This stunning glass mosaic window is one of several inside the mid-century modern Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It looks out towards Chino Canyon, the chasm that is the pathway for the tram. In a short 10 minute ride, you will be whisked from a starting elevation of 2,643 feet at Valley Station, to the dizzying height of 8,516 feet at Mountain Station. On the 2.5 mile journey, you may experience a drop in the temperature from five to twenty degrees depending upon the time of year you go. As you ascend from the desert floor to the snowy mountains above, you will pass through several geological and climatic zones. It's an exhilarating thrill ride towards the top of Mt. San Jacinto peak while you travel in a 360 degree revolving tram car. Driving into Palm Springs, you will pass the Palm Springs Visitors Center, another fine example of mid century architecture. The Visitors Center at 1 Tramway Road, originally created as an Enco gas station, was constructed in 1965. It was designed by Albert Frey and Robson C. Chambers, who also designed the Valley Station, and serves as the entrance to the tramway.
September 27, 2009