About
On your Colorado vacation, take a ride aboard a European-designed gondola at the Estes Park Aerial Tramway!
Robert Heron designed this iconic mountain ride in 1955, becoming a trailblazer in engineering. It was the first tramway in the U.S. built solely for sightseeing, offering unobstructed, bird’s-eye views of the mountains and valleys.
Heron’s passion for tramways began in World War II, where he worked on portable systems for military use. After the war, he traveled to Europe to study these systems, which inspired the unique free-span design at Estes Park Aerial Tramway. This design skips the need for support towers, making the ride smooth and the views spectacular.
Construction began in April 1955 with a $150,000 investment. The tramway features cherry-red gondola cars, each holding up to 10, plus the tram attendant. Stretching 2,630 feet and climbing 1,060 feet in elevation, the ride offers incredible views of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Continental Divide, and the Estes Valley.
Over the years, more than three million people have taken this ride, making it a beloved part of Colorado’s history.
The Heron family ran the tramway for over six decades, ensuring its safety and charm. In 2024, Gondola Ventures joined forces with the Heron family to update the tramway while preserving its historic character.
Best of all, its proximity to other attractions makes it easy to visit different sites after a ride to the summit. For instance, take a ghost tour at The Stanley Hotel or stroll the River Walk for a meal at River Walk Cafe.
Add the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to your itinerary for a one-of-a-kind experience on your Colorado getaway.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway: Fun Facts & Cool Features
A fascinating feature of this tramway is its free-span design. Not only is the ride smooth, but there aren’t any towers to block your view. You’ll marvel at seeing the Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park as you rise bird-like to the summit.
The vivid red gondola cars resemble those Heron studied in Europe. They’re large enough to comfortably carry twelve to the summit on a ride that takes a little over two minutes.
Did you know that you can rent the tramway for your special occasion or event? Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate getaway, or celebrating a milestone, Estes Park Aerial Tramway can make it an out-of-this-world experience.
The tramway exemplifies the adage, “they don’t build them like this anymore.” Heron’s meticulous engineering has ensured that the tramway would operate safely and efficiently for decades. In fact, the 1955 cables are still in use today! While maintenance and upkeep are performed yearly, Heron’s design shows no signs of slowing down.
Once at the summit of Prospect Mountain, there are short trails to hike, a picnic area, a gift shop, and the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe. Named after the abundance of the cute mammals that call the summit home, the cafe serves light snacks and meals. If you visit in the late afternoon, enjoy a cold beer or sip wine during Happy Hour at the Tram Haus.
A visit to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a must for anyone exploring Colorado. It’s the perfect mix of history, engineering, and natural beauty.
Local Tips
- It’s cooler at the summit, so bring a jacket or dress in layers.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top while taking in the views.
- There are no seats in the tram, but the ride is quick, lasting about 5 minutes.
- Consider a season pass if you plan on riding frequently.
