The Palm Spring's Tram

Any outdoor enthusiast would be hard pressed to find a better attraction than the Palm Springs Tram.  The tram takes you up 2.5 miles to their mountain station where you’ll be close to several hiking trails in the beautiful Mount San Jacinto State Park.  If you’re there on the weekend, you can even take part in a free 40 minute nature hike where park volunteers will guide you through and teach you about the wonders of the mountains.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The trails at the top of the tram range in difficulty and length but all can be accessed by leaving the Tram Mountain Station and heading down a path that is approximately .3 miles which will take you to Long Valley where you’ll find a Ranger Station, picnic tables, toilets, water, and some easy trails.  You can end your adventure there, having enjoyed a scenic mountain ride, but consider continuing on to one of the designated trails.  You’re sure to find one that fits your abilities.

If you’re looking for more of a walk and less of a hike, take the Long Valley Discovery Trail which leads you in a .75 mile loop and is a great introduction to the animals and plants found in the park.  For a slightly more challenging course, try the Desert View Trail or the Round Valley Trail, either of which offer a scenic hike and are listed as “moderately strenuous.”

For the more avid hiker, there are the Wellmans Divide and San Jacinto Peak trails.  Wellmans Divide is a 1 mile hike and has an elevation gain of 600 feet.  From way up there, you have an excellent view of the Palomar Observatory and Tahquitz Peak Lookout.  From there, you can choose to go down to Idyllwild or continue up to San Jacinto Peak for an additional 3-4 hour hike.  Up there you’ll be at the second highest point in Southern California.  Both of these hikes are listed as “strenuous.”

Make sure to wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes and be prepared if you plan on enjoying the great outdoors.  Please also note that water is only available in Long Valley and Round Valley so you’ll want to bring plenty of water with you.  And if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay after a long day of hiking, check out Lake La Quinta Inn, this beautiful bed and breakfast offers wonderful accommodations and exceptional customer service.