Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

We rode this incredible tramway once before in the 1990's and never forgot the experience, so it was a must-do again this trip.  We didn't realize that since then the system and the gondolas were upgraded.  There are just two big cars now (instead of the older smaller ones) that actually revolve as you go up and down, giving everyone a 360 degree view.  It's one of the most scenic things we've ever done.  The trip takes10 minutes to travel to an elevation of 8,516 feet up Mt. Jacinto, where it's  still snowy winter.

We got to the base station when they opened this morning. Beautiful weather for the ride...

No wind, no clouds...although only 40 chilly degrees at the top.

Spectacular views headed up to the station...

And arrival at the snowy top, where facilities include restaurants, a bar and gift shops.  But the real attraction is the amazing views of Palm Springs far below. 

There are also miles of wilderness trails at the top for ambitious hikers and back country campers. 

Lazier people like us can just admire the views before heading back down to the desert.

A wonderful highlight for our last full day in Palm. Neither of us want to think about heading north tomorrow.  :-(