The narrator shares a personal reflection on discovering new facts about familiar places late in life. During a February visit to Palm Springs with Sarah, they experienced the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for the first time, despite its long history since 1963. The tramway has served around 20 million riders. The visit coincided with Presidents’ weekend, resulting in unusually large crowds and long waits.
Visitors faced long queues: about an hour to enter the parking lot, ticket reservations couldn’t be made online, and another 1.5-hour wait to board the gondola — tickets cost $30.95 each. During the wait, the narrator explored the site, noting historic plaques, an original tram cabin from 1963–2000, and the unchanged Valley Station structure. The small museum featured engineering exhibits, including cable samples and tram components, providing insight into the safety and complexity of the system.
The tramway idea originated in 1935 from electrical engineer Francis Crocker, inspired by the hot desert below and snow-capped Mount San Jacinto above. Initial proposals were dismissed as “Crocker’s Folly.” Legislative hurdles delayed the project until after World War II. In 1945, a bill signed by Governor Earl Warren authorized the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority. Notably, no taxpayer money funded the construction; instead, $8.5 million in private bonds covered costs. Construction, beginning in 1961, faced challenges including the Korean War and demanding engineering feats.
The tram was hailed as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Helicopters played a crucial role, performing about 23,000 missions to install towers and haul materials over difficult terrain. Despite one helicopter crash, there were no fatalities. The project culminated in its 1963 opening, with Governor Pat Brown and his wife present for the inaugural ride. Francis Crocker frequently narrated rides, sharing his vision until his death in 1992.
In 1998, a modernization program introduced the world’s largest rotating tram cars by 2000. The tramway attracted celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier, Bing Crosby, Jim Morrison, and Carol Channing. It also featured in various TV shows and movies, including Manic (1967), Mission: Impossible (1971), I Spy, and Columbo. The filming increased the tram’s cultural footprint.
The narrated 2.5-mile, 10-minute ride ascends nearly 4,000 feet, offering dramatic canyon views and a significant temperature drop—up to 40°F cooler at the mountain top. The rotating tram cars provide panoramic vistas, enhancing the experience. The ride passes over rugged terrain, supported by five towers, with helicopters maintaining infrastructure. The top station was renovated in 2023 at a $13 million cost.
The tramway is a marvel of engineering, with a 61-ton counterweight maintaining cable tension. Despite its safety, there have been incidents: in 1963, one car was stuck for over 13 hours due to electrical issues. The only fatality occurred in 1984 when a passenger was fatally injured by debris puncturing a window. In 1985, flash floods damaged access roads and stranded passengers who had to be airlifted.
The narrator invites viewers to share their tram experiences and encourages subscribing to the channel. The episode blends personal reflection, historical context, engineering marvels, and visitor impressions to present a comprehensive overview of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
The best time to visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is mid-morning on a weekday, around 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This timing helps you avoid crowds and enjoy great weather. Try to skip weekends and holidays for a quieter experience.
If you’re visiting Palm Springs for best things to do, the Aerial Tramway is a must-see attraction. Plan ahead, dress in layers, and aim for a weekday morning in spring or fall to make the most of your journey from desert to mountaintop.
Shihab is the ultimate insider, dedicated to exploring and documenting the best-kept secrets of Palm Springs. I moved to the area 13 years ago and has been on a mission ever since to find the most unique design, dining, and stay experiences. Follow along to unlock the exclusive side of this iconic desert escape.
