Up the Palm Springs Tramway into Snow with Views of Coachella Valley

(Zach Behrens/LAist)

NEXT »

 

Hundreds of thousands of people will swarm to the Palm Springs area this week for Coachella. Many only have tickets for one or two of the three days leaving them with time to explore the area including the Mount San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Tramway.

A short 10-minute tram ride up Chino Canyon will not only freak out those afraid of heights, but will deliver hikers, tourists and campers to weather 30 degrees colder than the valley floor below. This past weekend, snow still lay on the ground.

A couple hours trip is all that's needed to enjoy much of what the park offers. A few trails less than a mile or two in length start near the tram's drop off point, a restaurant serves up cafeteria style food and others just go up to take in the views.