The largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. It was opened in September 1963 as a way of getting from the floor of the Coachella Valley to near the top of San Jacinto Peak and was constructed in rugged Chino Canyon. Before its construction, the only way to the top of the mountain was to hike for several hours from Idyllwild. The new tram cars spin 360 degrees around on the way up/back down, so you get a good view no matter where you are.
The eight-and-a-half-minute ride begins at the Valley Station at 2,643 ft and passes up North America’s sheerest mountain face through several life zones on its way to the Mountain Station at 8,516 ft above mean sea level. Be prepared andbring a sweater, the air can be as much as 40 (°F) or 22 (°C) degrees cooler at the top than in the desert. Visitors can walk along nature trails, take a burro ride or even play in the snow during the winter months.