Planning the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts at 1 Tram Way in Palm Springs, a separate city from Rancho Mirage. The ride takes about ten minutes and reaches the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet. A return journey gives you time to experience the change between the desert floor and the mountain setting before riding back down.
Conditions at the upper station can be quite different from those in the valley. Check the mountain forecast for your visit and bring suitable layers and footwear, even when the weather at your accommodation feels warm. The season guide describes valley conditions, which should not be treated as a mountain forecast.
Plan the trip around your chosen departure time and leave room for parking and the return. The arrival guide covers transport in the region; the attractions guide compares other places to visit across the valley.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets
The operator's published online round-trip prices dated 2 October 2026 are $36.95 for adults, $20.95 for children aged three to ten and $33.95 for seniors aged 65 and over. Each includes the $2 online processing fee. Children under two travel free with a boarding pass collected on site. Check the appropriate fare with the operator for a child aged exactly two.
Parking is a separate $15 charge per vehicle. Do not assume an independently offered ticket includes parking or has the same final price as the operator's online fare. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by someone at least 21. Pets are excluded.
The regional ticket option includes the round-trip tram ride. Exchange the voucher for a timed ticket according to its terms, and check availability for the date you want. A validity of one day describes the ticket's validity, not the duration of the journey. An online sellout does not promise an immediate departure at the ticket office.
Our pick: aerial tram
This ticket covers the return tram ride for an independent visit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Review the round-trip ticket terms and choose a suitable date for your mountain visit.
Timetable and parking
The published winter timetable runs from 5 October 2026 through 27 May 2027. During that period the first ascent is at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends and public observances. The last ascent is at 8 p.m. and the last descent at 9:30 p.m. Check the current schedule before travelling, including any special operating notice for your date.
Parking opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends and public observances, according to the parking information dated 13 November 2025. Accessible spaces require the appropriate permit and carry the regular parking charge. Camping in the parking area is not permitted. Allow time to park, reach the station and complete any ticket exchange.
A maintenance closure was announced for 8 September through 4 October 2026, with reopening on 5 October announced at the time. A road restriction for a race on 17 October 2026 was also a dated event. For a future visit, consult the current operating and road notices instead of treating either past announcement as today's status.
At the Mountain Station and beyond
The journey itself and the view from the mountain are reasons to visit, but a hike beyond the station calls for a separate plan. Temperature, exposure and conditions can change with elevation. Choose your clothing and route for the mountain rather than relying on the weather at the airport or a resort in the valley.
For entry into the wilderness, the operator's guidance dated 4 December 2024 describes a free permit and day permits at ranger stations. Check current permit arrangements and trail conditions before setting off, particularly if your intended route goes beyond a short station visit. A tram ticket is a ride ticket, so check any additional requirements for the activity you choose.
For another outdoor setting at a different elevation, read about Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. Its access rules are separate from those at the tramway. You can also compare a longer trip to Joshua Tree, where park admission and desert preparation need their own planning.
Tramway questions
How long is the ride?
The trip between the valley and mountain stations takes about ten minutes. Allow additional time for your visit and return journey.
Is parking included in the operator's online fare?
Parking is charged separately at $15 per vehicle. Check the terms if booking through another seller.
Do I need a permit for a wilderness hike?
Older operator guidance describes a free wilderness permit. Check current arrangements and the requirements for your route before travelling.