Take your hiking to new heights! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar. In 10 minutes you’ll be whisked over the incredible cliffs of Chino Canyon to an elevation of 8,516 feet. This is the heart of Mount San Jacinto State Park’s alpine wilderness and the launching point to over 50 miles of hiking trails.

Talk about a hiker’s high: The temperature is at least 30 degrees cooler than on the desert floor, and palm trees have been left in the dust. Instead, you get soaring Jeffrey pines, colossal granite boulders, and epic views from the Coachella Valley Preserve to Joshua Tree National Park.

Now go hike—there are options galore! The 1.5-mile Desert Valley Trail loop may be short in length but it packs a punch with its five (five!) viewpoints. Or opt for bragging rights on the 5.5-mile (one-way) trek to San Jacinto Peak, the second highest point in Southern California. Then kick back and relax at one of the high-elevation restaurants where the meal is only topped by the view.

BONUS: There’s backcountry camping here too! Round Valley campground is only a 2-mile hike and has 28 sites tucked in a lush meadow. Way to hit the hiking high note! Get advance tickets.

Extended Summer Hours. Family activities with state park rangers through Labor Day. Ranger station and restroom facilities. Check out the Tram’s Natural History Museum.