Heading up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can lead to a great day. You get a cool, 10 minute ride up from the desert floor to 8,500 feet in a rotating car in just 10 minutes, you can cool off, head out to some cool hiking trails, see nature, and, depending on the season, maybe even see some snow. And, here’s the cool thing, although the popular Palm Springs attraction has a restaurant, a bar, and a food counter – you don’t have to get your food and drinks there, because you are allowed to bring your own. No, seriously!
Yes, you can bring closed containers on the Tram and any outside food and beverage can be consumed outside in the State Park.
— Palm Springs Tramway (@PSTramway) May 13, 2018
So, if you want to have a picnic after a long hike or maybe some wine or beers with someone you love while taking in the incredible views (not a bad date night), just pack them into a cooler or backpack and bring them up the tram.
Related: Headed up the Palm Springs Tram? Here’s how to get tickets at a discount.
Related: 5 things to know about the Palm Springs Tram.
Do note, that if you plan on hiking around and don’t want to be stuck carrying a cooler, picnic basket, thermos, or whatever – bring up some quarters and get a locker. There are a few dozen lockers available on the bottom level of the tram station – with decent size ones going for $1.25 and larger for $1.50. Not a bad price to pay for not having to walk around carrying sandwiches all day. There is a quarters machine as well, if you have dollar bills on you.
I have had a lot of great days heading up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, going on a nice hike to Round Valley or a longer, more intense hike to the San Jacinto Peak, then heading back to the Mountain Station and feasting on a delicious sandwich while downing a couple of IPAs I brought up the mountain with me.
And while bringing up your own stuff can be a whole lot cheaper than buying food and drinks at the top of the Tram, just be sure, whatever you bring, be respectful and pick up after yourself, making sure you clean up all of your trash to keep the area nice.
Enjoy your time on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and be sure to check out our tips for having a great time at the tram here.
