by Coachella Valley | January 28, 2015 1:05 am
Established in 1963 more than 16 million people have traveled the 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride, which begins at the Valley Station-elev 2,643 ft ends at the Mountain Station-elev 8,516 ft.
[1]Diamonds in the Sand – View of the Coachella Valley from Mountain Station
Construction of the Tramway in 1963 was an engineering challenge. The first tower is the only one that can be reached by road.
Helicopters flew some 23,000 missions without mishap during the 26 months of construction, hauling men and materials needed to erect the four other towers and the 35,000 sq. ft. Mountain Station.
The Tramway has been designated a historical civil engineering landmark.
Completed in 1963; the inaugural ride occurred on September 12th of that year.
[2]Did You Know – 40 people paid $1,000 each to participate in the first ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Sept. 12, 1963.
In 1998 the Tramway announced that it was embarking on an ambitious modernization program that would see the construction and installation in 2000 of new cars and updating of its facilities.
Since September 2000, passengers ride the world’s largest rotating tramcars.
[3]View on the way up on the Palm Springs Tramway by Eddie Mercado
At the Mountain Station on top enjoy viewpoints, cocktail lounge, gift shop, Natural History Museum and two documentary style movies about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Monday – Friday – First Tram up 10:00am
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – First Tram up 8:00 a.m.
Daily – Last Tram up 8:00 p.m.; last Tram down 9:45 p.m.
Cars depart at least every half hour.
CLOSED – September 12, 2016 through September 30, 2016 for annual maintenance. Tentative reopening October 1, 2016.
*Prices and Hours Of Operation Are Subject to Change Without Notice Sorry, pets are not allowed.
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult of 21 years or older.
Source URL: https://coachellavalley.com/last-tram-palm-springs-tramway-1963/
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