Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Frommer's Review

To gain a bird's-eye perspective on the Coachella Valley, take this 14-minute ascent up nearly 5,900 feet to the upper slopes of Mount San Jacinto. While the Albert Frey-designed boarding stations retain their 1960s ski-lodge feel, newly installed Swiss funicular cars are sleekly modern and rotate during the trip to allow each passenger a panoramic view. There's a whole other world once you arrive: alpine scenery, a ski-lodge-flavored restaurant and gift shop, and temperatures typically 40° Fahrenheit cooler than the desert floor. The most dramatic contrast is during the winter, when the mountaintop is a snowy wonderland, irresistible to hikers and bundled-up kids with saucers. The excursion might not be worth the expense during the rest of the year. Guided mule rides and cross-country ski equipment are available at the top. An upscale restaurant, Peaks, serves California-modern cuisine. Appetizers begin at $10, entrees $21. Wait and take the tram to the top after 3pm for a lower rate and "Ride and Dine" at the Pines Restaurant, $36 adults, $23 children. Peaks is open 11am to 7:30pm daily and reservations are recommended (tel. 760/325-4537).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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