El Paso, Texas: Highest Aerial Tramway in the U.S. (Closed)
Over a mile high at its apex -- bird's-eye view of two U.S. states and Mexico. Closed in 2018, "no longer suited for public use."
Karl O. Wyler Memorial Aerial Tramway
- Directions:
- I-10 exit 21. Turn north onto Piedras St. After a mile turn left onto Altura Ave., then in three blocks turn right onto Alabama St. Drive north for 14 blocks, then turn left onto McKinley Ave. There is only ONE sign indicating that the Karl O. Wyler Memorial Aerial Tramway is a left on McKinley.
- Status:
- Closed
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Visitor Tips and News About Highest Aerial Tramway in the U.S.
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Says it is the highest tramway, but we just rode the Palm Springs aerial tramway on 7-4-15 and it is much higher: 8,500+ feet.
[Ellen Solbakken, 07/07/2015]Actually it's a 1 3/8" cable. Adult fee for the ride is $8.00. Tram may be shut down for high winds or lightning, but staff says they love to bring folks up when there is snow (but not ice) on Ranger Peak since it is so rare.
Somebody also needs to set a point of interest for the adjacent B-36 bomber crash site. The scattered parts of the plane were left in place and are accessible by trail from Franklin Mountains State Park.
[El Gallo Rey, 08/07/2013]Originally built to haul tower-builders up and down Mount Franklin (the coccyx of the Rockies). The aerial tramway here is the highest in the US, at 5,362 feet. You can scoot along a quarter-mile in less than four minutes, suspended perilously from a 1/8" cable. Bring your pocket change; the coin-op telescopes at the peak are excellent, and let you spy on the daily lives of folks in three states (Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua) and two countries (the US and Mexico). It has recently been re-named after Karl O. Wyler, the dear departed panjandrum of West Texas media (he was a big-shot at KTSM radio/TV, hence the tower-building connection), so look out for signs pointing toward the Karl O. Wyler Memorial Aerial Tramway.
[John H Russell, 06/03/2003]Latest Tips Across Roadside America
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