Cactus to Clouds Hike
| In This Guide |
|
| Total Distance (?) | 21 miles (33.8 km) |
| Hike Time | 13 - 16 Hours (Total) |
| Difficulty (?) | Very Hard |
| Total Ascent (?) | 10,800 feet (3292m) |
| Highest Elevation | 10,833 feet (3302m) |
| Fees & Permits | Tram Fee & Free Permit |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
| Alerts & Closures (?) | Mount San Jacinto State Park |
| Park Phone | 951-659-2607 |
| Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
| Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
| Follow HikingGuy | Monthly Newsletter YouTube More Options |
The Cactus to Clouds hike is epic. It was rated one of the hardest day hikes in the world by Backpack Magazine. You start in downtown Palm Springs and climb over 10,000 feet to the summit of Mt San Jacinto, with a large stretch on the treacherous Skyline Trail. The Cactus to Clouds hike should only be attempted by the very experienced and very fit hiker, and only under the right conditions. This guide gives you all the info you need to do this incredible hike safely.
People die on this hike. Please make sure you’ve fully prepared for this hike and are doing it under the right conditions.
When to Hike Cactus to Clouds
The Cactus to Clouds hike is popular, especially with Southern California hikers, but it isn’t a hike you just show up and do. It’s a hike that you need to prepare for, and then you do it only when the conditions are right.
Because there are extremes at both ends of the weather spectrum (alpine and desert climates), timing your Cactus to Clouds hike is a bit of an art. Use the list below as a rough guide. Always check the local conditions before making any decisions. You’ll want to check the weather for Palm Springs (the start of the hike) and San Jacinto Peak (the end of the hike).
- October – Generally this is your best bet. The desert is cool enough to survive in, and there’s probably no snow on the summit. Late September and early November can be favorable too.
- November to April – Doing Cactus to Clouds in the winter should only be done if are very experienced in winter / ice hiking. After the first snow, the melt/freeze cycle will coat much of the trail in ice. This comes into play when ascending the Traverse, where the gradient can go up to 50%. You will need ice axes and crampons / micro-spikes. Winter temperatures on the summit can be -10F. Conditions start getting better in March and April.
- May – Another good window, similar to October. Usually the snows have melted and temperatures are still cool. Even if the summit looks clear of snow, there may still be snow and ice on the shady portions of the hike.
- June to September – The majority of rescues and deaths happen in the summer, when the high’s can be around 110-120F. The park rangers strongly recommend NOT doing your hike during this time.
If you want to check if there’s snow on your hike, read this guide.
The best (and maybe the only) way to do Cactus to Clouds is to start before dawn. For example, on this trip report, I started at 1am. The idea is that you hike the desert in the cooler nighttime hours, and get to a high (and cool) enough altitude by the time the sun rises. Look at the weather reports and calculate roughly 5F drop in temperature per 1000 feet climbed. Do the math to figure out a rough start time.
To determine the best time to leave, look at an hourly weather forecast for Palm Springs and the summit. Figure out your slowest pace, and estimate where you’ll be at each hour and temperature. Treat it as a rough guide, knowing things can change and you may need to change your plans.
One last note on timing. Keep an eye on the Palm Springs daily high and low temperatures. Even if you leave in October, the temperatures can be higher than normal, in which case you should consider another day. Look at the hourly forecast and estimate where you’ll be at every hour.
Training for Cactus to Clouds
The Cactus to Clouds hike is steep and long, there’s no getting around it. You need to get used to climbing for 10-13 hours straight. I would recommend these hikes as preparation for hiking Cactus to Clouds.
Gear For the Hike
To start, bring extra water. There are no water sources on the hike before Long Valley. I brought 6 liters of water (3 liters in my daypack, and then 2×1.5 liter bottles), and that seemed to do the trick. I also refilled at the Long Valley Ranger Station just in case. Another option for water is the tram station, but it will take you off the hike. Don’t count on any water sources along the hike being available. In the summer, or during a drought, many sources are dry.
Some folks also bring a bottle of Gatorade. Sugar, electrolytes, water, it can’t hurt.
I also bring two small water bottles to leave at the rescue boxes. See the directions below for more info.
Trekking poles help on the climb, and I think they’re good in preventing a snake bite as well, since the pole will land ahead of your foot. Snakes are active at night here. Just tread carefully and you’ll be fine.
Bring lots of snacks. I tried to eat a ProBar every 1.5-2 hours. The combination of heat, effort, and altitude will generally kill your appetite, but you need to eat if you want energy. I took some energy gels too, which are easier than solid foods to get down. I made sure I popped a few gels when I got to Flat Rock, and that helped on the last 2, very tough, miles up to Long Valley. You will probably burn about 4,000-6,000 calories on this hike.
If you are doing Cactus to Clouds in a transitional month, make sure you bring layers and clothing for an alpine climate at the summit. Palm Springs can be hot and sunny, and the San Jacinto Peak can be in blizzard conditions at the same time. You need to be prepared. Even during the summer, the peak can have strong winds and cold temperatures. There might also be ice and snow on the upper portions of the Skyline Trail, so micro-spikes and trekking poles are a good move.
Another quick tip, have extra batteries for your headlamp handy in your pack. Most headlamps are LED and last a long time, but just in case they die, you don’t want to be fumbling for batteries in the pitch dark.
Lastly, have some way to signal for help. I had 2 emergency beacons and multiple GPS units. I had plenty of survival gear, including a tarp for shade and shelter, a mirror, whistle, fire starters, and some other miscellaneous gear. Prepare for the worst.
I would read this article about some tragedies that occurred on the Cactus to Clouds hike before you start. It will certainly sober you up and will put your plans into perspective. Even if you feel 100% confident that you can complete this hike, make sure you have contingency and backup plans in place.
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Garmin InReach Mini 2
I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. I use a Garmin InReach which lets me send text messages back and forth to my family to let them know that I’m okay or if my plans change when I’m out in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built-in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices also offer weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality (what’s the difference between a GPS and satellite communicator?). For a few hundred bucks they could save your life, so for me it’s a no brainer to have something like a Garmin InReach. If you use a smartphone to navigate and want a more affordable option that integrates with your phone easily, check out the ZOLEO.
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Altra Lone Peak 6
For most people, the Altra Lone Peak is a solid choice that will leave your feet feeling great at the end of any hike. The feel is cushy and light, and if it had a car equivalent, this would be a Cadillac or Mercedes Sedan. The grip is great and they’re reasonably durable for this type of trail runner, which I think is better in most conditions than a hiking boot, and here’s why. The downside of this shoe is that it won’t last as long as something like the Terraventure 3 or Moab 2 (see alternate footwear choices at the bottom of my gear page). I’ve been using mine for many miles and my feet always feel great. I have a video on the details of the Altra Lone Peak 6 here.
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Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
I’ve gone back and forth on trekking poles, but I think for most people they are a good investment. They help you dig in on the uphills, provide stability on loose downhills, act as a brace when crossing streams, and can probably poke away aggressive wildlife in a pinch. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are a good balance of light weight, durability, affordability, and ease of use. If you want something ultralight and a little more pricey, I’ve had great luck with the Black Diamond Z Poles too.
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Trail Ergo Poles: REI | Amazon
Z-Poles: REI | Amazon
Gregory Zulu 30 & Jade 28
After testing quite a few backpacks, the Gregory Zulu 30 (and Jade 28 for women) is, for most hikers, the best all-season day-pack. First off, it’s very comfortable, and the mesh “trampoline” back keeps your back dry. Its 30L capacity is enough for all the essentials and plenty of layers for winter hiking. External pockets make it easy to grab gear. It’s hard to find something wrong with the pack; if anything, it could be a bit lighter, but overall, it’s not heavy. And its price-point makes it not only affordable but generally a great value.
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Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated June 2022.
No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps keep the website ad and promotion free. There is no cost to you.
Getting to the Trailhead
Read this section carefully. Cactus to Clouds is a point to point hike, so there are some more advanced logistics involved.
The start of the hike is here: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, USA.
The trailhead is within walking distance to many downtown Palm Springs hotels. If you want to stay for the weekend, you can walk from your hotel to the trail, do the hike, and then head back to your hotel for a warm (or cold) shower.
When you park, do not park in the Art Museum parking lot, or in the covered lot across the street, which has a 4 hour maximum time limit. Park on the street next to the garage and lot, which is free.
The Cactus to Clouds hike doesn’t finish at the starting trailhead. After the hike climbs to San Jacinto Peak, it then heads back down to the Palm Springs Arial Tramway station (see the below for details). The station has food and drinks, including booze. If you’re in the mood, it’s a nice place for a post-hike celebration.
Once there, you can buy a one-way tram ticket back down the mountain in the gift shop at the tram station. They take credit cards and cash.
Check the tram website to see when the last tram down leaves. Also, the tram occasionally closes for maintenance. It’s very, very, very, very important to check the tram site. Avoid a forced C2C2C or an overnight on the station floor.
At the bottom of the tram ride it’s an inexpensive Uber ride back to the Palm Springs Art Museum. There is no cell reception at the tram station, but they do have free wifi to connect and call a car (inside only). You can also ask the guest services desk at the tram station to call you a taxi.
Cactus to Clouds Trail Maps
This guide covers the most popular routing on Cactus to Clouds, using the Museum and Skyline trails. There are other routes, like the North Lykken Trail. Leave the tougher, more obscure trails for the next time.
The Skyline Trail (the portion of the hike until you get to Long Valley) is not an officially sanctioned trail by any park service. It is recognized as a cross-country route by authorities and public access is allowed. According to the official topographic map, the lower parts of the hike are on the Aqua Caliente Indian Reservation. The Skyline Trail is entirely maintained by local hikers.
The history of the Skyline Trail is murky. Some say it was a Cahuilla Indian trail, others say it was started by the CCC in the 1930s and abandoned. The modern day Cactus to Clouds hike started in 1991 when members of the Coachella Valley Hiking Club revived the trail and started leading hikes there.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
If you try to download the GPX file and your browser adds a “.txt” or “.xml” extension to it, simply rename it as a “.gpx” file.
How Are You Going to Navigate This Hike?
Here’s what I use. If you are a hardcore hiker and/or hike in extreme conditions, I recommend getting a dedicated GPS like a GPSMAP 66sr or 66i, or a wrist-based GPS with maps like the Garmin Fenix 7 or Epix. If you only hike in fair weather and a touchscreen is fine, or just want a solid tool, I highly recommend downloading the smartphone app, Gaia GPS. It’s a piece of cake to use and very powerful, just make sure your phone is in airplane mode so the battery doesn’t drain. You can also check for wildfires, weather, snow, and choose from dozens of map types with a premium membership (HikingGuy readers get a big discount here). Note that I also carry a paper map with me in case the phone dies or gets smashed.
To access this guide when out of cell phone range on the trail, simply save the webpage on your phone ( iPhone – Android ).
Breakdown of Cactus to Clouds Sections
It helps to mentally break the hike into sections and tackle one at a time. Here’s the skinny. Distances are approximate and will change depend on how many wrong turns you make (if any). I’ve seen some mileage charts online that had different (and lower) milage values. Take them with a grain as salt and use it as a rough guide.
- Palm Springs Art Museum Trailhead (470 ft)
- Picnic Tables (0.8 miles, 1,340 ft)
- Rescue Box 1 (2.6 miles, 2,340 ft)
- 4,300 ft Rocks (5.1 miles, 4,400 ft)
- Rescue Box 2 (7.4 miles, 5,400 ft)
- Flat Rock (8.4 miles, 5,900 ft)
- Start of Traverse (9.5 miles, 7,400 ft)
- Grubb’s Notch – entrance to Long Valley (10.5 miles, 8,400 feet)
- Long Valley Ranger Station (10.8 miles, 8,400 feet)
- Round Valley Campground (12.3 miles, 9,400 feet)
- Wellman Divide (13.1 miles, 9,700 feet)
- San Jacinto Peak (16 miles, 10,834 feet)
- Tram Station (21 miles, 8,400 feet)
Some folks hike all the way back down to Palm Springs, but as you can imagine, it’s extremely tough, long, and has most of the white blazes facing the other way. This is called he C2C2C. Save it for the day that the normal C2C is too easy for you.
The section between Flat Rock and Grubb’s Notch has been damaged from flash flooding in 2020 and can be hard to follow. Prepare to take extra time there to follow the trail.
The Point of No Return
Hopefully you read the article about deaths on Cactus to Clouds and fully understand that you can easily die if you make poor choices and/or have bad luck. Even if you’re planned and timed your Cactus to Clouds hike perfectly, sometimes we all have bad days.
You need to do some assessments on your condition in the first few miles. Check in with yourself at the picnic tables, and then at Rescue 1. If you’re feeling tired or have doubts, you need to turn around. I would say that in ideal conditions, after Rescue 1, you need to be 100% committed to hiking up to Long Valley. In hot conditions, I would make that call at the picnic tables. After that point you should NOT turn around and hike down through the heat. Continue up to Long Valley no matter what. A common thread in deaths and rescues is turning around (and maybe getting lost on the way down).
If you need to take water from a rescue box, do it and contact the Coachella Valley Hiking Club afterwards to let them know. There is zero room for mistakes here. Be confident in your fitness and your route before you start.
Getting lost or too tired to continue can mean death. This is real.
Skyline Trail Navigation Tips
The first part of Cactus to Clouds is on the Skyline Trail, normally hiked in the dark, can be challenging to follow. Hiking with a headlamp puts your focus right in front of you. The peripheral vision that you use to recognize a twist or turn on the trail is just not there. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right trail.
- Local hikers have done a great job of blazing the trail with white dots. I’ve read that there are many “false” white dots, but I didn’t encounter any. When in doubt, head up and look for the white blaze. The white blazes fade over time, and might be lighter or stronger than you see in these pictures. Have a few GPS options to cross-check your position.
The white blazes on rocks along the trail are pretty easy to spot with a headlamp. - Looking for bootprints is a great way to figure out which trail is correct. In general, if you stick with the path that has the most bootprints, you should be in the right place.
- If the trail stars to fizzle out and grow overgrown, it’s best to head back and look for a turn or switchback that you may have missed. There are a few sections where the trail goes through shrubs, but it only occurs a few times.
Here’s an example of a bush growing over the trail. There’s not many of these. To confirm that you’re on the trail, hike through the brush and see if you still see footprints and a well worn path. If not, backtrack and find the trail. - At some point the Skyline Trail splits and comes back together later. Look at the map and know where these sections are. My GPX file generally follows the less steep option.
- Incorrect side trails are often cordoned off to help you stay on the main Skyline Trail.
Branches and rocks block off a trail shortcut. - Similarly, some sections of the Skyline Trail are marked by a line of stones.
This line of stones helps, especially at night with a headlamp. - Generally I don’t rely on digital maps, but at night they really came in handy. I had the GPX file loaded on my GPS and iPhone. Periodically I would check both to make sure I was on the trail. And if the trail fizzled out, I’d also check the GPS. Not a method I would rely on, but it was helpful.
Here I am checking my GPS against a pre-loaded GPX file. Looks like I missed the split that I wanted to take. - If you have time in the evening before your hike, I’d recommend hiking the first mile to the picnic tables and back with sunlight so you can familiar with the trail. This will make the beginning of the hike in the early morning less intimidating.
- It can help to have a punch sheet and timetable together to help keep the important details of the hike close at hand. Thanks to reader Brian C there are a couple of templates that you can use here:
- C2C-plan (Word doc)
- C2C-timetable (Excel doc)
Cactus to Clouds Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Turn by Turn Directions
Note: Apologies for the blurriness of some of these photos. The camera was on the wrong setting for the darkness. The first photos were done in twilight to make the starting directions a little easier. It’ll switch to darkness eventually.
The following images pick up from the night, If you want to see more daylight images up to the picnic benches, check out my guide to the Museum Trail.
If you are cooked at this point, there is no shame in taking the tram back down and calling it a day. You can bail out here by making the right at the next junction and heading to the tram, skipping the portion to San Jacinto Peak. If you do continue on, just remember that you still have 11 miles of hiking left to complete.
This guide last updated on April 21, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.
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