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PALM
SPRINGS, Calif. -- First, my family
and I drove up the winding road from Highway 111 to the parking
lot. Each one is named after animals that are found on or near
Mt. San Jacinto. Then, a bus, which runs every 15 minutes, picked
us up to head for the Valley Station, where we boarded the Tram.
The ride was smooth and the view was breathtaking.
The floor
cabin of the tram rotated 360 degrees so every passenger can see
all sides on your way up. The tram can hold 80 people as it climbs
to an elevation of 8,516 feet in 14 minutes. The tram was manufactured
in Switzerland and is the largest in the world and is only one
of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
The temperature
in Palm Springs was 94 degrees at the time of our visit. However,
it was 54 degrees on top of the mountain. There is usually a 30
to 40 degree difference in this higher elevations.
At the
top of the mountain is San Jacinto State Park where there is 54
miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, a ranger station and a center
for winter activities during the snowy season. There was a bit
of snow left on the side of the mountains as we rode up. The park
has 14,000 acres of wilderness with self-guided and guided nature
walks, hiking paths from the novice to experienced hiker.
The mountain
station at the top had Peaks Restaurant, Lookout Lounge and Pines
Cafe. There was a gift shop, wildlife exhibit and movie theatre
on the lower level. Outside there were telescopes so you can view
the scenic landscape of Coachella Valley.
SharpShooters
will take your group photo at the Valley Station. Then, you have
the option to view or purchase your photos and a USB drive upon
your arrival at the Mountain Station.
We had
an enjoyable time and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I would recommend it for anyone who is visiting the Coachella
Valley on business or pleasure.
Tickets
are $23.95 for adults, $16.95 for children (3-12 years) and $21.95
for seniors (62+ years). AAA discount is honored. Ride and dine
prices are $36.00 for adults, $23.50 for children and $36.00 for
seniors. It is definitely worth the trip of you are in Palm Springs.
For
more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visit
www.pstramway.com.
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PHOTO
BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
An overview of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as seen
from the parking lot.
PHOTO
BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
A
shuttle like this one picks up all passengers from the parking
lots and drives them to the Valley Station.
PHOTO
BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
One
of two rotating tram cars that are used on the Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway.
PHOTO
BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
One of five cable towers -- the first one is the highest at 227
feet.
PHOTO
BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
A
beautiful view of the San Jacinto Mountains.
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