PALM SPRINGS – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway constructed in the rugged ChinoCanyon on the north edge of Palm Springs did not just happen. It required foresight, planning, financing and most of all vision.

The father of today's Tramway, Francis Crocker, dreamt of riding up to the still snow-capped peak of Mount San Jacinto, 10,834 feet high began in 1935. Political roadblocks caused numerous disappointing setbacks. Twice a tramway enabling bill passed the California State Legislature, only to be vetoed. With the outbreak of World War II, the plans were shelved.

In 1945 Governor Earl Warren signed the measure creating the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority and by 1950, technicians were moving ahead on designs for the tramway.

Funds for the construction of the Tramway were raised by the sale of $8.15 million in private revenue bonds. Donated land for the Valley Station and parking lots helped stretch the funds raised. No public funds were used for either the construction or operation of the tramway. The 35-year bonds were successfully paid off in 1996.

The Korean War was to cause another delay, but the ambitious project began to take form in July 1961. Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and was soon labeled the “eighth wonder of the world.” The superlative was earned because of the ingenious use of helicopters in erecting four of the five supporting towers. Twenty-years later, the Tramway was designated an historical civil engineering landmark.

The first tower is the only one that can be reached by road. The helicopters flew some 23,000 missions during the 26 months of construction, hauling men and materials needed to erect the four other towers and the 35,000 sq. ft. Mountain Station.

Francis Crocker's dream was completed in 1963; the inaugural ride occurred on September 12th of that year with local and state dignitaries and celebrities on hand.

Crocker rode the Tramway numerous times and fellow passengers often would receive a narration from him as they rode up to “where it was nice and cool.” Francis Crocker died in 1992.

In 1998 the Tramway announced that it was embarking on an ambitious modernization program at a cost of $15 million, raised by sale of private revenue bonds. The improvements consisted of new cables, drive system, rock removal and new cabins. The cabins are the first in North America to rotate 360-degrees during their ascent to the Mountain Station, plus they are the largest of their type in the world. The roomier tramcars feature a larger viewing area with more window space. Beginning in September 2000, passengers rode the world's largest rotating tramcars constructed.

Since 1963 more than 17 million people have traveled the 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride, which begins at the Valley Station – elevation 2,643 feet and ends at the Mountain Station – elevation 8,516 feet.

In September 2013 the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will celebrate 50 years of WOW! With promotions, special giveaways and a party to rival the inaugural party the Tramway says Thank You to everyone that has visited.

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