The Coolest Views in Palm Springs
Few Palm Springs experiences feel as surreal as stepping aboard a rotating tramcar on a hot desert afternoon and emerging just ten minutes later on a cool mountaintop surrounded by towering pine trees. That dramatic shift is exactly why the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has remained one of the desert’s most iconic experiences for decades.
The journey begins at the tram’s Valley Station, just a short drive or Lyft ride from Twin Palms Resort. Climbing more than 8,500 feet from the desert floor into the wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, the tram ride itself is a big part of the attraction. The massive tramcars slowly rotate during the ascent, giving everyone panoramic views of rugged canyons, rocky cliffs, and distant windmills. On clear days, you can see across the entire desert valley floor, stretching all the way toward the Salton Sea.
What surprises most first-time riders is how completely the atmosphere changes upon reaching the top. Fresh alpine air, shaded forest trails, and expansive mountain views feel worlds away from the desert below. Temperatures are often 30 to 40 degrees cooler than downtown Palm Springs, a contrast that can feel downright luxurious in summer. In winter months, it’s not uncommon to find snow at the top.
The Mountain Station has enough to turn the outing into a full afternoon without ever feeling overly touristy. There are observation decks, small natural history exhibits, cocktail spots, casual dining, and plenty of quiet spots to simply sit and take in the scenery. Peaks Restaurant is especially popular for lunch or an early dinner with panoramic views over the Coachella Valley, while Pines Cafe offers more relaxed grab-and-go options.
If you feel like moving around a bit, there are several easy and scenic hiking options from the Mountain Station. One of the most popular is the Desert View Trail, a 1.5-mile beginner-friendly loop with an elevation gain of 203 feet. You’ll walk through shaded pine and fir forests before reaching open areas with expansive vistas of the valley and city below. Keep in mind that the high altitude (starting at over 8,500 feet) can make even this easy walk feel more vigorous due to less oxygen.
More ambitious hikers can venture even deeper into the state park where over 50 miles of trails await, including a strenuous 11-mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Mount San Jacinto, which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete from the Mountain Station.
The tramway operates year-round and is especially popular during summer afternoons when Palm Springs temperatures climb into the triple digits. Current operating hours typically begin around 10 a.m. on weekdays, with earlier service on weekends, and cars depart approximately every 15 to 30 minutes. Hours can vary seasonally and during holidays, so it’s always best to check the official schedule before visiting.
Whether you come for the cooler temperatures, the hiking trails, or simply the views, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a completely different perspective on the desert. And in a place known for palm trees and swimming pools, that contrast is part of what makes it unforgettable.