Transporting travellers from the desert valley floor to the alpine landscape of the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a highlight of any visit to the city. This summer, as well as exploring the 50 miles of hiking trails and the natural beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, visitors can enjoy a whole range of interesting activities with the Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness (MSJSP&W) and the Natural History Association's programme of free* events by taking the 10-minute Aerial Tramway journey.

From Junior Ranger Days and nature hikes to photography workshops and stargazing there is something for everyone at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway this summer.

Junior Ranger Days
Taking place throughout the summer, the ever-popular Junior Ranger Days offer children an exciting range of fun and educational activities led by MSJSP&W Interpreter Allison Barnes. Held between 11am and 3pm at the base of the Aerial Tramway's Mountain Station walkway, activities include a 'spin the wheel information board' and 'Leave No Trace' games, which teach children how to protect the stunning landscape when visiting a nature park.

Junior Ranger days will be held on July 6, August 3, August 31 and September 1. No advance registration is required.

Mountain Wildflower Superbloom!?
2019 is set to be a year of the 'superbloom' in the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness, as well as in the desert valley below. On July 6 at 8:30am, attendees will discover how these flowers and plants survive and thrive in the high altitude of the mountains and learn about the environmental niches that create the perfect habitat for these delicate flowers. Led by Colin Barrows BS, Biology, Northern Arizona University, Conservation Coordinator with Friends of The Desert Mountains, Mountain Wildflower Superbloom!? is sure to be popular. Advanced registration is required.

The Amazing World of Bats
For an amazing insight into the world of bats, visitors can join Dani Ortiz, Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Biologist for the evening on July 20. Attendees will get to learn about the bats local to the area during a presentation before heading out on a walk to look for these ecologically important creatures. Prior registration for The Amazing World of Bats event is required.

The Hubbub About Hubble and Destination: Saturn
Avid and amateur star-gazers alike will love the Destination: Saturn and The Hubbub about Hubble events, which will be held on July 27 and August 24 respectively. In an age of light-pollution, the darkness of the San Jacinto Mountains at night offer a spectacular viewpoint for observing the night skies and learning more about the universe. During the Destination: Saturn event, Park Interpreter Ali Barnes will talk about the Cassini Spacecraft Mission to Saturn, while during The Hubbub about Hubble Ali Barnes will talk about the fascinating Hubble Space Telescope. Following each event's presentations, attendees will get the opportunity to find Saturn, Jupiter, the Ring Nebula and the Hercules Cluster with a telescope. Advanced registration is required.

Mountain Photography Workshop
On Sunday August 11, keen photographers and nature lovers will be able to join an all-day photography workshop with award-winning fine art landscape photographer Ralph Nordstrom. Attendees to the Mountain Photography Workshop will spend the day learning key camera techniques and tricks that lead to those all-important impressive images. Covering up to 4 miles walking, the day also includes classroom sessions and evening dinner. Advanced registration is required.

Free Guided Nature Walks
Those wanting to discover more about the flora and fauna that call the San Jacinto Mountains home will love the free guided nature walks. Each Saturday and Sunday from now until September 1st, visitors can choose between two trail walks led by State Park volunteers, the 11am half-mile Desert View Trail and the three-quarter mile Long Valley Nature Trail, which starts at 1:30pm.

Other exciting events include Cool birding in the Clouds, Creation of the Cosmos and From the San Andreas Fault to Mt. San Jacinto. For the full schedule and further information, please visit https://msjnha.org/events-overview-2/

For more information on the city of Palm Springs, visit: www.visitpalmsprings.com

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* Regular Tramway admission is required.

About Palm Springs
One hundred miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a desert playground with year-round sunshine, blue skies and stunning natural beauty. Nestled beneath California's San Jacinto Mountains, the city is famed for its Hollywood legacy, Native American heritage and huge collection of mid-century modern architecture. The desert oasis boasts a wealth of adventurous hiking trails and historical canyon tours, as well as chic boutiques, world-renowned golf courses and unique experiences, including the chance to stay in the former homes of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. For more information see www.visitpalmsprings.com.

About Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world's largest rotating tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram's 80-passenger cars travel along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. Tickets are $25.95 for adults, $23.95 for seniors (65+) and $16.95 for children (3-10). For more information, please call 888-515-TRAM or 760-325-1391, or visit www.pstramway.com. Also, download the free mobile tour now available in the App Store/Google Play.