Tramway Bouldering Guide - Girl Beta & Videos

Tramway bouldering is an excellent way to escape from the desert heat below. With a huge temperature drop, you'll go from the sweltering heat of Palm Springs to crisp mountain air in just a quick ride up the tram.

At the top, you'll find brisk air, pine trees, and perfect granite crimp lines. With the exception of a few magnificent high balls, the bouldering here is relatively low to the ground. This makes Tramway an excellent choice for those who prefer to do the hard pulling low to the ground. Bring a few pads, as the landings are sometimes uneven.

ACCESS NOTE: Getting to Tramway isn't cheap. You'll have to pay for a ticket to ride the tramcar up from the mountain floor to the summit. Single-use tickets are available for the day, or you can purchase an annual pass. With recent renovations to the parking, there may also be a fee to park at the base. Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Website for ticket prices and information.

Navigating the lines and crowds on the tram can be a bit of a nuisance, and can add quite a bit of time to your approach. But hey - at least the Spanish flamenco guitar playing from the speakers will ease your woes.

Once on the mountain, be sure to fill out a backcountry permit at the cabin on the trail. Return your stub at the end of the evening, and DON'T miss the last tram car! It typically leaves at 6PM. If you catch the night tram the view of the city lights below is stunning.

As always, be sure to educate yourself on leave no trace principles for the area. Backcountry camping is not permitted in the area. Tension has grown a bit with the rangers when boulderers began stashing pads and illegally camping. Fires are also a big no. They can lead quickly burn across the mountain if they get out of control.

Resist the urge to feed the raccoons at the tram station - they're not that cute and have become downright aggressive.

Read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) in our article: What is the Leave No Trace Philosophy?

Sometimes it helps to get another woman's perspective on which boulder problems to get on. Below you'll find a selection of female favorites, and a great roadmap on which routes to add to your tick list when visiting Tramway.

Warning: If you're climbing onsight, scroll no further. Spoilers ahead!

Jackie Trejo climbs the magnificent high ball Emerald City V0 in Tramway

If you haven't climbed the Emerald City boulder, you really haven't lived yet. Fear not, this intimidatingly large boulder is very approachable, flowy, and comfortable. Don't sweat the height, and enjoy the view from the top!

Jackie Trejo climbs Terminator V2 in Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Frank's Roof V3 in Tramway

If this classic V3 feels hard, well... that's because it is. Prepare for lift-off with this dynamic roof problem!

Jackie Trejo climbs Ebonic Woman V3 in Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs the beautiful and technical highball White Flight V3 at Tramway

If you're new to high balls the White Flight boulder is sure to get you hooked. Enjoy technical movement on bulletproof crimps all the way to the top. This climb is just difficult enough to keep you on your toes, without too much butt puckering.

Jackie Trejo climbs Ceramic Salamander V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Blade Runner V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Reverse Traverse V4 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs Aquaman V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Humping The Walrus V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs March Arête V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Frank's Problem V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Black Cauldron V4 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Black Top V4 at Tramway

Bridget Kilgallon climbs Standing on the Head of the Dragon V4 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs The Swedge V5 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Crack-O-Pop V5 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Pancake House V5 at Tramway

Bridget Kilgallon climbs Gold Crack Right V5 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Slytherin (slitherin) V5 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs Organ Grinder V5 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Tooth Fairy V6 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Methane V6 at Tramway

Bridget Kilgallon climbs Power Windows V6 and Sonia Rackelmann climbs Red Spark V6 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Memory Loss V6 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Only The Good Die Young V6 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs Malcomb V6 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs the crimpy traverse Swing Dance V7 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Enough Snuff V7 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs My Infested Destiny V7 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs Fists of Fury V7 at Tramway

Jackie Trejo climbs Barefoot Sharma Arête V8 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs Year of the Cat V9 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs The Left Hand of Darkness V9 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs Green Peace Sit V10 at Tramway

Maddy Volo climbs The Right Road V10 at Tramway