Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. or how to get from palm trees and sage brush to a mixed conifer forest in ten minutes.  Ride the revolving tram car 2 1/2 miles up Chino Canyon, from the valley station at 2643' to the mountain station at 8516'.

 Outside the mountain station, Palm Springs some 8500' below. 

 Temperature can be 25 to as much as 40 degrees cooler between stations. 

The North Palm Springs Wind Farm is a large collection of electricity-producing windmills that stretches from the desert floor up to the hills surrounding the Banning Pass, a place where the wind blows 300 days a year. This Wind Farm produces enough electricity to power up the entire Palm Springs Area. The windmills are easily visible on both sides of the Interstate 10 as you're driving through Banning Pass.

Outside Long Valley Ranger Station, about a half mile west of the Mountain Station.

In Palm Desert it was 85 degree when we went swimming in the morning, but at 8400 feet yes that is snow on the ground.  People ride the tram to snow shoeing and cross county skying, don't forget to check in at the Ranger Station.

Inside the highlighted area on the map is the Tram, Chino Canyon and a couple of short trail for those who want to get some fresh area at the top of the mountain.  Don't forget your coat if your there in the winter.  The two trails are Nature Trail 0.6 miles, and Desert View Trail a 1.5 mile loop.

                                 From the Desert View Trail looking south east to the Salton Sea.

At Mountain Station Eileen takes in the view.  You will also fined the usual gift shop and snack bar.  There is also a restaurant.

Passing the tram car going the opposite direction.  Each car is 8ft high in side and 18ft in diameter.  Total occupancy is 80 passengers and one operator.

 Five towers support four 1-7/8" steel cables as well as four hauling cables, two auxiliary cables and a communications cable. The first tower is the tallest at 214' high; Tower Number Four is the shortest at 56 1/2' high. The weight of steel in the five towers totals 263 tons; the weight of the 11 cables totals 330 tons. The maximum span between towers is 3,455' between Towers 3 and 4.

 The big horn sheep statues displayed around town were painted by local artists.  This one is located at the Valley Station.  I have no idea why, nor did I ever hope to see a blue Big Horn Sheep, but to quote Ogden Nash, "I would rather see than be one".