Studies have shown spending time outdoors is good for you. Mentally, it reduces stress and increases serotonin. Physically, it lowers your heart rate and encourages exercise. If you live in an area with triple-digit temperatures in the summer, like the desert, getting outdoors can be challenging. Recently, I found the perfect way to escape the heat while still enjoying some fresh air and sunshine. I took a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Planning Your Trip to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
When I started planning my day at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, I discovered a little secret that not too many people seem to know about, and it is not advertised when you pull up to the tramway entrance gate. What is it? LOCALS PARK FOR FREE! Even better, all these cities are considered local: Mecca, Thermal, Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Thousand Palms, Desert Hot Springs, Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Twenty-Nine Palms, and Joshua Tree. It is a savings of $15 (at the time of this writing). All you need to do is present your driver’s license with a local address to the guard. It’s that easy.
Another tip is to buy your tickets online. This is not required, but allows you to reserve a specific time slot for your tram ride. Tickets are refundable for up to a year. If you decide to wait until you get there, you will be booked on the next available tram. I did not buy my tickets online, arrived around one o’clock and received a pass for the two o’clock ride. Not a big deal, but I imagine the wait could be longer in season. I bought a pretzel and lemonade at the Cascade Cafe to pass the time. Find beer, wine, soft drinks, and assorted lite bites also for sale. There is a gift shop too.
For those who wish to add dinner to their experience, Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets are available. Take the tram up after 4:00pm and enjoy a special dinner menu at the Pines Cafe.
The Actual Tram Ride
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the assigned time of your ride. I visited on a pretty busy day, so the trams were quite full. Keep in mind the floor of the tram rotates as it makes its way up or down the mountain, but the handrails along the windows do not. I mention this because if you stand at the window and hold onto the handrail, you will end up bumping into the person next to you. Your feet will move, but your hands will not. If you need to hold onto something for stability, it is better to stand towards the center of the tram which provides permanent handrails.
The view is spectacular and with the rotating floor, you are able to get a 360 degree view. There are five towers along the ride. On the way up, the tram car may swing when it hits a tower. On the way down, it may dip. It’s a little added excitement. The whole tram ride is about 10 minutes long each way.
It is first come, first serve to return to the valley station from the top of the mountain. While the line appeared long, I waited for less than 30 minutes for my ride down the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
What to Do at the Top
You’ve disembarked the tram car at an elevation of 8516 feet and are wondering now what? There is plenty to do. I chose to take a hike along the Desert View Trail. This 1.5 mile loops leads to five different lookouts called nooks. Nook #3 was my favorite because of its amazing view of the Coachella Valley down below. I found a large rock and made myself comfortable for a bit. While I did not run into too many people, a few large groups stopped by. Next time, I may consider bringing earbuds or headphones for a more peaceful experience. This is a pretty easy hike with a few short climbs.
From the Desert View Trail, I crossed a bridge and walked along the Long Valley Nature Trail. This easy .75 mile path offered shade from the trees and ran along a bubbling creek. Complimentary guided desert walks are offered and cover both trails. Check the website for more information. A hiking pass is required for any trails past the Ranger Station. They may be obtained at the station and are free.
In the winter months, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Camp at one of six primitive sights during any season including when it snows. The temperatures atop the mountain are 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. It was 73 degrees up there the day I went vs. 114 degrees in Palm Springs. I brought a sweatshirt, but it was never needed.
Dining Atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you get hungry, you are in luck. There are several dining options atop the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway. The Pines Cafe is a cafeteria-style restaurant perfect for a snack, lunch or dinner. Grab a drink at the Lookout Lounge which provides a full bar. For more elevated dining, make a reservation at the Peaks Restaurant, recently named #8 on Architectural Digest’s list of the World’s Best Cliffside Restaurants.
Although I did miss Cooper as only service animals are allowed to ride the tram, I loved my peaceful and much cooler daytime adventure. How do you escape the desert’s high temperatures? Tell me in the comment section below.
A weekend at the beach is another great way to beat the heat. Click here to check out some of Cooper’s and my favorite dog-friendly beaches in Del Mar.