DAY TRIP:

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway opened in 1963 and is located in Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs. Visitors will board “one of the world’s largest rotating tram cars” for a 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride from the valley station to the mountain station and gateway to the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness area. As temperatures heat up this summer, a day spent at the top of the mountain station — where temperatures in the mountains are 30 to 40 degrees cooler than on the desert floor — offers an opportunity to chill out and explore nature. The valley station, mountain station and tram cars are handicap accessible.

HOURS

First tram up is at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Last tram up is at 9 p.m.; last tram down is at 10:30 p.m. daily. Trams run at least every 30 minutes; Memorial Day hours: First tram up is at 8 a.m.

ADMISSION

Adults: $21.95 ; children ages 3-12: $14.95. Discounted twilight tickets begin at 3 p.m.; $18.95 for adults and seniors; $11.95 for children ages 3-12. Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets are available from 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $34 for adults and seniors; $22 for children ages 3-12. Price includes tram admission and dinner at the Pines Cafe.

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 south to the 55 north. Merge onto the 91 east toward Riverside. Take the 60 east toward Indio. Take the 10 east via the exit on the left toward Beaumont. Merge onto Highway 111 south toward Palm Springs. Make a slight right onto Tramway Road. The valley station is located approximately 4 miles up Tramway Road.

HIKING

Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers 54 miles of hiking trails within a 14,000-acre wilderness. All trails are accessed by exiting the tram’s mountain station..

The Long Valley Discovery Trail is a ¾-mile (1.2 km) loop with nature trail posts to guide the way. This is an easy-level trail to hike and provides visitors with an introduction to the park’s plants and animals.

The Desert View Trail is a 1.5-mile (2 km) trail that leads to scenic vistas and forest views.

The Round Valley trails are 2.5 miles of fairly level, moderately strenuous trails with short climbs that end in the picturesque Round Valley.

San Jacinto Peak is a strenuous 3- to 4-hour hike one way that leads to the second-highest point in Southern California.

DINING

The two restaurants at the top of the tramway are open for lunch and dinner.

Peaks offers fine dining and a view of the Coachella Valley. Reservations are suggested. Call (760) 325-4537.

Pines Cafe is a cafeteria-style restaurant.

Lookout Lounge offers a variety of alcoholic beverages and appetizers.

— Sue Thoensen