About
If you enjoy hiking, are in good shape, and love a challenge, there's a path calling your name. The Cactus to Clouds Trail (C2C) presents an extraordinary journey, ascending to the majestic San Jacinto Peak. This trail offers one of the most significant elevation gains among day-hike routes in the United States.
The trail's inception is as fascinating as the hike itself. In 1991, Ray Wilson and Sue Birnbaum, Coachella Valley Hiking Club leaders, envisioned this route. They meticulously marked the final miles of the Skyline Trail, leading to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station.
The following year, their journey from the North Lykken Trail to the San Jacinto Peak marked the birth of the Cactus to Clouds hike. In 1993, the first official Cactus to Clouds Challenge was conducted, a tradition that continues to attract hiking enthusiasts worldwide.
The 18.78-mile trail starts from the Palm Springs Art Museum, at just 481 feet above sea level, and culminates at the summit of Mount San Jacinto, towering at 10,833 feet.
Hiking the Cactus to Clouds Trail takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, starting from the arid desert conditions and leading to the cooler, more verdant surroundings at the summit.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
Cactus to Clouds Trail is renowned for its intense steepness. The path ascends approximately 10,300 feet in just 16 miles, making it one of the steepest globally. This dramatic rise offers hikers a unique challenge and a rewarding experience.
The first segment of C2C, known as the Skyline Trail, is a remarkable journey. It elevates hikers 7,900 feet from the desert to Long Valley over 11 miles. This segment joins another trail system leading to the summit, with the entire round trip from desert to peak and back being about 32 miles.
In the vicinity of C2C lies the Snow Creek route, a cross-country mountaineering path to San Jacinto Peak. This route is even more dramatic than C2C, gaining 11,000 feet in a mere 7 miles.
The initial part of the trail, starting near the Palm Springs Art Museum at 520 feet elevation, includes the Museum and North Lykken Trails. Interestingly, after the first 0.8 miles, C2C becomes an informal path maintained by hikers and volunteers, emphasizing the community's dedication to this trail.
The Cactus to Clouds Trail will take your California vacation to new heights, offering spectacular views and a deep sense of accomplishment.
Getting There
Here are the step-by-step driving directions to C2C from Palm Springs:
- Start from North Palm Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs.
- Go 0.2 miles west on Tahquitz Canyon Way.
- Then turn right on Museum Rd.
Cost
Day-use permits for the trail are free and obtained on-site. In contrast, overnight camping permits cost $5, available at the ranger station or via mail.
Free street parking is available at the trailhead (Palm Springs Art Museum) while parking at the tram's endpoint costs $10.
Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- The ideal seasons for hiking are spring and fall, avoiding extreme temperatures. Many hikers start around midnight to beat the heat, even though temperatures can be around 75 degrees at night.
- Due to fluctuating temperatures, it's crucial to pack appropriate clothing. Carry sufficient water, around 4-5 liters, and be prepared to filter water available at Round Valley.
- Upon reaching the Ranger Station at Long Valley, ensure you get a self-issued permit for traversing the San Jacinto Wilderness.
- Expect to spend about 14 hours for the entire hike, accounting for both ascent and descent.