Even though the mountains around Palm Springs were topped with clouds today, we decided to go up the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway. This is a phenomenal ride up the mountainside, to 8,600 feet. The tram ride is 2 miles long, and hangs from a cable, going over 4 tall towers. The tram car rotates 360 degrees as you ascend up the mountain, so everyone in the car can see all vistas. The view of the valley floor is as breathtaking as are the views of the craggy mountains and rocky canyons.
At the top is a visitor center with an interesting movie about the creation of the Tramway, a cafe, and a restaurant. The tram runs until 10 pm, so they advertise romantic evenings with tram and dinner combos, and the view of the night lights of the valley.
There are many hikes at the top, some self-guided, some led, some easy, some strenuous. However, since it was 28 degrees and snowing lightly, the trails were all icy. So we chose not to hike. We got some coffee and looked out over the vistas, from the observations decks. Just the tram ride up and down, was worth it.
We found a somewhat expensive, but very good Italian Restaurant in Palm Springs for dinner. Peter tells me that many, many Hollywood celebrities as well as politicians, have had homes in Palm Springs.
Tamara birthday (& 8 months pregnant) photos:
Palm Springs Ariel Tramway photos:
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