description -> "**The Tramway**\n\nBouldering at the [Palm Springs Aerial Tramway](https://pstramway.com/) is an experience like no other. Park in Palm Springs and take a tram ride up to 8500' in elevation on Mount San Jacinto. The climbs are granite and range in size from respectable to just-intimidating-enough highball. From the upper tram station, plentiful climbing can be reached within 5-10 minutes, though the most popular areas can take 20-30 minutes to reach.\n\n**Seasonality**\n\nThe Tram is best known among climbers as being the only real summer bouldering destination south of Mt. Whitney. You can get a summer pass for the Tram ($85), so pad people are most often seen during the months of May-August. However, an annual pass ($165) is also available and climbing in the shoulder season can be peak conditions. The Tram closes for one month every year for maintenance, usually around September or October, so refer to the pstramway website for more information.\nA single admission is $35 + $15 for parking. When purchasing your ticket, you will be assigned a tram time. Usually this is the next tram, but during peak tourist season or holidays, you may have to wait 2+ hours (or you may purchase your ticket in advance online) (passholders pay no parking fee, and get on the next tram that has space).\nDuring the summer, many tourists come up to escape the heat, but the peak season is actually during the winter to see the snow.\nA [webcam](https://pstramway.com/long-valley-cam/) is helpfully maintained to help you evaluate conditions in the winter.\n\n**Permits**\n\nWhen you leave the upper tram station, you will follow a stone path down to the state park and immediately come across a ranger station. Fill out a free no-quota wilderness permit identifying the farthest area you intend to visit. This is a requirement.\n\n**Etiquette**\n\nNo dogs are allowed on the tram.\nThe staff at the Tramway have been exceptionally kind and accommodating to climbers. Please be on your best behavior so that does not change. Expect to have your backpack searched at the entrance for bear spray, knives, and drones (not allowed in the state park). Take your packs and pads off in the tram and place them on the floor. Try to squeeze in towards the middle (climbers usually follow this one better than tourists). Listen carefully to the tram operator for when the last tram will be (changes depending on the season). They WILL NOT hold the tram late for you. You will be left on the mountain.\n\n**Leave No Trace**\n\nSeriously. There's not going to be a tram employee cleaning up after you in the park. Keep a close eye on your tape and microtrash. Don't stash pads, the alpine conditions will seriously tear them up and create an unmanageable mess."
