea as “Crocker’s Folly,” probably because hanging tram cables across the steep walls of Chino Canyon sounded a little ambitious. Construction finally began in 1961, with helicopters making more than 23,000 trips to carry workers and materials into places that trucks could not reach. The tram opened on September 14, 1963.

There is plenty of mid-century architecture at both ends of the ride. The lower Valley Station was designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, while E. Stewart Williams designed the chalet-like Mountain Station. Up top are observation areas, trails, a cafe, and a restaurant overlooking the Coachella Valley. Bring a jacket. It can feel like a different season up there.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs, CA
Photo courtesy Glenn Freeman

The original rectangular cars climbed more than 5,800 vertical feet and remained in service until 2000, when the modern circular cars with rotating floors took over. One of the old tramcars is now displayed outside the Valley Station, so the classic red car did become a landmark after all.

UPDATE: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway remains open, carrying visitors from the desert to the mountaintop throughout the year. The familiar roadside marquee still stands near Highway 111, although its sign panels have been updated over time. 09-26