You want me to go where on what? That was my first reaction to seeing the mountain in Palm Springs, California and the tramway I was supposed to ride to its top. A somewhat precarious option for someone not all that happy about heights. But once safely enclosed in the tram which slowly ascended the apex, I was able to fully appreciate the surroundings, knowing there was even a more spectacular view awaiting me at the summit. Plus a number of other unusual attractions not usually associated with mountain tops.
The tramcar – the world’s largest rotating version — ascends 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to a height of more than 8500 feet, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the desert below and the rugged mountain landscape. Did I mention it rotates? Okay, another minor mind-adjustment. I instead focused on the mesmerizing scene unfolding before me – and above me and below me. I overheard several people saying, “Okay, that’s high enough….” Lots of oohs and ahs accompanied the commentary which admittedly was hard to hear over the excited murmurs of the crushed humanity around me.
Even the ride up to the tram is imposing as the desert mountains close in around you. The popping in my ears alerted me to the increase in attitude – a whole lot of increase – and I hadn’t even boarded the tram yet.
I couldn’t help but wonder where I going and what will I find once there. It was that unusual an experience. A restaurant – even two — was to be expected. GIft shop – no question. 360-degree views, of course. But a couple of theaters and a natural history museum – not so much. Nor 50 miles of hiking trails from easy to moderate to strenuous appealing as much to the casual stroller as the seasoned trekker. You could live up there. But do keep in mind, the temperatures can be as much as 30 degrees cooler than the city below, so plan accordingly.
Stunning views, of course, were everywhere – and looking down is a very different perspective – literally – than looking up. The high elevation patchwork of meadows, granite peaks and conifer forest is hard to turn away from. You don’t often get a chance to look down upon the famed San Andreas fault – which Californians are always waiting to erupt into a dreaded earthquake. The sign at the viewing area warns the fault is moving at almost 2 inches a year, suggesting that in a million years, Los Angeles and San Francisco will be neighbors. I retreated back to the restaurant just in case their calculations were wrong…. And once there, was rewarded by a number of big horn sheep straddling the mountainside right outside our table window.
One movie theater describes how to negotiate the mountain to best preserve the habitat, animal life and rangers in the San Jacinto wilderness. Two-hundred species of wildlife including coyotes, mountain lions, deer and bobcats roam the park. The other film tells the inspiring story of the creation of this monumental architectural “building of a dream” 37 years ago.
And then there’s the nature museum featuring all the plants and animals in the park, which is the largest wilderness area in southern California. As a stuffed animal lover, I wanted to take them all home but the ranger did not take kindly to that idea.
I left empty-handed for my return trip to the bottom which, once again, took my breath away in all the best possible ways.
For more information, visit Greater Palm Springs.
