The tram is an engineering marvel. Don't just take my word for it; it has actually been designated as an historical civil engineering landmark. The tram was opened in 1963 and still is a wonder. The tram takes a two-and-a-half mile ride up the canyon cliffs, which are steep and cover some very rugged terrain. When you ride up, you will be amazed and ask yourself, "How was this ever built?"

The location is just outside Palm Springs’s center, off Palm Canyon Drive (also known as Hwy 111). There is plenty of free parking and a large tram station. The cost is $21 for adults and $14 for kids. You can also do the Ride and Dine, which includes a tram ride and dinner at the top of the tram, after 3pm for $30 for adults and $19 for kids. The tram departs every half hour from the base of the mountain. The base building has a gift shop, snack bar, and a little history of the tram.

The ride up is breathtaking. There are little bumps when you pass each tower, and this gives way to a few gasps. The cars themselves rotate, so you have full views from every side.

On top, the mountain lodge has a bar, snack bar, and full sit-down restaurant. There is an adventure center that is open in the winter, where you can rent snow tubes, cross-country skis, and snowshoes. There are 54 miles of great hiking trails and even free nature hikes that are given by rangers. You can even camp in one of the camp sites on the top of the mountain.

This is one "must do" thing for your visit to Palm Springs. It's perfect for all ages. Those who want to relax can sit and have a beer on the top and marvel at the view, or those who wish to hike can find trails for all levels. The tram has something for everyone.

One Word of Caution - It can often be 100 degrees on the desert floor and 60 degrees at the top of the tram. Dress accordingly--bring a jacket, even if it's hot at the base!

At the top of the mountain you get absolutely wonderful views. Palm Springs is definitely a study of contrasts between mountain and sea level, snow and desert, lush vegetation and sparseness, etc. When you get off the tram, there are trails where you can do a fair amount of hiking. In colder months, I have heard that people actually cross-country ski and snowshoe. Apparently some people even camp in the winter months! As you can see from the pictures, the team had a lot of fun with the trees and rocks! In the past I have also eaten at the restaurant at the top (you can purchase a ride and dine ticket).

For more information on the tram, see the web site at: pstramway.com.