Skip to main content

Scenic aerial tramway in Texas closed after 60 years due to lack of funding

Wyler Aerial Tramway located at Franklin Mountains State Park near El Paso

Courtesy: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

El Paso, Texas – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials say the Wyler Aerial Tramway has "surpassed its life expectancy and is no longer suited for public use."

After nearly six decades in operation, the tram at Franklin Mountains State Park near El Paso has been shut down.

Recommended Videos



The tram features two cable cars that travel over a mountain. From the summit of Ranger Peak, riders can see two countries and three states. 

TPWD says the tram passed its annual inspections, but it was closed "out of an abundance of caution" while the department considers its options.

The Wyler Aerial Tramway was originally designed to allow crews to access television transmission towers for maintenance. It was donated to TPWD in 1997.

TPWD officials say it would cost millions of dollars to replace the tram and the department does not have the financial resources. 

TPWD says about 45,000 people a year rode the tram.