Don't forget to
check out our WebCams area for some really nice
cams. Two of our favorites: The "Hollywood
Sign" Cam and the Grand Canyon Cam.
SPOTLIGHT:
Summer Fun at the Tram
Ride the World's Largest Rotating Tram by Lena Zimmerschied
(Palm Springs, California)
Think of the desert and pictures of swimming pools and golf
courses come to mind. But adventure? For that you can take the
10-minute, 2.5-mile ride which begins at the Valley Station -
elevation 2,643 feet and ends at the Mountain Station -
elevation 8,516 feet and is the gateway to the Mount San Jacinto
State Park and Wilderness area.
The top
of the Tramway is transformed into a pristine snow covered
playground during the winter. Visitors can try their hand at
cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, enthusiasts have found the
area to be unsurpassed in its challenging trails. Didn't bring
your own? Rental equipment is available at the Adventure Center,
which is open from mid-November until mid-April (snow conditions
permitting). For the more adventurous and well-experienced, snow
camping offers a special way to spend a weekend or plunge into a
good old-fashioned snowball fight.
During the summer months, when it is well into
the 100s in the desert, the mountains offer more than 54 miles
of hiking trails, camping and guided nature walks as a pleasant
alternative to chilling out. Remember it's nearly 40 degrees
cooler at the top.
World's Largest Rotating Tram photo by:
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Trails
range from the awe-inspiring 5½-mile trek to the peak of San Jacinto, at
10,834 it is the second tallest mountain in southern California, to the
one-mile nature walk through picturesque Long Valley, located just
behind the Mountain Station. Primitive campsites are located throughout
the State Park. Wilderness permits are required for any hiking or
backpacking and may be obtained from the Ranger Station located in Long
Valley.
For those who are truly environmentally oriented, the
Mount San Jacinto State Park Volunteers conduct free-guided nature walks
each weekend during the summer. The Natural History Museum located on
the lower level offers maps and nature books for a nominal fee. At
the Mountain Station enjoy viewpoints, cocktail lounge, gift shop,
Natural History Museum and two documentary style movies about the Palm
Springs Aerial Tramway and the Mount San Jacinto State Park. Dine at one
of the two restaurants - it is a one of a kind experience. Elevations
Restaurant offers fine dining, while the Top of the Tram Restaurant
offers an affordable cafeteria-style alternative.
For
information about accommodations, recreation, dining and much
more in this area and many other US destinations, take a moment
to visit our US Travel Directories:
