Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: A Mid-Century Engineering Marvel
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting visitors to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. During this ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering spectacular vistas of the valley below.
At the Tram’s Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet and up to 30 degrees cooler than the desert floor—dine in two restaurants, enjoy viewpoints, browse the gift shop, hike over 50 miles of trails, watch two documentary films or visit the natural history museum.
The tramway—constructed on the north edge of Palm Springs—did not just happen; it required foresight, planning, financing, dedication and most of all vision.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
A great idea is born
On a hot summer’s day in 1935, electrical engineer Francis Crocker yearned to visit the cool air at the peak of Mount San Jacinto and thus the idea for “Crocker’s Folly” was born. Many roadblocks, however, stood in his way. A tramway-enabling bill passed the California State Legislature twice but was then vetoed by Governor Culvert Olson both times. Things started to look up when a new tram bill was passed by Governor Earl Warren in 1945, which created the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority. Crocker was named the first secretary for the organization, and his associate, O. Earl Coffman was named the first chairman.
In 1950, design work began for the tramway, and funds were secured through the sale of private revenue bonds. The $8.15 million raised, along with the private donation of land by Culver Nichols, allowed the tramway to be built and operated without the aid of public funds.
The expertise of two renowned Mid-Century architects were enlisted in the design of the Tramway’s Valley and Mountain Stations: Albert Frey, for the former, and E. Stewart Williams, for the latter. And the Swiss engineering firm of Von Roll(now Doppelmayr) designed and manufactured the tramway cars and systems.
What was called the “Eighth Engineering Wonder of the World” opened in September of 1963, serving the first of what would eventually become over 20 million passengers for this breathtaking ride overlooking the Coachella Valley.
Group rates start at just 10 people. Dining packages are available for 15 or more, and banquet space seats up to 136 people.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
For More Information on Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:
Contact Information: Monica Murillo – Sales Manager
Website: www.pstramway.com/groups
Phone – 760-969-4357
Email – mmurillo@pstramway.com
