Q: When was the Estes Park Aerial Tramway built?
A: The Estes Park Aerial Tramway opened to the public in July 1955. It was built and designed by cable car pioneer Robert Heron. Since then, it has safely carried more than 3 million people to the summit of Prospect Mountain.
Q: I thought you were shut down?
A: The Tram was shut down for 2023 after the passing of John Heron, son of the original builder, Robert Heron. However, the Tram was purchased from the Heron family in early 2024 by new ownership and we've brought it back with everything you loved!
Q: When will the Estes Tram re-open to the public?
A: The grand reopening will be May 25th, 2024, with tickets now available for purchase online at www.estestram.com.
Q: What cool improvements have been made to the Tram?
A: We are committed to revitalizing the iconic Estes Tram while maintaining its rich history and heritage. But don’t worry, we are preserving the red iconic cabins, the symbols of the nearly 70-year-old tramway, while adding improvements at the top and bottom stations to modernize the experience.
Q: How do I buy tickets to ride the Tram?
A: It’s super easy, just go to www.estestram.com and buy your tickets to reserve a time to ride. You can purchase before your visit on our website or easily on your smartphone after you arrive.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Adult tickets start at $21.95 with a 20% discount for kids, military, Estes Park residents and seniors. Please be prepared to show the appropriate ID for discounted tickets. Go to www.estestram.com for our current prices.
Q: Can I use cash to buy a ticket?
A: While we do not accept cash, we do take all major credit cards, along with Apple and Google Pay.
Q: What is the booking fee?
A: The $2.50 fee per ticket covers costs related to the implementation and management of the online reservation system we built to reduce waiting times and improve the customer experience.
Q: Can we make reservations?
A: Yes, in fact you must have a reservation to ride! Reservations are made in one hour windows and you can book yours right on our front page. Once you have your window booked, the day before your visit we will send you a "preferred" time to arrive within your hour window to even further help limit any waiting.
Q: How long will I have to wait to go up?
A: We now have one-hour entry windows to help reduce queueing. Please arrive within your assigned hour.
Q: What happens if I miss my reservation window?
A: If you are not able to arrive within your reservation window, we will do our best to slot you in if there is room. But we cannot guarantee we will be able to get you up the Tram. Please try and arrive within your window... sheesh, get it together people! ;)
Q: How do I reach customer service if I have a problem with my ticket or have questions?
A: Just contact us here!
Q: How long is the ride?
A: The Tram takes 5 minutes each way. You get off on top and stay as long as you like... the average visit to the top is around an hour.
Q: What hours are you open?
A: 9am to 7pm every day (last ride up is at 6pm though, last ride down is at 7pm).
Q: When are the first and last Trams?
A: The first Tram departs at 9am and the last 7pm (the last entry window is 5-6pm).
Q: What is up at the top?
A: We have an amazing viewing platform, the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, a gift shop, bathrooms, picnic areas, and some light hiking. As well as chipmunks to feed and... breathtaking views!
Q: Can you hike to the top of prospect mountain?
A: Yep, it's about a 15-20 minute hike from the upper tram station to the summit of prospect mountain, on pretty easy terrain.
Q: Do you serve alcohol?
A: We currently do not sell alcohol and do not allow anyone to bring their own.
Q: How many can ride at a time?
A: The Tram holds 8 to 10 adults.
Q: Can I reserve a private Tram ride just for my group?
A: Yes, you can purchase an entire Tram for your use for the discounted price of 8 adult tickets. Fill your private Tram with as many or few people as you want, with a maximum number of 10 riders. Available to purchase on our home page.
Q: What days are you open?
A: Every day from the last Saturday in May until the first Sunday after Labor Day. If weather holds, we will explore staying open later. Sign up for Tram email updates for the latest.
Q: Are my tickets refundable?
A: Yes, fully refundable until the day of your reservation, at which point they are not.
Q: What if there's inclement weather?
A: Please dress accordingly! If there is adverse weather, we may alter the operation schedule. Of course, if we have to close temporarily, then you would get a full refund or we will help you book another time.
Q: Are mountain bikes permitted?
A: At this time no mountain bikes are permitted.
Q: Is smoking permitted on the Tram or at the summit?
A: We do not allow smoking anywhere.
Q: What facilities does the Tram offer for visitors of all abilities?
A: Accessibility is important to us and we are always working to improve access. At reopening, we will have ADA accessible bathrooms at the lower terminal, along with an ADA ramp to ride the Tram.
Q: Is seating available on the Tram?
A: No, it is a standing only experience.
Q: Are pets allowed on the Tram?
A: Sorry, we currently only allow service animals to ride as Colorado state regulations prohibit non-service and/or emotional support animals from entering the Tram property.
Q: Is the Tram safe?
A: Yes! It has been running since 1955 with no major incidents. We inspect different parts of the system weekly, have the whole system inspected by experts prior to opening each year and are certified by the State of Colorado annually. In addition, we train all staff on how to handle emergencies and run training exercises with them prior to the Tram opening.
Q: How do I get to you / in touch with you?
A: Just contact us here!
A: The Estes Park Aerial Tramway opened to the public in July 1955. It was built and designed by cable car pioneer Robert Heron. Since then, it has safely carried more than 3 million people to the summit of Prospect Mountain.
Q: I thought you were shut down?
A: The Tram was shut down for 2023 after the passing of John Heron, son of the original builder, Robert Heron. However, the Tram was purchased from the Heron family in early 2024 by new ownership and we've brought it back with everything you loved!
Q: When will the Estes Tram re-open to the public?
A: The grand reopening will be May 25th, 2024, with tickets now available for purchase online at www.estestram.com.
Q: What cool improvements have been made to the Tram?
A: We are committed to revitalizing the iconic Estes Tram while maintaining its rich history and heritage. But don’t worry, we are preserving the red iconic cabins, the symbols of the nearly 70-year-old tramway, while adding improvements at the top and bottom stations to modernize the experience.
Q: How do I buy tickets to ride the Tram?
A: It’s super easy, just go to www.estestram.com and buy your tickets to reserve a time to ride. You can purchase before your visit on our website or easily on your smartphone after you arrive.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Adult tickets start at $21.95 with a 20% discount for kids, military, Estes Park residents and seniors. Please be prepared to show the appropriate ID for discounted tickets. Go to www.estestram.com for our current prices.
Q: Can I use cash to buy a ticket?
A: While we do not accept cash, we do take all major credit cards, along with Apple and Google Pay.
Q: What is the booking fee?
A: The $2.50 fee per ticket covers costs related to the implementation and management of the online reservation system we built to reduce waiting times and improve the customer experience.
Q: Can we make reservations?
A: Yes, in fact you must have a reservation to ride! Reservations are made in one hour windows and you can book yours right on our front page. Once you have your window booked, the day before your visit we will send you a "preferred" time to arrive within your hour window to even further help limit any waiting.
Q: How long will I have to wait to go up?
A: We now have one-hour entry windows to help reduce queueing. Please arrive within your assigned hour.
Q: What happens if I miss my reservation window?
A: If you are not able to arrive within your reservation window, we will do our best to slot you in if there is room. But we cannot guarantee we will be able to get you up the Tram. Please try and arrive within your window... sheesh, get it together people! ;)
Q: How do I reach customer service if I have a problem with my ticket or have questions?
A: Just contact us here!
Q: How long is the ride?
A: The Tram takes 5 minutes each way. You get off on top and stay as long as you like... the average visit to the top is around an hour.
Q: What hours are you open?
A: 9am to 7pm every day (last ride up is at 6pm though, last ride down is at 7pm).
Q: When are the first and last Trams?
A: The first Tram departs at 9am and the last 7pm (the last entry window is 5-6pm).
Q: What is up at the top?
A: We have an amazing viewing platform, the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, a gift shop, bathrooms, picnic areas, and some light hiking. As well as chipmunks to feed and... breathtaking views!
Q: Can you hike to the top of prospect mountain?
A: Yep, it's about a 15-20 minute hike from the upper tram station to the summit of prospect mountain, on pretty easy terrain.
Q: Do you serve alcohol?
A: We currently do not sell alcohol and do not allow anyone to bring their own.
Q: How many can ride at a time?
A: The Tram holds 8 to 10 adults.
Q: Can I reserve a private Tram ride just for my group?
A: Yes, you can purchase an entire Tram for your use for the discounted price of 8 adult tickets. Fill your private Tram with as many or few people as you want, with a maximum number of 10 riders. Available to purchase on our home page.
Q: What days are you open?
A: Every day from the last Saturday in May until the first Sunday after Labor Day. If weather holds, we will explore staying open later. Sign up for Tram email updates for the latest.
Q: Are my tickets refundable?
A: Yes, fully refundable until the day of your reservation, at which point they are not.
Q: What if there's inclement weather?
A: Please dress accordingly! If there is adverse weather, we may alter the operation schedule. Of course, if we have to close temporarily, then you would get a full refund or we will help you book another time.
Q: Are mountain bikes permitted?
A: At this time no mountain bikes are permitted.
Q: Is smoking permitted on the Tram or at the summit?
A: We do not allow smoking anywhere.
Q: What facilities does the Tram offer for visitors of all abilities?
A: Accessibility is important to us and we are always working to improve access. At reopening, we will have ADA accessible bathrooms at the lower terminal, along with an ADA ramp to ride the Tram.
Q: Is seating available on the Tram?
A: No, it is a standing only experience.
Q: Are pets allowed on the Tram?
A: Sorry, we currently only allow service animals to ride as Colorado state regulations prohibit non-service and/or emotional support animals from entering the Tram property.
Q: Is the Tram safe?
A: Yes! It has been running since 1955 with no major incidents. We inspect different parts of the system weekly, have the whole system inspected by experts prior to opening each year and are certified by the State of Colorado annually. In addition, we train all staff on how to handle emergencies and run training exercises with them prior to the Tram opening.
Q: How do I get to you / in touch with you?
A: Just contact us here!