Riding the Crystal Mountain Gondola With Your Family: 2020 Updates!
Are you looking for something that’s kid friendly and dog friendly near Mt. Rainier? The Crystal Mountain Gondola is open for the summer of 2020, and you can take your whole family, including your dog!
While this isn’t a bargain outing (except for your tots and young preschoolers), it’s a super fun adventure. I know here at the SFM house since we’re pretty much staying put this summer, we have a little more wiggle room in the budget for day trips.
NEW-When you purchase your tickets you need to select a time and arrive within your chosen time period. You are strongly advised to get them online, in advance, as the number that are available during any time window is limited.
Here are some more FAQs straight from the folks at Crystal, plus my tips for first timers!
How Much Are Gondola Tickets?
Tickets vary depending on whether you want to go on a weekday or weekend, and at one time. Here are the weekend prices-the three prices listed reflect differences for morning, midday, and evening rates-your price will depend on what time your ticket is for.
Tickets are round-trip, though my family typically rides up and hikes down.
Weekend
Adult (23-69)$25$30$25Young Adult (13-22)$20$25$20Child (5-12)$16$21$16Tot (0-4)FreeFreeFreeSenior (70+)$16$21$16
Weekday prices are a big cheaper.
Adult (23-69)$25$30$25Young Adult (13-22)$20$25$20Child (5-12)$16$21$16Tot (0-4)FreeFreeFreeSenior (70+)$16$21$16
Medical workers, first responders and military serving on the front lines, can receive a 20% discount on midweek gondola tickets. Validation and tickets available online only. Learn More.
Do I Need a Mask to Ride the Gondola?
All guests are required to wear a face covering while in indoor spaces, waiting in line for the gondola, and while loading and unloading the gondola.
Through the first part of September, the gondola is open until 9PM Saturday and until 5PM Monday-Friday and Sunday. It opens at 9AM Saturday and Sunday and 10AM Monday-Friday
A few things to know before you go:
- The gondolas are fully enclosed, and the ride is smooth. I think most kids will love it! I have some heights issues, but I was fine with it, except for one moment when we were stopped as they had to assist someone at the top. They do close in case of big winds. If you have serious fears of high places you probably don’t want to ride to the top of a mountain.
- Once you get to the top, you can enjoy the views or eat a picnic. There are some tables right as you get off, or you can hike down a bit and find a spot you like. There is a restaurant at the top with some take out options, or they have a fancy dinner service one day a week (not something I’d take kids to, but I’m cheap like that). Note that mountain weather is unpredictable-there were lots of pretty views on the day we went, but the mountain was mostly hiding around a cloud bank.
- After you’ve looked around or enjoyed your lunch, you can catch a ride down, or do what we did and hike down. There is a map at the top showing several routes, and there are walking sticks to borrow at the bottom or the top. Since you’re going down hill, you don’t exert yourself much, but it is hard on your knees, and there are lots of loose stones and gravel. Even though it’s downhill, I’d probably classify this as a moderate hike. I think most school age kids would do fine, but I would not take preschoolers or younger children because of the tripping potential.
- If you’re really up for a workout, you can also hike up and get a download only ticket. Be sure to check on where to get these; I believe it’s only at Tower 16. I have done this hike, and I just about keeled over. I was nursing an infant at the time, so that’s a pretty good excuse, but this is definitely a fanny kicker, and probably not something I’d do with most kiddos. Just me, though.
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the gondola, and we did take the rescue lab. We somewhat regretted it because he was antsy the whole ride, and when we got to the top he almost launched off the mountain after a squirrel. Once we were away from the crowds, it was better.
- Remember that mountains make their own weather, so bring layers. It was sunny at home when we headed up, but rainy at the base. You will still want sunscreen, too, and even on short trips near civilization, I think it’s a good idea to bring the 10 essentials.
- You can get more information here if you’d like to take a ride on the Crystal Mountain gondola!
We did this last weekend! There is a frisbee golf course at the top of the gondola (and another at the bottom), so bring your frisbees and you can also partake in that activity. If you’ve never done it before it’s a lot of fun!
We saw the frisbee golf! It looked like a lot of work-but fun!