During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former, and retired will receive complimentary admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway along with a special gift as part of “Military Days.” Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. In addition, up to four of their guests receive 25% off the regular Tramway fare.
According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “After a several-year pause due to the pandemic, we are very happy to resume ‘Military Days’ and welcome back the dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces. For more than a decade, ‘Military Days’ has been a way of extending our thanks for their service and sacrifice.”
July is typically one of the hotter months of the year for the Coachella Valley which is a great excuse to take a ride up Mount San Jacinto. Opened in 1963, the Tram’s 80-passenger cars travel along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station. The 10-minute tram ride concludes at the mountain station at an elevation of 8,516 ft., where the temperature is some 25 to 30 degrees cooler than the desert floor. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway now claims to have the world’s largest rotating tram cars.
Besides the cooler temperatures, visitors to the tram can take advantage of the picturesque hiking in the 50+ miles of pristine wilderness in the Mount San Jacinto State Park. Summer visitors can also join guided nature walks free of charge by park volunteers on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day Weekend. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1 1⁄2-mile route beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a 3⁄4-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required. Walks begin at the bottom of the concrete ramp.
Spectacular views combined with delectable food provide the perfect dining experience. There are two dining options at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Peaks, a fine dining experience with a breathtaking view of the Coachella Valley and Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant. Both restaurants are open for lunch and dinner.
In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will open early on Monday, July 4. The first tram car up that day will be 8:00 a.m., the last tram car up will be 8:00 p.m. and the last tram car down will be 9:45 p.m. The Valley Station, the tram car and the Mountain Station are all fully wheelchair accessible and A.D.A. compliant. For information, please call 760-325-1391, or visit www.pstramway.com.
Written by: Craig Michaels
(760) 880-3848
