Cactus to Clouds - Hiking Guide
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Step-by-step photos, elevation chart, and GPS guide to get you safely along your way!

Posted by David on April 14, 2020
(Updated May 4th, 2021)


Mount Sant Jacinto - Palm Springs Wind Turbines in the Foreground


NOTE
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has reopened!

As of October 7th 2020, you now have the opportunity to tackle the cactus-to-clouds hike. In order to keep everyone safe, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has new COVID-19 safety procedures. Reservations should be made in advance to purchase tickets for the tramway.

Table of Contents

Overview:

Cactus to Clouds is a legendary hike. Ranked as the 5th most difficult hike in all of Amercia, this is a climb for your record book. Only the toughest-of-the-tough even attempt to summit this trail, and fewer even are successful.

You start at sea-level in downtown Palm Springs, CA, and climb over 10,000 feet up the side of Mount San Jacinto. You share pathway with the Skyline Trail majority of the way up, and have opportunity to snapshot the sunrise as you traverse along your half-a-day's journey to the summit.

Our comprehensive hiking guide and video gives you every piece of info you need to make your climb up safe.

WARNING
People die on this trail!

You must be emotionally and physically tough to attempt this climb. You must have experience climbing other difficult hikes (Mount Baldy is a nearby opportunity), and you must know your limits. There is no bailout once you're out on the trail.

Kopa Tours Photography


Video Guide:

3D Walkthrough of the Skyline Trail:

Quick Facts:

Hike Distance22 miles
Elevation Gain10,400 feet
Duration12 - 16 hours
Extra Considerations
  • EXTREME HEAT in the summertime (120°)
  • One-Way trail, 80% uphill
  • Start the climb at night (12AM-4AM recommended)
  • Take a sky-tram back down to sea-level
  • Minimal access to water, pack all you need
Hike DifficultyEXTREMELY DIFFICULT. Only attempt if you are physically prepared, and are climbing under the right conditions!

Elevation Chart:

Upon arriving at mile marker 12, you've completed the "Skyline Trail." Congrats! You have a chance here to end your hike early, and take the tram down back to Palm Springs.

If you want to go for the whole enchilada, then you've got another 4 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain to the San Jacinto summit.

When to Climb:

Cactus to Clouds requires pre-planning - this is not a hike you can spontaneously do. Conditions need to be just right, if you are to stay safe and for your hike to be successful.

There is no water access along the Skyline Trail portion of the hike.


Pick the proper time of day:

The only proper way to climb this hike is to start before dawn (anywhere between 12AM - 6AM, depending on your pace. I started at 2AM.). You need to avoid being in direct heat and sunlight for an extended period of time. Starting the hike during nightfall, you take advantage of the cooler temperatures, and then by sunrise, you'll (hopefully) be at high enough elevation that you avoid the worst of the desert heat.

Every 1,000 feet of elevation gain is about a 5° F drop in temperature. A good goal is to get to Rescue Box 2 by before full sunlight; that's about a -25° drop in temp, good enough to avoid you baking!

Pack accordingly - dress in layers:

Through it all, air temperature will drop about 50° F! You travel through multiple different climate zones in one day. It is required that you pack multiple layers of clothing, as will as bring the proper gear for whichever season you climb in (take special note of the recommended gear list if you're climbing in winter conditions).

Choose the right season:

Temperatures are fairly cool, and most of the snow has melted.

Pockets of snow can still remain in shaded areas near the top, even if you can't see snow from your vantage at sea level.

Pack your micro spikes and poles regardless.

It is not uncommon for temperatures to be between 110° - 120° in the summer months. Park rangers strongly discourage climbing at this time.

It is easy to fool yourself that it will be "okay" to attempt regardless, as the temperature when you start climbing at night is 80°. But once late morning hits, temperatures climb to over 100° and you are stranded in the middle of nowhere; there is no recourse.

Almost all of the Cactus to Clouds deaths occur in these summer months.

Temperatures are fairly cool, about the same as May.

Daylight Hours for Cactus to Clouds Trail



You get two hours less of daylight in October versus May, but the upside is that snow will be minimal.

Late September and early November are also great candidates, just be sure to check for snow conditions on the official parks website.

Do not attempt to climb during this season, unless you are an experienced winter hiker.

Ice axes and micro-spikes are a must; the trail is coated in ice, and the slope gradient can get up to 50%.

Winter temperatures on the summit of Mount San Jacinto can get down to -10° Fahrenheit.

Final checkup:

In the day/s before your hike, be sure to check Palm Springs' daily high and low temperatures. Even if you leave in an ideal month like May or October, the temperatures can be higher than normal, in which case you should consider an earlier departure time, or more severe, another day altogether. Look at the hourly forecast and estimate where you will be at every hour.

Getting to the Trailhead:

The trailhead starts at the Palm Springs Art Museum, in downtown Palm Springs, CA.

Turn right on Museum Way to get to the trailhead



As mentioned in the above When to Climb section, you need to begin the hike in the middle of the night. While you can drive into Palm Springs the evening of, I recommend you instead stay at a nearby hotel or AirBnB (hotel rates can get pricey, especially around spring break time). It will be nice to head back to your hotel room immediately after your hike. There you can clean yourself up with a nice hot shower, have a bite to eat, and then take a nap :)

After the Hike:

The start and end of the C2C trail are 6.7 miles apart.



The trail ends at a different location than where you started; the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. When you finish your hike, there are a couple of options to choose from:

  • Have a buddy pick you up after your hike
  • Call an Uber or Lyft pickup
  • Walk back to your car and/or hotel (warning: it is 5-6 miles!)

T-Mobile had cell service at the base tram station, but not all carriers will. You can use the free Wi-Fi inside, OR call ahead of time at the top tram station (8,500 ft) where cell service is more likely to exist.

Step-by-Step photos:

Cactus to Clouds - Trailhead


  • Begin your hike at the "Museum Trailhead" (AKA the Skyline Trail, AKA Cactus to Clouds).
    • Google Maps reference
    • It is located just behind the Palm Springs Art Museum.
    • Walking towards the museum, head towards the back right.

Cactus to Clouds - Trailhead Sign


  • If you drove yourself to the trailhead, you can parallel park along Museum Drive.
    • Do not be tempted to park in the parking lot, you will get a ticket!
    • There is usually street parking available. If not, attempt to find street parking in the neighborhood to the south.

Kopa Tours Photography


  • Do not attempt the climb if you are pregnant.
  • Do drop your friend/family member off at the trailhead so they do not have to walk xD

Private Property - no trespassing


  • Lots of the surrounding land is private property (esp. near the bottom).

Prepare for lots of switchbacks


  • There is quick elevation gain at the beginning of the hike to get off the desert floor.
  • The trail is well marked near the beginning with "border rocks".
  • Prepare for lots of switchbacks.

Looking back on the Palm Springs Museum Parking Lot


  • After a few switchbacks up, wave back at the city.
  • Just beyond this photo point, you will crossing through & over a wider trail.

Spiders on the trail


  • There a lots of desert spiders along the trail.
    • They are a lot more obvious at night when you have a headlamp beaming down

White Graffiti Tags light your way


  • White Graffiti Tags are present every step of the way, to help you stay the course.
    • Every (potential) split in the trail, look for the white tag.
    • Trail Volunteers do an awesome job of keeping these tags fresh.

Skyline Trail signage


  • About 0.33 miles up from the trailhead, you'll pass this trail signage. Head straight.

Arrows help further clarify directions


  • For parts of the trail where there are multiple branches, arrows like these have been tagged to help clear up where to go.

Cactus to Clouds trail markers


  • Somewhere before the picnic tables, you'll come across this 'X' and arrow.
    • Follow the arrow!

Picnic Tables


  • You'll arrive at a set of 5 picnic tables 0.8 miles in.
    • These tables mark the end of the "Museum Trail" - onward is the "Skyline Trail."
      • Hang a hard left upon seeing the tables.
      • It is tempting to go straight (I did accidentally), but you'll quickly note absence of the graffiti tags, and can turn around if you get lost.

End of the Museum Trail, Palm Springs


  • There are a lot of breakaway trails here at the picnic site.
    • Continue to the West, on the most-used trail to progress onward.

Rock Cairn at 0.9 miles


  • 0.1 miles further along the trail you'll come up on a rock cairn & sign.
    • Take a right at this fork in the trail.

8 miles to Long Valley

  • The trail is a bit windy near this rock. Follow closely the white graffiti tags.

No water access along the trail


  • Consider this rock the point of no return.
    • If you're not feeling 100%, this is your last chance to turn around and head safely back to Palm Springs.
      • (This is a great photo op to show how tough you are on the 'gram!)

Skyline Ridge:

Skyline Ridge - Warning Sign


  • At 1.8 miles in, you'll come up on the Skyline Ridge sign.
    • This sign is a recent addition - be serious about your safety!
      • Access is difficult for rescue crew; if you're not feeling capable, do not risk it.

Rock barriers mark off the trail


  • Volunteers mark off the trail with rock barriers.
    • Stay within the rock guardrails to avoid getting lost.

Rescue Box 1:

Rescue Box 1 - Cactus to Clouds


  • You reach Rescue Box 1 after 2.6 miles of travel.
    • Box supplies are there for emergency need.
    • If you have extra, non-perishable food or an extra water bottle, feel free to restock.

Cactus to Clouds - Early Morning


  • I don't often wake up this early; I took advantage of the photo opportunities when I stopped for water & snacks.

Log Demarcation


  • A hint from hiking volunteers to hang a left.

Straily's Sunrise Selfie


  • Feeling good at sunrise! I hiked this in February, so the temperatures were cool all the way up to the summit.

4 mile marker


  • 4 miles in you'll come up to this spray-painted rock.
    • Take time to eat snacks, to keep your energy level high.
      • Pack out your trash
      • If you see others' litter, be a Good Samaritan & take it with you to keep the trails clean.

4,300 ft elevation


  • 5.1 miles in you'll come up on this rock art.
    • You've already tackled ~3,800 feet of elevation gain
      • This is about the same amount as the Mount Baldy hike, another popular Southern California hike.
      • Give yourself a pat on the back, and continue onward!

5 Miles back to Palm Springs


  • A sign pointing to back where you came.
  • Keep pushing onward towards Long Valley.

Stay hydrated as you climb


  • Unless you are super speedy, the sun will be up before you reach Rescue Box 2.
  • Stay hydrated as you climb; the heat saps a lot of energy from you (especially in the hotter months of the year).

Rescue Box 2 - Cactus to Clouds


  • 7.4 miles in, you reach Rescue Box 2.
  • Same as with Rescue Box 1 - If you have extra, non-perishable food or an extra water bottle, help out and restock.
    • Palm Springs Mounted Police, Search & Rescue thank you!

5,500 feet above sea-level


  • There is a mile to go until you reach the Dry Falls.
  • Having climbed over 5,000 feet of elevation gain, the views back on Palm Springs get ever more expansive.

Red Velvet Ant on the trail


  • Look out below; there Red Velvet Ants along the trail.
  • They have furry red bodies, and a sting from them releases a mild toxin.

Light levels of snow in February, at 6,000 ft


  • This photo was from my climb in February - notice that there are many pockets of snow even at 6,000 feet.

Dry Falls:

Dry Falls / Flat Rock


  • At 8.5 miles, you'll come up on this dried up waterfall site.
  • Continue onwards to the back right; you'll step past a rather large boulder on your left-hand-side.
    • Just after this, you begin the steepest part of the trail (2,500 feet of gain, in 2 miles).

Signs all the way up the mountain


  • There are signs to help give you confidence that you are heading the right way.
  • I didn't have any trouble following the (well trodden) trail at this elevation.
    • Recent growth on the trail helps hide old (invalid) trails, and protect the surrounding nature.

Take breaks when you need them


  • In the upper alpine, there are lots of large boulders like these that you can take a sit break on.
    • The going is really tough on the Traverse!
      • Especially considering all you have already done.

Palm Springs Tram Line


  • Looking up and to the right, you will get a glimpse of the cable lines of the Palm Springs Tram.

Bobcat footprints


  • One neat perk of climbing in winter conditions: you can see all the Mountain Lion footprints in the snow.

Snowy trail in February


  • There is one shared trail all of us hikers use.
    • It is often coated in ice and can be quite slippery!
      • Micro spikes are a must for safety.

Park Boundary Line for Mount San Jacinto


  • You'll see signs marking the border of Mount San Jacinto State Park.
    • You're very close to completing the Traverse!

Grubb's Notch


  • You've made it up the Traverse!
    • I guarantee you'll have a smile on your face when you come to this crest at Grubb's Notch.
    • Continue onwards and to the right towards the Desert View Trail.

Gaiters and Micro Spikes


  • I kept my micro spikes on throughout the Traverse, even when there were patches of dirt. It was too much work to flip them on and off on repeat.
    • However, the next stretch of trail in the State Park had minimal snow, so I took them off to preserve my spike sharpness.

Map Overview of Skyline / C2C Split


  • You came up from Grubb's Notch.
    • At the labeled fork in the road:
    • Hang a RIGHT to go to the tram (and complete the "Skyline Trail")
      • Hang a LEFT to continue on to the San Jacinto summit. 5.5 miles to go.

Long Valley Ranger Station:

Long Valley Ranger Station


  • You need to stop at the Long Valley Ranger Station to get a wilderness permit. It's free to fill out, and there only needs to be 1 permit for your party if traveling as a group.
    • The ranger will give you a safety speech, as well as let you know about any trail conditions (snow, high winds, mountain lions, etc...)

Fill out a Wilderness Permit


  • The permits serve two roles.
    • 1 - to ensure your safety. If you don't get back down in time before the tramway closes, you will have to spend the night in one of the bathroom stalls.
    • 2 - to track wilderness usage. It's interesting to know how many people visit the peak, as it helps inform funding for the California state park.

Willow Creek Fork


  • Head past the ranger station, and hang a right. Soon you'll come up on a fork between the summit & willow creek; head right.

Beware the Mountain Lion


  • There are mountain lions in the Mount Jacinto state park, but they are not often seen.

Outhouses


  • Before you come up on Round Valley campground, you will pass this pair of outhouses affectionately named as "the twins." This is a good place to stop for a bathroom break before you head up to the summit.

Round Valley campground


  • 2.1 miles after leaving the Long Valley rangers station, you come up on the Round Valley campground.
    • Hang a left at the sign. 3.7 miles and 1,700 feet of elevation to go.

Snow on the trail


  • Depending on the time of year, there may be a lot of snow between Round Valley and the summit.
    • It can be difficult to stay on the trail for the next 1 mile. Before you hang a right at Wellman Divide, use your GPS tracking device & map overlay to make sure you do not get lost.

Near the San Jacinto peak


  • Follow a set of switchbacks along the ridgeline. You'll see the valley & tram off in the distance to the right. Near the top, you will see signage hinting you are near the summit.

Stone Hut near the Summit


  • Just before the summit of the mountain is an old stone hut. Continue past it, to the left, and make the final scramble up to the peak.

Summit:

San Jacinto's summit


  • The peak! It isn't much as a landmark (more a pile of rocks), but boy does it feel great getting to the top.

View from where you came


  • Looking back from where you came, the view is impressive. Even more so, in that the scene doesn't capture the initial 8,000 feet you climbed to get to the tram.

Nearly 11,000 feet of elevation gain


  • The elevation gain you did today is only 550 feet less than the full elevation gain from Everest Base Camp to the Summit of Mount Everest!
    • This trail is famously difficult. Soak in the humbling privilege it is to make it to the top.

Summit celebration photo


  • Get a photo with the summit signage, hydrate up, and prep ready for your 5.5 mile climb back down to the tram.

Drop of your wilderness permit


  • Drop off your wilderness permit on the way back to the tram. The mailbox is posted out front of the Long Valley Ranger Station.

The trail up to the Palm Springs Tram


  • After coming back past the Long Valley Ranger Station, hang a left up the (paved!) sidewalk to the tram station.
    • It will cost $13 (as of April 2020) to get a one-way ticket down, which you can buy at the gift shop.

State Park Signage


  • Signs reminding us all to protect the nature of this national park.

Palm Springs Tram Ride


  • 12+ hours to climb to the summit, and only 4 minutes to get back down!

Palm Springs Base Tram Station


  • When you are outside of the tram station, take a left to the (pictured) location, for pickup.
    • Lyft, Uber, or a buddy!
      • There is cost for parking, but your buddy can come in for a quick pick-up for free.

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Downloadable Map & GPS Guide:

Skyline Trail, Palm Springs, CA


DOWNLOAD THE CACTUS TO CLOUDS TRAIL GPX FILE

VIEW THE CACTUS TO CLOUDS TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP

DOWNLOAD THE SKYLINE TRAIL GPX FILE


About the Author:

Hello! I'm David Straily, and I wrote this Cactus to Clouds hiking guide. I am a software engineer who loves the outdoors. I make video games for a living (VALORANT, Titanfall, Halo 5 - I love First Person Shooters!), and I also run an African adventure travel company with my sister, called Kopa Tours.

If you enjoyed this Cactus to Clouds guide and are hungry for more - I ask that you consider booking a trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with us at Kopa Tours. I promise you a high level of attention and care.

Kili was on my bucket list for forever - it took the confidence boost of a completing a killer hike here in the USA, before I felt truly ready.

Are you ready? Take the plunge!

David on the C2C (AM)



David on the C2C (PM)

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