After 45 years, the Aerial Tramway (Tram II) is now CLOSED and RETIRED. Thanks to all who visited this season, and especially to those who attended the Tram II Retirement Party. It was a beautiful send-off and a perfect way to close out a 45-year chapter at Cannon Mountain.
An historic landmark: The first passenger aerial tramway in North America began operation on this site in 1938. Almost seven million passengers were carried to the top by the first tram. In 1980 the old tram was replaced with Tram II (the beloved, "Ketchup and "Mustard") and more than doubled the passenger capacity. The Tram provided a scenic eight minute ride in one of two enclosed cable cars to the 4,080 foot summit of Cannon Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the distant valleys and mountains. Each tram car had a maximum capacity of 80 persons and ascended 2,180 feet vertically. Walking trails to a summit observation tower leave from the tram station.
Looking towards the future: In July of 2025, Cannon Mountain announced its plan to retire and close Tram II on October 26, 2025. As we open the next chapter on Tram III, Cannon Mountain has partnered with SCJ Alliance, a nationally recognized engineering firm specializing in aerial lifts. A structural analysis of the tramway’s existing infrastructure, its terminals and towers, is expected to be completed in December of 2025. This milestone marks the start of detailed evaluation and design work.
Pictured above: Cannon Tram I in the 1950s
With a third-generation tram in the works, Cannon Mountain reminds the public that this won’t be a ‘goodbye,’ but a ‘see you later.' Once complete, Cannon will be the only mountain in North America to operate a third-generation aerial tram.
See press release for Cannon Aerial Tramway retirement
Pictured below: Cannon Tram II, known as "Ketchup and Mustard."
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