Wyler Aerial Tramway

1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930, USA

Address:	1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930, USA
Phone:	+1 915-566-6622
Site:	tpwd.texas.gov
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed Closed Closed Closed 12–7PM 12–7PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Leila Rahil

I didnt even know El Paso had a tram when I was driving from Tucson back home to Austin and needed a road break and discovered this on the TX State Parks website. The scenery is overlooking the urban sprawl below, but I was actually disappointed in the tram ride up and the views once I got up there. I mean, I know this isnt the Rockies or Alps, but it just wasnt that impressive for the ridiculously long wait times (each of the two gondolas can only take up to 6 people, though most times it was less and they are supposed to run every 5mins or so, but there were sometimes 10-12min gaps between loads). Over 30mins for a 3min ride? The tram ride was fine, but there isnt a lot to see on the way up. Maybe I wouldnt have minded the wait f there was more than just a few walkways and a perilous "Ranger Loop Trail" at the top. "The best view in the Southwest?" Yeah, I dont think so...they must have meant the Southwest corner of El Paso, cuz there are better views from Mt Bonnell in Austin and definitely better views in several other places throughout the state of TX and the Southwest. I was wanting to do the Geocaches here, but OMG, where they put them here was a little too "adventurous" for my taste. I did the Directissimo Trail because the line was stupid long and I thought killing 30mins on a trail was a better use of my time. But this trail was crazy! It makes you hike halfway up the mountain and I dont think the geocache was even there because after getting up to the bench where my geocache app said I was within 4ft of the damn thing it was nowhere to be found and I looked for a solid 15mins! The trail going up was bad, but going down was worse. Its a narrow trail w/things that can stab you jutting in on the trail itself, so you really have to watch your footing. But the hike down gets "fun" with all the loose rocks and tall quasi-rock steps. Did not enjoy it at all and to have done all that to come back w/out my geocache punch made it even less enjoyable. When I talked to the ranger at the box office they were just like "oh the girl who put it there said it was there last month" but had no idea if it was at "bench 1 or 2" wtf? Seriously? Then the Geocache at the top of the tram was supposedly next to this brick chalet, but when you see where the chalet is compared to where you are...it is a trek! I attempted the Ranger Loop Trail, but it was more perilous than the Directissimo as there are some pretty steep drops where you need to be super athletic and have longer legs than I did if you are going to make it down and back, so I came back after the 3rd set of chain ropes. Needless to say, it was not worth the $8 ticket price nor the time. I think if I came back Id check out the actual Franklin Mtn State Park and seem if it can redeem this experience. Also, it was annoying with all the crying kids in line and moaning and groaning adults about it being cold. Cmon people...you are going up a mountain in December...figure it out or shut up. Great revenue for the gift shop at the top though, I saw several people in the line to come back down (only a 20min wait...huzzah?) that were jacket-less on the way up w/newly acquired sweatshirts.

Crysti Couture

The Wyler Aerial Tramway is the only tramway in Texas and its REALLY special because from the top, you can see Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, El Paso, TX, and portions of New Mexico. The ride ticket is very reasonable and the way up is fairly short. If you feel like exploring the outdoors, theres also a walking trail you can take to the top, then ride the tram down. The cabins are sturdy and modern, not rickety at all. Once at the top, you can walk around the platform and really enjoy the view. I highly suggest that you double check the operating hours and also call before you go, so that you can ensure that the tram is open.

German Escobedo

I cant believe Ive lived for 35 years in El Paso without going up to Ranger Peak. Youll get a 360 degree view of beautiful EL Paso. If youre lucky, Youll spot the wildlife on the area. I was lucky enough to spot a deer taking a break next to a big rock when I was going up. There is also a Red Tail Hawk nest up there on one of the canyon walls. The Park Rangers are very courteous & friendly. Couple of suggestions: - Please extend your hours of operation. - A restaurant would be better than the giftshop. - This place needs to be advertised more

John Campos

A lifelong favorite for a family excursion on a beautiful day, this fun and historical outing takes your breath away by following a lovely little trip through a secluded hillside with a roomy, panoramic suspended gondola ride up the mountainside to the radio towers above, complete with gift shop, plenty of walking platforms and benches, and of course, the majestic yet tranquil scenes of three states and two nations from over a mile up. As a native El Pasoan, Im always happy to visit this gem of an attraction at our mountain state park.

Christopher Ramirez

A must for native El Pasoans or those new to the area. Gives great views of nearly the entire city, Mexico, and New Mexico without the need for hiking (unless you want to). Theres plenty of space on the viewing platform; I never had to fight for viewing space. Unfortunately, the gondolas lack any kind of air conditioning, so expect the four-minute ride to be stuffy. Theres no running water at the top either (but there is a bathroom) so bring plenty of bottled water unless you want to purchase some at the gift shop.

Scott Humphrey

Amazeing attraction right in the heart of El Paso. But its only open friday saturday and sunday. other days the tram is used by maintenance workers to service the tall radio towers atop the Hill. Read up on the geology of the area before taking the tram. On your way up you will cross-over a 500,000,000 year-old non conformity geologically speaking. There are several good blogs about geologic trips up the tramway.

Matt Scaggs

Park very beautiful! Great experience for a family. Only down fall is ticket booth lady over charged and when i confronted her about it she bold faced lied. Was charged for 2 adults when it should of been 2 children. Lady stated 12 up was adult when there tickets say 4-12 are children. And when she was told about it she smugly stated oh ill change that right now. Tickets even say 13 and up are adult

Ewan Grantham

Even when the tram isnt running due to wind or weather, this is a great overlook for El Paso. Some of the trails to the peak start or go through here, so recommended for any type of outdoor adventure. The tram ride itself is kind of short (particularly compared to the one in Albuquerque), but since you have a ranger accompanying you is reasonably worth the price. If youre in El Paso, a recommended stop.

Pavid murtz

I hiked it today. tram was closed since its February. Awesome, view. I hiked to the top of the mountain saw Mexico. An intense hike. Im not a hiker so I had some difficulty going down the hill. I kept thinking theyd see me on the 8 0 clock news, but their was an old cellphone and I think the remainder of a bomber plane at the top. For me it was a challenge.