Frequently Asked Questions

It's easy, just go to estestram.com and buy your tickets. You can purchase before your visit on our website or after you arrive (or directly from a ticket attendant). If you wait to purchase as a walk up there can be wait times.

Yes, in fact you must have a reservation to ride! Reservations are for a specific entry time to our line (please don't arrive early.. we won't let you get in line until your time. Late is okay!) and you can book yours right on our front page.

Yes! You can, either purchase with a ticket attendant or on your own phone by going to estestram.com and picking the current time. If that time is sold out, you may have to pick another time to enter, so we recommend buying your tickets in advance online!

Definitely! We generally completely sell out every Fri-Sun and holidays! If you buy your ticket in advance, you can guarantee a spot! Larger groups are highly encouraged to purchase in advance to ensure we have space.

Yes! Night Owl: adults get 10% off for entry times of 4:00pm or later (until sold out). It applies whether you buy in advance or at the gate.

If you are not able to arrive by your reservation time, don't worry, we will still let you ride the tram up (as long as you arrive before the last tram up - 40 minutes before closing). You are on vacation let us take the worry away.

Yes, you can exchange(modify) your tickets for a new time or fully refund them right up to your reservation's arrival time. All refund requests after the reservation time must be made in person or emailed to [email protected] within 30 days of the reservation. We will not honor any refunds after the 30 day window. To change or refund your tickets, please just use the buttons at the bottom of your confirmation email/text.

Yes, just click the link in your email receipt and follow the instructions there. Simply select the modify reservation button on the bottom of your receipt.

You can Add Tickets to Your Order at the bottom of you receipt. If that is proving difficult you can make a separate new transaction and we will check everyone in when they arrive at our ticket agent desk. They can help you navigate and answer any questions you may have.

May 9 - September 7: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day (last tram up at 7:00 PM).
September 8 - October 11: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last tram up at 6:00 PM).
October 12 - November 1: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last tram up at 5:00 PM).

The latest arrival time you can book is 20 minutes before the last tram up.

The first tram departs for the summit at 9:00am and the last tram up departs 40 minutes before closing and the last one back down leaves ten minutes before closing.

Generally every day from mid-May through the end of Daylight Savings Time. For 2026 we're open May 9th through November 1st!

We now have arrival times to help reduce queueing. Please don't arrive before your chosen time... but it's fine if you're late. After you check in at the Ticket desk, there's a line to board the tram which is usually 10-20 minutes, except Fri-Sun and holidays, when it can get up to 30+ minutes. The lines can be longer if the tram needed to close temporarily due to extreme weather.

We recommend booking on (non-holiday) weekdays, before 10am and after 4pm for the shortest lines!

Unfortunately not. Earlier times can have less lines for example 9:00am-9:40am and anytime after 4pm. However, that is not guaranteed.

Please dress accordingly! If there is adverse weather, we may alter the operation schedule. We can have 15 + minute holds if high winds and lightening are occurring, for safety. We offer refunds or date and time modification of your reservation up until your entry time. Simply scroll to the bottom of your receipt or email [email protected]. Ticket agents are available for questions upon arrival.

Adult tickets are $39.95, kids 6-17 are $24.95, and kids 5 and under are free. Seniors (65+), Military (active and veterans), and Locals (residents of 80515, 80517, and 80540) are all $29.95. Please be prepared to show the appropriate ID for discounted tickets.

How advance purchase works: Pink days take 20% off tickets and blue days take 10% off. Check the calendar when you book to see which days are pink or blue. To get a pink or blue day price, buy any time up to midnight the night before your visit. Tickets bought on the day of the visit, online or at the gate, are full price. The Night Owl discount does not need advance purchase. "Anytime" entry tickets are 25% extra. See the full price list at estestram.com/plan.

We now have a (free) cash to debit card machine so yes, we do take cash.. although you have to go through that one extra step to use it! We accept all major credit cards, along with Apple and Google Pay.

Each ticket is good for one round trip to the top and back (departing after your entry time, returning any time before closing).

Yes, you can purchase an entire Tram for your group's exclusive use! Fill your private tram with 1-10 riders (including kids, etc..) up to 2,380 lbs. Available to purchase on our home page.. Simply select the number of people that are coming, the day and the time. You MUST select the time you would like to ride twice. Then a pop up with allow you to select the private tram option.

Yes! Buy 15 tickets in one order and you get 5 more FREE (the cheapest 5 in your order are zeroed out). Just purchase everything in one transaction at estestram.com and the discount will automatically be applied.

We can only fit 38 people in every 20 minute timeslot unfortunately... if your group is bigger than 38, we recommend breaking it into multiple groups of 15+ and pick timeslots next to each other. If you all show up at once we'll still let you get in line to go up together!

How advance purchase works: Pink days take 20% off tickets and blue days take 10% off. Check the calendar when you book to see which days are pink or blue. To get a pink or blue day price, buy any time up to midnight the night before your visit. Tickets bought on the day of the visit, online or at the gate, are full price. The Night Owl discount does not need advance purchase. Advance tickets are fully refundable right up to your reservation time, so there is no downside to booking ahead.

Yes! 2026 annual passes are valid every day we're open in 2026 (May 9th through November 1st) with no blackout dates for all ticket types (except private trams). See estestram.com/plan for details.

Simply select the "Upgrade to Annual Passes" on step 4: Make it a annual pass. purchasing your tickets!

You simply go to estestram.com. On the banner you will see My Tickets, select and simply put in your phone number associated with that account. You will be able to select your next ride from there.

Unfortunately no... the first time a annual pass is used, we'll take a picture of you. Please have the ticket update phone numbers and names of all parties so we have names to faces. Then, every future time it's used we'll check against that photo before entry!

Yes! We now offer gift cards that make the perfect gift for any occasion. Purchase gift cards here. Gift cards never expire and can be used for any ticket purchases on our website.

When purchasing tickets, click on "Apply Promotion, Gift Card, or Annual Pass?" and enter your gift card number. The gift card balance will be automatically applied to your purchase. If your purchase exceeds the gift card balance, you can pay the difference with a credit card.

We're in Estes Park, a little over an hour north of Denver, Colorado. The best address to put in your GPS is 420 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517 which takes you right to our driveway. Both Google and Apple have our lower terminal correctly in their system as well.

There sure is! Here's a Google Earth map with everything of interest at our upper and lower terminals labeled!

However, there is no paper option.

It's 7,522 ft at the Lower Terminal, 8,708 ft at the Upper Terminal, and 8,868 ft if you decide to hike the .75 miles to the West Summit!

Parking is $7.95 for up to four hours while enjoying the tram experience (all cars must be out by 6:40 PM). Our surface lot has 57 spaces including three accessible spaces. If our lot is full, there is also free parking zones a few blocks away in town.

Nope! We're outside of the national park.

The Tram takes 5 minutes each way.

You can stay as long as you want, and many people definitely stay longer, but the average visitor stays at the summit for about one hour.

The weight capacity of the tram is 2,380 lbs, which is typically 8- 10 adults (plus the tram attendant).

There's no max weight per rider, just for the total tram (2,380 lbs including the tram attendant).

There are two.. one comes down while one goes up (the weights counterbalance each other). In fact, every tram has two cars, and they come to a full stop in the stations.

No, there is one small chair if needed. We are wheelchair and walker friendly.

The tram is enclosed with 3 windows, which are usually left open (unless it's raining or rather cold).

Yes! It has been running since 1955. We inspect different parts of the system daily, 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.

Nope, the tram is it!

Yep, we have ADA-accessible bathrooms at both the lower and upper terminals!

We have an amazing viewing platform, the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, the Rocky Mountain View Gift Shop, bathrooms, picnic areas, and some light hiking. As well as chipmunks to feed and... breathtaking views!

Chipmunks are wild animals and have different patterns determined by many factors. We have seen quite a few this season. However, rain, high heat and time change can affect these factors.

Yes, and we have a number of outdoor picnic tables available at the top, as well as some indoor seating at the cafe. Please just don't bring super bulky items or coolers because the tram space is very limited! No outside alcohol is allowed on property.

Yep, try out our Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, with a new selection of delicious breakfast and lunch options, from paninis to salads to breakfast burritos. We also have a fun robotic cotton candy machine for those who partake. 😜

Coffee, smoothies, tea, sandwiches, smoothies, snacks, kids stuff, and more... maybe just check out the full menu? (PDF)

On weekend afternoons, we have Happy Hour in the Tram Haus, with beer, wine and our full cafe menu available. Throughout the season, you can also reserve the entire Tram Haus for private events. For more event information go to the Events tab under Plan Your Visit.

You cannot hike from Estes Park to the highest point of Prospect Mountain as it is private property. However, you can hike to the West Summit, which is stlil pretty great. It's about a 15-20 minute (.75 mile) hike from the upper tram station, on pretty easy terrain. You will need the tram to start your journey. Hiking from the bottom up is not available.

We currently DO sell alcohol (wine and beer) at the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe and the Tram Haus... stop by and have a pint / glass!

Yep, we have free, open, high speed wi-fi at both the top and bottom terminals, and there's great cell coverage for all major providers everywhere as well (due to the cell towers at the top of the mountain)!

Accessibility is important to us and we are always working to improve access. We have ADA accessible bathrooms at the lower terminal, along with an ADA ramp to ride the Tram. The tram itself can also accommodate wheelchairs (including the large electric ones). There is accessible parking and it is only about 60 feet of a flat paved path from the parking to the tram. At the top you are dropped off right at the elevated viewing platform, and you're about 300 ft of flat walking to The Hungry Chipmunk Cafe.

Nope, no need, just show up!

Yes, our parking area can accommodate RV parking in the back of the lot (in the dirt area).

Yes, everything is walker/wheelchair accessible.

Normally no, but if you have difficulty standing we can mark your space in line and you may sit until it's your turn to ride. We have a small bench along the way.

Yes! And if you give birth on the tram we'll even give the baby a free annual pass for life! However, if you feel any distress at all please tell a staff member right away. 1,000+ ft down can make quite the difference if needed.

Yes! We offer events for under 50 people in our newly remodeled "Tram Haus" area. We provide a dedicated staff member and optionally catering (alcohol is allowed). Events may be up to 3 hours... please email us at [email protected] if you're interested in learning more!

Please contact us for more information.

We do not allow the use of drones of any kind near the Tram or Tram Property, including Prospect Mountain.

Yes, and they're free! Just keep them secure!

At this time no mountain bikes are permitted.

Of course, including jogging strollers! But if it's a busy time, we ask that you fold them up inside the Tram.

We do not allow smoking anywhere. Vaping in public areas is also prohibited.

We do not recommend guests visit if they have peanut or severe nut allergies as there are lots of peanuts and peanut shells outside on the ground at the top of the mountain, as well as in the Cafe / Gift Shop building. Depending how mild your allergies are, you may be fine at the summit if you stay outside... it's wide open up there and lots of fresh air obviously. However, please use your own judgement. Please alert staff if there is a current reaction or if you have any questions.

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.

Absolutely! We do allow service animals to accompany their owners on the tram and around the property.

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.

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!

We're open every day during the season! The 2026 season runs May 9th through November 1st.

We have partnered on a new and improved Hungry Chipmunk Cafe with great new sandwiches, salads, and treats. We also got our liquor license and now sell beer and wine there as well! We have also put in a super fun robotic cotton candy machine that makes tasty cotton candy in awesome shapes. We also have a new picnic area and tables. As it is our 70th anniversary, we have awesome new merchandise and events throughout the year.

We also trimmed back the trees blocking the fantastic view from the cafe. It's amazing... and amazing it was never done the last 70 years!

Work still in progress is blazing a new (well-labeled) hiking trail to the West Summit, as well as adding seating and shade to the upper tram terminal ride line area. Over the next year we also plan on adding a small museum at the summit, as well as a roof deck to the roundhouse and seating in a natural amphitheater!

We also plan on modernizing and increasing the capacity of the tram cabins themselves, but don't worry, we are preserving their iconic shape and red color... symbols of our 71-year-old tramway!

We refurbished and repainted the upper and lower terminal areas, redid the whole parking lot at the bottom, improved fencing and railings, added new ADA ramps, made this snazzy new website and ticketing system, opened the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, added new picnic tables, and more!

Just contact us here!

Just contact us here!