There appeared to be people hiking up a trail with lights on their heads, which seemed like a good idea. It must be a spectacular view from the top and it is definitely a pleasant temperature for exercise right now.
I had googled 'best things to do in Palm Springs' and came up with the Aerial Tramway, a cable car ride to the mountain top. We'd seen no evidence of it or heard about it, but set off in search.
It was well hidden, sensitively camouflaged into the hillside and we'd never have known about it without google. It was $25 each to the top (and back) and we only had to wait about 10 minutes for a ride.
There are two rotating cars, at opposite ends of the line to eachother for energy conservation and balance, that can hold approximately 50 people each. The rotation means that everyone who wants to gets a turn at the view.
The tram ascends to 8,500 feet, and has an impressively steep trajectory. I really enjoyed the trip and the view. It was impossible to catch the perspective properly on camera, however.
At the mountain top station there is both a cafe and a restaurant, as well as the start of many walking trails. It does snow up here in winter, despite the low rainfall below. Breathing was a little labored at this altitude, and the air was very dry. It was 12 degrees at the top, versus 27 at the base. On a clear day, apparently you can see Las Vegas!
It was a highlight of the trip for me.
From there we drove to Desert Hills Premium Outlets, about 10 minutes down the I-10 towards LA. It was an excellent outlet mall, with the best coffee in the USA!
On the way we saw the biggest wind farm ever. These things are huge - perhaps 50-60 meters tall.
We enjoyed a swim and spa again this evening, enjoying the music and the desert evening.
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