North of downtown, this rotating cable car is a highlight of any Palm Springs trip. It climbs nearly 6000 vertical feet through five different vegetation zones, from the Sonoran desert floor to the San Jacinto Mountains, in less than 15 minutes. The 2.5-mile ascent is said to be the temperature equivalent of driving from Mexico to Canada. It’s 30°F to 40°F (up to 22°C) cooler as you step out into pine forests at the top, so bring warm clothing.
Snow is not uncommon, even in the spring and fall.
The Mountain Station (8516ft), at the top of the tramway, has a bar, restaurant, observation area and theater showing documentary films. Beyond here sprawls the wilderness of Mt San Jacinto State Park , which is crisscrossed by hiking trails.
The turnoff for the tram is about 3 miles north of downtown Palm Springs.
