Palm Springs Aerial 4th of July

Road Trip to the Tramway

Our annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs is always a highlight of our year, and this 4th of July getaway marked our tenth visit to this desert oasis. To kick things off, we embarked on a scenic drive from San Bernardino, capturing the essence of the journey in a hyperlapse dashcam video.

Buckle up for a fast-paced dashcam adventure from San Bernardino to the Palm Springs Aerial 4th of July! This timelapse video condenses the scenic drive, showcasing the changing landscapes of Southern California. Watch as we zip through highways, pass by desert vistas, and climb the winding roads toward the tramway’s base. Enjoy the holiday spirit with glimpses of festive decorations and celebratory vibes. It’s a perfect preview of the mountaintop fun that awaits

Sky High 4th of July!

Reaching for the Sky: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a marvel of engineering, has been transporting visitors to the summit of Mount San Jacinto since 1963. It’s particularly special to visit in July, as the tramway honors military personnel with free fares throughout the month for veterans and 1/2 off for our spouse.
The journey begins at the Valley Station, nestled at an elevation of 2,643 feet. From there, two rotating tramcars whisk passengers up the breathtaking Chino Canyon, offering panoramic views of the desert floor and surrounding mountains. The ascent culminates at the Mountain Station, perched at a lofty 8,516 feet.
Once at the top, a world of possibilities awaits. Explore the observation decks for awe-inspiring vistas, hike the trails of Mount San Jacinto State Park, or simply savor a meal with a view at one of the restaurants.

Our 4th of July Tramway Experience

Join us for a breathtaking 4th of July celebration as we soar to new heights on the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

Gallery: Get Away Days - Palm Springs

As always, we captured the essence of our Palm Springs getaway in photographs. Browse through the gallery below for a glimpse into our adventures.
Palm Springs holds a special place in our hearts, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit. Until then, we’ll cherish the memories of this unforgettable 4th of July celebration.

It's me, David Skelton, standing next to the Joshua Tree National Park sign at the West Entrance, with a picturesque desert and Joshua trees in the background.

West Entrance

Here, captured by Gio at the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, I stand amidst the serene beauty of the desert, marking another memorable chapter in our adventures.

An iconic, mature Joshua Tree with a robust trunk and numerous branches, indicative of its age, possibly over 100 years, captured in Joshua Tree National Park by David Skelton.

Iconic Joshua Tree

In this image, I’ve captured the grandeur of a mature Joshua Tree, a symbol of Joshua Tree National Park. Its age, possibly surpassing a century, is evident in its sturdy trunk and extensive branches, showcasing nature’s enduring splendor.

A Prickly Pear Cactus standing resiliently amidst the desert landscape near Barker Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, showing its water-storing capabilities and protective spines, as photographed by me

Prickly Pear Cactus

I photographed a Prickly Pear Cactus near the Barker Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a beautiful example of nature’s resilience, with its spines and water storage strategies perfectly adapted to the desert climate.

A Joshua Tree and rock formations dominate the foreground in my photograph taken on Barker Dam Trail at Joshua Tree National Park, with a jet airliner and its chemtrail adding a unique element to the clear blue sky above.

Barker Dam Trail Chemtrail

In this photo, I’ve aimed to showcase the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. The image features a Joshua Tree and rugged rock formations along Barker Dam Trail, while a jet airliner’s chemtrail streaks across the sky, contrasting nature and human influence.

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park, resembling a human skull, is set against a clear blue sky and rugged desert landscape.

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park

This captivating photo showcases Skull Rock, an intriguing boulder in Joshua Tree National Park that mirrors the appearance of a human skull, set amidst the stark beauty of the Californian desert.

Gio, seated on a large boulder, framed by the natural Arch Rock formation in the White Tank Campground at Joshua Tree National Park, as captured in my photo

Gio at Arch Rock

This photo showcases Gio, my husband, in a moment of reflection, sitting under Joshua Tree National Park’s famous Arch Rock in the White Tank Campground. It’s a testament to the tranquility and magnificence of the park’s unique landscapes.

David and Gio are kissing in front of Heart Rock at Joshua Tree National Park, symbolizing romance in a scenic desert setting.

David and Gio's Romantic Moment at Heart Rock

In this heartwarming image, David and Gio share a kiss, perfectly framed by the natural wonder of Heart Rock at Joshua Tree National Park, encapsulating a moment of love and adventure in the great outdoors.

A photo with a ground-level view of Pinto Basin Road in Joshua Tree National Park, a desert landscape with the road leading to Cholla Cactus Garden.

Pinto Basin Road Scenic View

This captivating image presents a unique ground-level perspective of Pinto Basin Road, showcasing the serene and rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and its path toward the Cholla Cactus Garden.

A vivid image of the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park, with a detailed information sign in the foreground and a dense array of cacti leading to distant mountains beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Cholla Cactus Garden

An educational sign introduces the Cholla Cactus Garden against a backdrop of countless cacti and rugged desert mountains at Joshua Tree National Park, highlighting the serene yet rugged beauty of the desert ecosystem.

Gio was walking beside a Joshua Tree on Arch Rock Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, showcasing the serene beauty of the desert landscape.

Gio's Adventure Along Arch Rock

In this evocative image, Gio walks next to a majestic Joshua Tree on the scenic Arch Rock Trail, highlighting the peaceful harmony between man and nature in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park.

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