What if I told you that in just 10 minutes, you could go from the sun-scorched desert of California’s Coachella Valley to the alpine forest of Mount San Jacinto? It almost sounds too good to be true, but the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has been offering this experience for more than 60 years. Revolutionary in its inception and once dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the tramway ascends nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, transforming the landscape before travelers’ eyes.
The Experience
All tram cars depart from the Valley Station, which is the base of the climb. From here, it is a 2.5-mile ride up the mountain. The floor of each tram car rotates, offering a 360-degree view of the changing landscape, but don’t blink or you might miss it, as the tram moves quickly.
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The desert’s sandy and rocky terrain transitions into large, mountainous boulders, and eventually, tall, green pines begin to emerge among the rugged mountainside. Before you know it, you’ll have reached the Mountain Station, in Mount San Jacinto State Park, at an elevation of more than 8,000 ft.
On the Mountain
Stepping out of the tram at Mount San Jacinto is like a passage into another world. It can be anywhere from 30 to 40 degrees colder on the mountain than in the valley. The tall pines offer a fresh forest scent and welcome shade in the summer months, and in the winter, they are cloaked in fluffy, white snow.
From here, travelers can experience the mountain in whatever way they choose. If adventure is desired, hiking, camping and nature walks are available. In the winter, outdoor options expand to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For visitors looking to unwind on the mountain, they can find solace at Peaks Restaurant, a fine-dining establishment serving mouthwatering meals and offering an opportunity to savor the mountain in comfort.
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Very few experiences leave you feeling suspended between two worlds, but taking the tram to Mount San Jacinto does. Down in the Valley, you can bask in the warmth of the radiant sun and appreciate the natural beauty of the desert landscape. On the mountain, you can breathe in the fresh forest air and enjoy the chill of cool weather. As the tram glides above the shifting landscape, you linger between the two, in a moment that passes too quickly but a memory that stays with you forever.
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