Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tickets: Ride to San Jacinto Mountain

Ascend 5,873 feet in a rotating tramcar, from desert floor to mountain wilderness in 15 minutes

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway admission includes a round-trip ride aboard one of the world's largest rotating tramcars, ascending 5,873 feet from the desert floor to Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Tickets are timed for the next available tram on a first-come, first-served basis. The journey takes about 15 minutes each way. The tramway operates subject to weather and mechanical conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway1h 30m · entry included
2. Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wildernessentry included

Ride tram and explore mountain

• Board Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Ascend to San Jacinto Mountains
• Explore Mt. San Jacinto State Park

The experience

The tramway departs from Valley Station and climbs 12,800 feet of track to reach the mountain. Each rotating tramcar holds 80 passengers standing (there are no seats), and the car itself counterbalances the descending one, so the weight of people going down helps pull the ascending car up. The ride itself is the experience: you watch the desert shrink below while the air cools as you gain elevation. Tickets are assigned to the next available tram when you arrive, so timing depends on how full each car is and how many people are ahead of you.

Once at the top, you're in Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. The temperature difference between the desert floor and the mountain is dramatic enough that a hot summer day becomes cool at elevation. You can walk the grounds, take in views across the San Jacinto range, or simply sit and let the altitude settle. The return trip follows the same route: you board the next available descending car and ride back down. The whole outing (ride up, time on the mountain, ride down) typically takes one to two hours depending on how long you stay at the top and how busy the tramway is that day.

Parking is available in 13 paved lots near Valley Station. Parking costs $15 per vehicle. On weekends and holiday periods, a free shuttle runs from the lots to the entrance. During peak holiday times, lines can be long, so the operator recommends visiting outside those windows if your schedule allows. Strollers are permitted, and the tramway is wheelchair accessible. The tramway does close periodically due to weather or mechanical issues, and the operator does not issue refunds if that happens after you've purchased your ticket.

What’s included

• Round-trip tram ride aboard a rotating tramcar.
• timed ticket for the next available departure on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Is this one for you?The one- to two-hour outing fits a free afternoon or a break from the rest of your Palm Springs day, leaving time for other activities before or after. Standing room only and no reserved time slot mean you travel when the next car fills up, so plan for some flexibility rather than a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the ride up the mountain take?

The ascent takes 15 minutes one way. The total outing (including time at the top and the descent) usually runs one to two hours depending on how long you spend in the park and how busy the tramway is.

Do I need to book a specific time, or can I just show up?

Tickets are timed for the next available tramcar on a first-come, first-served basis. You present your voucher at the ticket office and board the next departure. You don't choose a specific time in advance.

What is Mt. San Jacinto State Park like at the top?

Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness sits at the elevation the tramway reaches. The temperature is noticeably cooler than the desert floor, and you have access to the park grounds to walk and take in views of the San Jacinto range.

Are there seats on the tramcar?

No. Each rotating tramcar holds 80 passengers standing throughout the journey. There are no seats, so you remain on your feet for the 15-minute ride up and the 15-minute ride down.

What happens if the tramway closes due to weather?

The tramway is subject to periodic shutdowns due to weather or mechanical issues. The operator is not responsible for refunds or the inability to redeem your voucher if that occurs.

Is parking included, and how much does it cost?

Parking is not included in your ticket. Thirteen paved lots near Valley Station charge $15 per vehicle. On weekends and holiday periods, a free shuttle runs from the lots to the entrance.