Local & Community
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Announces Summer Schedule and Memorial Day Events
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mount San Jacinto State Park have announced the start of the 2026 summer season, beginning Memorial Day weekend. Starting Friday, May 22, the tramway will implement extended hours and launch a series of outdoor programs designed for both locals and tourists looking to escape the desert heat.
Summer hours will run through September 7. Under this schedule, the last tram car will head up the mountain at 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with the final car returning to the valley at 10:30 p.m. Dining facilities are also adjusting their schedules, with Peaks Restaurant accepting its last seating at 8:45 p.m. and Pines Café remaining open until 9:30 p.m. during these weekend shifts.
For the upcoming holiday weekend, specific hours will be observed. On Sunday, May 24, the tram will follow the late-night Friday schedule. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, the first car will depart at 8:00 a.m., with the final car up at 8:00 p.m. and the last car down at 9:30 p.m.
Nature enthusiasts can take advantage of guided walks led by State Park volunteers every Sunday starting May 24. These free tours include the Desert View Trail, a 1.5-mile walk at 11:00 a.m., and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a shorter 0.75-mile loop at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required for these walks, though standard tramway admission fees still apply.
The Mount San Jacinto State Park and the Natural History Association will also provide seasonal programming throughout the summer. These sessions are intended to help visitors explore the park's resources responsibly while discovering the unique ecology of the mountain station, which sits at an elevation of over 8,500 feet.
Since opening in 1963, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has operated as the world’s largest rotating tram car. The 10-minute journey transports passengers from the Chino Canyon Valley Station to the mountain wilderness, offering a significant temperature drop and breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 14, 2026
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