WHAT IS CACTUS-TO-CLOUDS?
Cactus-to-Clouds is a 21-mile assent from the Palm Springs valley floor, starting at about 400 feet, up to the San Jacinto Peak at 10,834 feet. It is rated one of the hardest day hikes in the United States, and the trail actually has the largest elevation gain out of any hike in the United States. Skyline trail takes you up about 9.4 miles, starting behind the Palm Springs Art Museum and ascending to the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Then, to do the full Cactus-to-Clouds hike, you continue for another 11 miles to the peak and back down to the tramway station to ride the tramcar back down to the valley floor.
WHAT TO PACK
Here is a list of everything I packed, with links to a few recommended essential items. I don’t gain any commission on any of these items, this is just exactly what I packed and what I would recommend (as a female hiker).
- Layers, Layers, Layers – I wore biker shorts and a long sleeve dri-fit with a hat, which was perfect for the heat during the first half of the trek, and then I packed, sweatpants, a hoodie, a light windbreaker, and a larger warm jacket, a beanie, and mittens. By the time I reached the peak, I had every layer on and was so glad I packed it all.
- Hiking Boots – I always recommend boots with ankle support for long hikes.
- AT LEAST 1 Gallon of water – I brought three, 1.5 liter SmartWaters. Not the most environmentally friendly I know, but it was the most comfortable and cheap way I could think to pack them all on my back. I also packed four additional 16.9-ounce plastic water bottles that I had pre-prepared with the electrolyte and magnesium tablets ahead of time. I know most hikers use a bladder as well, which is also an option (I, for some reason, am not a huge fan). I packed all of this and still filled up two more of my SmartWaters at the Ranger Station at the top of the tram and completely drank both of those too by the end of the hike.
- Electrolytes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bug Spray
- First-Aid Kit – With some sort of compression wrap in case of a sprained ankle or other form of injury)
- Lip Balm
- Ibuprofen
- Headlamp – I started and ended the hike in complete darkness
- Hiking Poles – These were life savers for my legs
- Energy Goo or Chews
- Snacks! – I cut up two protein bars into small bite-size pieces and put them in a baggie to snack on throughout the day. I’d also recommend some sort of salty snack like trail mix, crackers, etc. I also packed a peanut butter and honey sandwich, which is always my go-to trail food. It is recommended to try and eat something small every hour!
- Hiking Backpack – Make sure it’s large enough to fit everything mentioned above (At least 35L)
- Phone – With Hiking App (AllTrails)
- Portable Charger
- Lightweight Towel or Handkerchief
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Aside from what to pack, here’s a few other useful tips/information to consider.
- Start at the Right Time – It is recommended you start this hike between 12 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to allow yourself enough time to finish before the last tram car down at 9:30 p.m.
- Hike During the Right Time of the Year – Fall is really the best season to do this hike so that the temperature isn’t too hot at the beginning and isnโt too cold as you reach the top. Temperatures in Palm Springs are in the triple digits during summer and temperates at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway are typically around 30 degrees in the winter with plenty of snow.
- Pack AT LEAST 1 Gallon of Water – There are two rescue boxes along the trail that sometimes contain extra water left behind by other hikers, and you can also fill up at the ranger station at the top of the tramway, but I would definitely not rely on these sources, but they are good to know about beforehand in case of emergency. You will be hiking for many hours and need to be properly hydrated the day before the hike AND during the hike. Also, on that note, carb load the night before. I recommend a pasta night.
- You Will Need a Permit – You must obtain a permit before continuing on once you reach the top of the tram. The permits are free and located at the ranger station. This not only allows rangers to protect the wilderness but is also meant to keep you safe. With limited cell service in the San Jacinto mountains, permits allow the rangers to know if you’ve safely returned from your hike.
- Know Where to Park at the Trailhead – 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, USA. Do not park in the museum parking lot or the parking garage across the street or you will be ticketed (or worse, towed). There is however, free street parking around the museum with plenty of spots if you start early morning. Also keep in mind, you will be finishing the hike at the parking lot at the bottom of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is actually around 20 minutes from where you began your journey behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. Be sure to have a plan for how you will get back to your car.
THE ROUTE
Lastly, here are some trail markers that are helpful to know so you can see how far you’ve traveled and how many miles you still have left to go!
I hope this blog helps anyone out there looking to cross this beast of a hike off their bucket list. Happy hiking!
