On a hot summer's day, one of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to take a ride from the dry desert floor with the Aerial Tramway, 5,873 feet up into the cool, moist climate of the San Jacinto Mountains. Come and ascend into a pristine wilderness aboard the world's largest rotating tramcars! Truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California!

The world's largest rotating tramcars carry visitors from an elevation of 2,643 feet to a Mountain Station located at the 8,516-foot level of Mt San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. It has the steepest vertical cable rise in the U.S. and the second steepest in the world. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California.

What is remarkable about the ride, aside from the breathtaking views of the valley, is the change in temperature. At the bottom of the tram route, the temperature on the desert floor can reach 120 degrees. Rising up through mountain canyons and chimneys, you arrive in an arctic-alpine forest with giant Ponderosa pines. The thrilling vertical ascent gives you views of the Chino Canyon and the San Jacinto Mountains from the front of the car, while the Sonoran Desert is splayed out below from the rear of the car. Look to the top of Chino Canyon, snap a few photos, then look behind and below as you move from one ecological zone to another.

At the Mountain Station, you can walk from the car into the large, 3-story facility which has a cocktail lounge, dining facilities, gift shop and observation decks. The station theater features "Building on a Dream", an 18-minute film on the history of the history and construction of the Tramway. At the top you can also explore the 14,000-acre Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area, which has 54 miles of hiking trails, rustic campgrounds, and granite outcroppings providing clear views of the cities below.

During the winter months “mid-November to mid-April” you can strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and head into the packed powder of a winter wonderland at the Top of the Tram.  There are so many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains but snowshoeing is perhaps the most exhilarating family adventure.  The Tramway’s Adventure Center (snow conditions permitting) is open for snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals. ... More info ›

On a hot summer's day, one of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to take a ride from the dry desert floor with the Aerial Tramway, 5,873 feet up into the cool, moist climate of the San Jacinto Mountains. Come and ascend into a pristine wilderness aboard the world's largest rotating tramcars! Truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California!

The world's largest rotating tramcars carry visitors from an elevation of 2,643 feet to a Mountain Station located at the 8,516-foot level of Mt San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. It has the steepest vertical cable rise in the U.S. and the second steepest in the world. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California.

What is remarkable about the ride, aside from the breathtaking views of the valley, is the change in temperature. At the bottom of the tram route, the temperature on the desert floor can reach 120 degrees. Rising up through mountain canyons and chimneys, you arrive in an arctic-alpine forest with giant Ponderosa pines. The thrilling vertical ascent gives you views of the Chino Canyon and the San Jacinto Mountains from the front of the car, while the Sonoran Desert is splayed out below from the rear of the car. Look to the top of Chino Canyon, snap a few photos, then look behind and below as you move from one ecological zone to another.

At the Mountain Station, you can walk from the car into the large, 3-story facility which has a cocktail lounge, dining facilities, gift shop and observation decks. The station theater features "Building on a Dream", an 18-minute film on the history of the history and construction of the Tramway. At the top you can also explore the 14,000-acre Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area, which has 54 miles of hiking trails, rustic campgrounds, and granite outcroppings providing clear views of the cities below.

During the winter months “mid-November to mid-April” you can strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and head into the packed powder of a winter wonderland at the Top of the Tram.  There are so many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains but snowshoeing is perhaps the most exhilarating family adventure.  The Tramway’s Adventure Center (snow conditions permitting) is open for snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals.

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The Earthquake Canyon Express - Riders are treated to a geologic extravaganza on this 20 mile tour that descends through the heart of the San Andreas Fault zone on a paved road to the heart of grape country near Mecca. There are no cross roads, no turns, and very little traffic which makes this a relaxing sightseeing adventure. Riders will see the stark beauty of the desert as they descend a total of 1200 feet over the route.

The course takes riders from the transition zone between the Colorado and Mojave Desert, winds its way through the narrow canyon walls of Box Canyon and finishes with spectacular views of the Salton Sea, Mt. San Jacinto, the All-American Canal, and the agriculture of the eastern Coachella Valley. The tour finishes with a visit to the Oasis Date Gardens for a date shake and restroom break. ... More info ›

The Earthquake Canyon Express - Riders are treated to a geologic extravaganza on this 20 mile tour that descends through the heart of the San Andreas Fault zone on a paved road to the heart of grape country near Mecca. There are no cross roads, no turns, and very little traffic which makes this a relaxing sightseeing adventure. Riders will see the stark beauty of the desert as they descend a total of 1200 feet over the route.

The course takes riders from the transition zone between the Colorado and Mojave Desert, winds its way through the narrow canyon walls of Box Canyon and finishes with spectacular views of the Salton Sea, Mt. San Jacinto, the All-American Canal, and the agriculture of the eastern Coachella Valley. The tour finishes with a visit to the Oasis Date Gardens for a date shake and restroom break.

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Head out on a rugged, off-road adventure through California’s Little Grand Canyon in the luxury and comfort of a full-size 4x4 driven by an expert guide!  California’s Little Grand Canyon is desert backcountry located in Palm Desert, approximately 30 minutes east of Palm Springs. This classic desert backcountry tour combines remote desert scenery and technical off-roading.  As your driver navigates the desert’s terrain, showing you points of interest, you will be treated to stunning vistas of ridgelines, colorful canyons and more. You can also do an optional nature walk into slot canyons and palm oases.

The 4-hour Little Grand Canyon Tour combines the beauty of the California desert with the thrill of off-roading. You and up to four others will bounce and rock over the ridgelines, cattle trails, agricultural fields and more on this exclusive backcountry tour. You will learn interesting facts about the growing city of Palm Desert and its Little Grand Canyon, marvel at the colors and unique shapes of the desert’s topography and you may even catch of glimpse of bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife.

This tour is a must for nature lovers and off-road fans. The optional nature walks into slot canyons and palm oases are a great addition to the tour too! Enjoy the excitement of a premium backcountry off road-tour through the scenery of Palm Desert.
... More info ›

Head out on a rugged, off-road adventure through California’s Little Grand Canyon in the luxury and comfort of a full-size 4x4 driven by an expert guide!  California’s Little Grand Canyon is desert backcountry located in Palm Desert, approximately 30 minutes east of Palm Springs. This classic desert backcountry tour combines remote desert scenery and technical off-roading.  As your driver navigates the desert’s terrain, showing you points of interest, you will be treated to stunning vistas of ridgelines, colorful canyons and more. You can also do an optional nature walk into slot canyons and palm oases.

The 4-hour Little Grand Canyon Tour combines the beauty of the California desert with the thrill of off-roading. You and up to four others will bounce and rock over the ridgelines, cattle trails, agricultural fields and more on this exclusive backcountry tour. You will learn interesting facts about the growing city of Palm Desert and its Little Grand Canyon, marvel at the colors and unique shapes of the desert’s topography and you may even catch of glimpse of bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife.

This tour is a must for nature lovers and off-road fans. The optional nature walks into slot canyons and palm oases are a great addition to the tour too! Enjoy the excitement of a premium backcountry off road-tour through the scenery of Palm Desert.

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Joshua Tree National Park Adventure - This tour takes you to one of the nation's most outstanding wilderness treasures, Joshua Tree National Park you will use a rugged back country trail through the Little San Bernadino Mountains to take clients from the Colorado Desert to over 4000 feet elevation in the Mojave Desert. You will be treated to magnificent unspoiled desert vistas, spectacular rock formations, unique plant and animal life, and outstanding geology.

Please Note:

• This tour is rugged and not advisable for pregnant women or guests with neck or back injuries
• This tour is not suitable for children aged 5 years and under

Joshua Tree National Park Adventure - This tour takes you to one of the nation's most outstanding wilderness treasures, Joshua Tree National Park you will use a rugged back country trail through the Little San Bernadino Mountains to take clients from the Colorado Desert to over 4000 feet elevation in the Mojave Desert. You will be treated to magnificent unspoiled desert vistas, spectacular rock formations, unique plant and animal life, and outstanding geology.

Please Note:

• This tour is rugged and not advisable for pregnant women or guests with neck or back injuries
• This tour is not suitable for children aged 5 years and under

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San Andreas Fault Tour - Come see where earthquakes are born! You will see first hand what geologists have called" the most tortured landscape on earth" as they visit the back country trails of a Bureau of Land Management Wilderness zone.

You will also get an up close look at the Coachella Valley's $500 million agriculture industry on the drive to and from the back country. Sheer canyon walls, fascinating geology, and abundant native desert plant and animal life are highlights of this tour. ... More info ›

San Andreas Fault Tour - Come see where earthquakes are born! You will see first hand what geologists have called" the most tortured landscape on earth" as they visit the back country trails of a Bureau of Land Management Wilderness zone.

You will also get an up close look at the Coachella Valley's $500 million agriculture industry on the drive to and from the back country. Sheer canyon walls, fascinating geology, and abundant native desert plant and animal life are highlights of this tour.

Less info