One of the most popular attractions here in our Coachella Valley is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Originally completed in 1963, it boasts the world's largest rotating tram cars in the world and ascends 2.5 miles up to a station on Mount San Jacinto at 8,516 feet high. Since it first opened, over 13 million people have traveled the 10-minute ride. In addition to breathtaking views of the valley, the temperature differential between the valley floor and the top of the Tram is usually about 30 degrees. During the Winter and Spring months, we usually have snow at the top of the tram; Mount San Jacinto actually rises 10,834 feet high, so the highest peaks above the Tram are heavily covered in snow. It's a real treat for desert residents to take a short ride and see snow. In the summer heat, the Tram offers a refreshingly cool respite from the 100+ degree temperatures. So just for the fun of it, here are two photos of the Tram to give you an idea of what it's like. 
above: this image was taken fairly high up- you can see the top of the lower peaks below. Tram cars pass each other, one riding up, and another back down.
In the photo above you can see the snow that is at the higher elevations of Mount San Jacinto.
I hope you enjoyed these photos today. Have a great Tuesday!
-Rick Rockhill
No comments:
Post a Comment