How to Hike Cactus to Clouds - The Hardest Day Hike in the USA?

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The Cactus to Clouds hike is epic. Backpacker Magazine rated it one of the hardest day hikes in the world. 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 Skyline Trail. It's not only physically challenging, but you must also factor in the potentially deadly weather. However, with the proper training and preparation, you can do the hike safely, and in this guide, I'll show you how.
00:00 Highlights
01:06 Hike Route
05:27 When to Hike
10:03 Navigation Tips
11:30 Gear Recommendations
15:06 Turn by Turn Directions
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[@Hikingguy]

If you're considering doing this hike in winter, here's a repost that may be helpful. My advice is to NOT do it in winter, but if you want to, here you go: I'm on the SAR team that conducts the rescues in this area. I don't think I've responded to any rescues on the Traverse itself in the last three years. Generally we have; - rescues around the snowline for people without snow traction who gas out or get lost - rescues between Coffman's and Grubb's for people who are lost, cliffed out, or slip on ice. A decent number of these rescues have been for people with proper snow equipment too. (this is re:current forecast, which calls for new snow) Since this storm is supposed to be a significant one, you may be breaking trail most of the way past the snowline. I would suggest snowshoes for that, or plan on a lot of postholing, and give yourselves plenty of time and rest. Please be aware that the current forecast shows continued storm activity on Tuesday in the area.

[@jerryscott9598]

Hi Chris, good points, and thanks for your assistance of SAR's. With this series of storms were getting, it will be much harder to complete this hike. With winds, the drifts can be deep and exhausting, plus, if your not Real familiar with the route from the beginning of the trees to Long Valley, you can easily, (has happened to me), land up in a very steep drainage, (as happened to several Marines many yrs. ago), or attempting to climb up a steep chute hoping to reach Long Valley, but encountering class 4 & 5 dangerous scrambling on slippery conditions. The trail just is not visible, and the terrain has some serious exposure. Wait till spring, for sure, as much of this snow will turn to ice, making traction very dicey.

[@nomada6789]

How can I find this trails on AllTrails app….. ?

[@Hikingguy]

@@nomada6789 check the link in the description

[@hyenaswine]

I watched this with no audio and thought I don't need to bring anything, there is snacks and water boxes everywhere

[@nomada6789]

@@HikingguyFriday nite (10pm) is the big day for my boyfriend and I …. Second time for him, first time for me but out route is for 32 miles we are planning to come down same way as went up but all depends on our body condition at the moment 🙏

[@connoreberhart]

The most surreal part of this hike for me was the tram ride down. It's wild seeing how high you actually hiked!

[@ruthnolan13]

I live in the desert & I know several people who have died on this hike - one in April some years ago - hiking alone, very experienced on this trail, slipped on ice towards the top, hit his head and didn't survive. A friend of my daughter's, early 30s, experienced desert hiker, died from heatstroke just a few miles up the trail from Palm Springs. Be careful, people!

[@tylerwalton4518]

Cris, thank you for your superb guides. Your site is hands-down the best out there: thorough guides that are easy to follow, great gear list, no horrible music, and no macho/ego bullshit. Your deep respect and love for the wilderness is apparent in every one of your videos. Thanks, again.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@edgilchrist6374]

I wish I had seen a video like this before I did some of the hike a few years ago. A warning for those who intend to do part of the hike and retrace steps back to the trailhead: at this latitude in the winter months it is completely dark at 5:15 pm. As you mentioned, the trail is MUCH easier to find going up than going down. The lower part of the trail has no plant life, just rocky rubble that all looks the same and distorts your sense of direction and distance. Add marginal lighting conditions, and your likelihood of going off the trail and not being able to find it again are fairly high. Your only guide on the way down in the dark is the lamp in the museum parking lot.

[@seabiscuit726142]

GPS track should be used.

[@SeanFederbusch]

On Sept 2 I drove three hours from Santa Barbara thinking I would sleep in my car for a 3am start. It has rained earlier that week and I know this because of the 20 mosquitoes that found their way into my car. Sleeping was not an option, but starting my hike under a huge moon at 12:30 AM was! Adding to surreal start time was the Rave party music that is Palm Springs on a holiday Saturday night for the first two hours of the hike. The trail is well marked, and in great condition. I say that realizing that I had to check my GaiaGPS map probably 20 times during the day because it’s easy to loose the trail throughout the hike. Having proper navigation is one thing your channel promotes and it’s for a good reason. Your work here on KZbin and your site is exceptional and inspiring. I have been eyeing this hike for years and felt well prepared, in part, because of all your resources. This was one the hardest hikes I’ve ever done. I’m an intermediate hiker with 400 PCT miles and I’m confident saying I don’t think I could have completed this hike without your input. I “only” walked up to the tram, but on the Lyft ride back, seeing what I hike in the daylight, I was shocked at how much elevation this hike includes, and what a substantial hike getting up to the tram is. My moving speed was 1.3 miles per hour over the day which was a little less than 1/2 my speed. I wasn’t feeling well, and I had 2.5 hours of resting time which is way more than usual. But the bottom line is this hike takes time and there’s a reason most people start early. I didn’t mean to start at 12:30 but at 10 AM, finding myself on the traverse, I was glad to be there and not at Rescue 2. Thanks for all the work you do. It makes a difference. Really.

[@Hikingguy]

Congrats! And yea, I think the 1.5mph ballpark is realistic for most folks on this hike. It's just in a different ballpark when it comes to the steepness and distance.

[@judyd1]

That wasn't hard...took less than an hour, and I could easily watch several more videos today! (P.s. check out the length of the VIDEO😊)

[@jlo2o199]

lol

[@CrabtreeJK]

😂

[@tetrisdanser]

Haha

[@zakelwe]

Top work on the climb and top work on the video shots and editing. Never going to go up there , spinal injury, but thanks KikingGuy let me "walk that route"

[@paulryan2128]

What stamina and endurance! Great job Judy D. (Ahhhhh.... Judy, Judy, *Judy* !!!)

[@nadavegan]

One desert hiking trick is to take as much water with you as you can before you even get started. Meaning, the day before eat salty foods and drink your fill of water. Then in the morning at your car, chug down as much as you can stand to do so. This way you can carry up to an extra gallon or o in your cells and stomach. You will pee a lot of it out over the first few miles but you won't get as thirsty. We used to do this all the time for long desert hiking/climbing trips outside Las Vegas. Plus all the pee stops early on give you a few extra rest breaks so you don't burn yourself out quickly on the initial ascent.

[@baldemarcaldera771]

I’ve done this hike back in 2015 on Black Friday night. Best experience ever. Felt accomplished after the summit to Jacinto. Overall felt amazing to have conquered the hardest hike in USA.

[@user-uq4vp1to6e]

Best review of this hike on KZbin, hands down. Great work. I have been eyeing this hike for a few years and looking forward to my first ascent. Thanks for teaching me so much.

[@thorvaldurthorsson5652]

Hi I am from Iceland and my son lives in PS. I have hiked the CTC hike three times. Last time was November 2021 and I decided to carry all my water from the start which made my day pack a little heavier. It was a lot harder up to the Tram but I made it all the way to the top in 9 and a half hours. I have to admit that it was hard on my 63 year old body. Thanks for an excellent video an I really could relate to you comments on the last paved steep section where I was passed by a family of four :)😊

[@immnotaboutthatlife2086]

Amazing! Very inspirational. And it’s not the how fast you go. It’s the fact that you made it up not once, but 3x. I hope to do this at least once in my life.

[@kidantrim81]

I hiked the 12 mile route to San Jacinto Peak, however I commend you for hiking the whole route. You have way more mental fortitude than I do. Hats off to you.

[@missinglinq]

Great Video! From one of the hottest low deserts on earth to an alpine climate, in one hike. There is just no place on earth like California.

[@michaellewandowski7596]

Solid review / guide. Did this back in the 2000's and wish I had this back then. Path was damn near a goat trail back then. Really enjoyed watching this and "revisiting" from the comfort of my couch.

[@cristianvel619]

I did this hike 10 years ago, but only went to the tram station. Took us 8 hours and hit snow near the top. I’d want to do this again for sure. Thanks for the video and great info.

[@RobertFranklin85]

Great work! Thank you for your time, concern and attention to detail!

[@reneebeckloff7855]

Love the new format of your videos! As always- your knowledge is greatly appreciated!

[@bssaassin1900]

Love how in a single day hike you can see all the different biomes from desert brush and cactus to full on pine forests. I've seen that same transition hundreds of times driving through the Sierra(but without the cacti)but to see such changes within walking distance is pretty cool

[@hillrunner2]

Great information on every aspect of the climb, would like to try it. Thank you for all the information you provided. Safe hiking and enjoyed the video.

[@ryanmelius3075]

I’ve done this trail quite a few times and you did a great job helping people understand what to expect. Thanks taking the time to create this video.

[@scottparish8630]

Completed this hike on 5/31/24. First attempt was successful. Your blog and this video are the best resources online and I highly recommend for preparation. I really appreciate the detail as I recognized landmarks along the way which really helps keep the confidence high. I also used your Excel template to forecast the temperature along the route which was very helpful in planning the correct gear. Started at 0300 and finished at 1600. Thank-you!

[@Hikingguy]

Congrats and big thank you! Glad the guide helped. That hike is no joke...

[@feliperivas3814]

Always look forward to hearing Hiking Guy's post-hike meals. Cheeseburgers and wine definitely sounds like the perfect food combo after a hike like this.

[@ManivanAdventures]

This looks insane! Lol Props to anyone who has completed the whole thing!🤙🏼

[@bertoray5497]

What a special video. So so glad I stumbled upon it. Having been to top of tram, I know how wicked steep the terrain can be, and I am most impressed with your physical wherewithal.

[@joycec8]

I don't know if I'll ever do this hike, but I sure do like hearing other people talk about their C2C experience!

[@patrickvanmeter2922]

Thank you, sir, for a very thorough example for all of us that haven't done this yet. Also, for people that have. Well done. Enjoyed every minute.

[@YourMateNate3]

I lives right near Idyllwild all my life and always loved hiking. I definitely want to do this while I’m still young. Great to see this on YT

[@TheHikingChef]

Seriously your best vid yet!! Fantastic info!

[@josedelarosa5424]

Great video, I've done this wonderful hike 9 times already and is one of my favorites for sure.

[@RaceForGoodLife]

Great video! that hike is magical, reminds me the Grand Canyon Plus more milles... the altitude and temperature change is impressive, at the Grand Canyon is the opposite, you hike down to the warm air. Thank you so much! be safe

[@jbagley77]

What an incredible guide. TBD when I can do this trail but I’ll be watching your video again when I do.

[@flavioperuzzi4337]

Wow! This is a Must-Watch-Video for whoever want to make that climb. Very well done. Kudos!

[@stowcreek1999]

Incredibly detailed and informative!

[@michaelroche1987]

Beast day. Good job. Thanks for sharing

[@samsmak]

Very cool video. Years ago my uncle was the Tram pr director (his son was also chief of police). I lived there one summer when I xc ski raced (in the 80's). I'd take the Tram up and run to the summit and back. Brought back a lot of memories. Thanks!

[@behindenemylines9033]

Great video. Appreciate the detailed info.

[@justtrekofficial]

Wow love the revamped content Cris!! Thank you for being a gold standard for hiking guides.

[@Hikingguy]

Justin, thank you! Looking forward to listening to the new Backbone Trail episode on my drive tomorrow...

[@davidmack4495]

that was awesome...great job!!

[@barbarascheck6519]

Great video! I did this trail up to the Tram Station, back in January 2000. Hot at the bottom before sunrise, cold at the Tram... not much snow that day. I remember how steep the beginning was - like stepping up high stairs - and I knew I would never want to descend that trail! The tram ride down was free back then. My friends did this hike every year, and after this one they decided to make it an all night hike to avoid the heat. Sunrise at the Mountain station :)

[@SnappleBanapple]

I really appreciate all the work you put into editing the video, adding your own location markers in the footage was a very nice touch! Hope to see your channel grow, instant sub

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@aventure1892]

Wow...beautiful video!! So much useful information, well done. I had the opportunity to to this amazing hike a few years ago with very seasoned Sierra Club hiker, she has done this many many times and knew every bit of the trail which was so reassuring. We met and had to assist several parties who were either lost or without water. It is easy to get disoriented so study and prepare like crazy! What a great feeling of accomplishment upon topping out! Good safe hiking!!

[@liliandygicotooley4115]

Thanks for the infos. This trail is now in my bucket lists.

[@edwardkenny2356]

Excellent, Excellent video. It contains such useful information. Thank you very much!

[@dearmountains3431]

Thank you so much for the incredible video．I’m so grateful that you take the time to share these amazing journeys.💯💯

[@OldBrownDog]

Wow that is a brutal hike. I would of knocked it off when I was that age but at 65 I'll just watch a video and hike easier trails 👍

[@HannahClanPNWadventures]

I did this hike as an overnight backpacking trip 40 years ago, as a teenage Boy Scout. I remember how hard that one was. And Mt San Gorgonio too. That one was really hard for a totally different reason. Damn loose rocks.

[@AbouttheJourney]

Wow, what a fantastic hike! Thanks for the comprehensive coverage of it. It definitely looks like a challenge, but absolutely beautiful! I'm hoping to hike this one day and I'll make sure I'm using your video and website to help me plan. Thanks for another great video. ~ Mike

[@fukgoogole2]

great video and so complete with a lot of great tips and information!

[@hunterthompson8450]

great video dude! thanks

[@cq7415]

Very nice video, well photographed and explained. Extremely hard hike but well worth the effort if you can make it. You are a very strong hiker to do this whole thing in one day. Thanks for sharing.

[@radiohill]

Great info on hiking in Palm Springs! I'll be sure to do this in October 2023!!

[@stephaniecaza9636]

Just amazing feat👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 There’s snow now on San Jacinto. Crazy how quick it changes!

[@benzlick]

Awesome hike! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@georgeloveday9674]

Hands down, the best hiking guide video I’ve watched!

[@shaneallred3884]

Great video! Thank you!

[@JustBob5150]

This is a killer hike. I did it in October

[@georgespencer3973]

You did a great job making this video. Thank you

[@JonSteitzer]

Really cool style of video. I've never seen something like this video. Excited to check out your channel.

[@o.g.2716]

Wow you did an awesome job !!! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@rogerlewis1295]

This may be the best hiking video I’ve watched. Great job! We love hiking this area. It’s quite challenging, starting near sea level and climbing almost two miles. Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@TheAlexfooooo]

Thank you so much for these videos!

[@chadfahlenkamp1134]

Well produced and a very useful format.

[@rambomcswaggins]

Thank you for all of your content

[@aron4888]

Great vid/hike, brother! Def gonna check it out this coming year

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

I’ve done the tram but not from the cactus. Your warnings are heard and received! Big props to those who tackle this full monster. Thank you so much for the information you provide!!

[@chuck5704]

Impressive video! All the important details.

[@Gabrielishere]

Amazing, incredible hike and video.

[@mrlaw711]

Thank you for your videos. You do a great job!

[@scubaforlife]

Did C2C 6/26/23, started at 1am. Trail could be better marked ideally white dots the whole way. Snow and fallen trees currently obstruct upper parts. Final pitch is currently a snow scramble. The part before Grubbs Notch is steep, especially at that altitude and all the previous climbing. Once over the hardest part is behind you. NOTE: Bring a filter - right past first ranger station, there's a stream to get cold water! @Hikingguy ranger recommends your video to hikers with questions

[@tanglediver]

That made me tired just watching it! Thanks for the Mt. Baldy guide video, I finally got to the summit after more than 50 years of admiration.

[@sameoldsteph]

A huge thank you for your excellent website and channel. I appreciate the detailed and comprehensive yet distilled information. It’s awesome to have such a trustworthy and experienced resource for hiking! I took the tram up last winter and am now considering making this trek (or a segment of it) in the fall. Although I am a Southern California transplant from New England I have zero experience with hiking in ice and snow and I wouldn’t mind keeping it that way! Thanks again.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yea, having come from the NE as well, I'll usually hit the desert in the winter and leave the snow alone. I did a lot of winter hiking in the NE and would rather stay warm in my old age...

[@LiveLoveLaugh22]

I did this hike several years ago… We did it in the fall and started our hike at midnight.

[@robertperez7380]

this is so cool to watch since i live just down the mountain in the little town of san jacinto

[@davidsparks6146]

That was awesome! I have (in younger days) climbed and trekked all around those trails. Tram ride is fun. Hopefully I will live long enough to ride the tram one more time.

[@petparadise6071]

My ultimate hiking goal!

[@ryanslaughter2611]

Did this in May of 2018. Started at midnight. Was just an unreal experience. Loved every second of the hike. Would do it again.

[@waylonk2453]

Superb vid! This makes me want to hike cactus to clouds

[@margaretcontreras2932]

Thank you for your outstanding video/ videos ❤

[@cameronlofte3386]

Very rare that I watch a video and immediately feel the need to subscribe. This was such a well done and comprehensive video of a trail I look forward to. I will be checking out your other stuff!

[@Hikingguy]

thank you so much 👍

[@vicmahillon869]

Very informative -- thank you so much

[@ronmencer8376]

Thank you HikingGuy! We're doing the climb next Saturday, and this was extremely helpful! Bless you and keep on trucking (hikin!).

[@Hikingguy]

Good luck and have fun!

[@tunnleking]

Great video, very well done.

[@gaills88]

I cracked up when you mentioned the cruel path back up to the tram station.😂 I only did the tram to peak hike but I remember hating that part!

[@Rachelg0411]

I have a hard time believing this is the hardest day hike in america. But saying its the hardest makes me want to hike it. I always say the steeper the better. I’ve added it to my to do list.

[@alquinn8576]

The hardest day hike I've done that could compete is the 1-car loop version of Mummy Mania in RMNP (8,000-8500' gain, ~25-26 mi; half of that off trail), and C2C looks approximately as hard, depending on actual conditions when you attempt it. There are probably tons of insane traverses people have done as "day hikes" but C2C is likely one of the hardest well-established class 1 hikes.

[@sambennett7606]

Hell yea I can give you a thumbs up!!

[@chrisignacio1791]

You Rock Hiking Guy 🤘🏽Your Video’s Are Very Descriptive & Inspiring ❤

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@aptpupil]

You're awesome, thanks

[@aptpupil]

Just getting into hiking and you've been a great help, thanks Cris.

[@Hikingguy]

Great to hear Chris, thank you and I should have some more beginner guides up this spring.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

💯 Thanks, Cris...really great guide. I keep meaning to do this, but something always comes up. Hoping 2023 will be my year.

[@Hikingguy]

Looking forward to seeing your video! It's one of those guys you have to do once as a SoCal hiker. Kind of like Iron Mtn.

[@jamesrose9372]

Absolutely epic hike and video. I never knew this hike existed but now it's my newest addition to my bucket list. Would love to see you cover more hikes up here in Washington state!

[@Hikingguy]

It's on the radar - I have Blue Glacier and some in OR, but I love hiking up there - I've got a buddy in Port Townsend so get up there fairly regularly

[@lopezexplora]

You are the man!!

[@alpsala]

This was called Palms to Pines hike. I've done it many times. One time I ran into a group of athletes hiking up with bikes on there backs. They were hiking to Idyllwild then riding back down to Palm Springs. I'm the guy who shared watermelon at the peak.

[@person849]

Are you allowed to mtb on this trail? I thought it's hiking only.

[@JustBob5150]

​@@person849 I really don't think it would be possible to mtb this one

[@P.W.R.]

@@person849 I don't think anyone would stop you from trying to MTB on the trail, but I'd highly recommend against attempting to bike this trail. The trail is much steeper than it looks on the video. This trail is a bit more treacherous than your average MTB trail. I'm sure there are sections that you can ride easily, but you might end up carrying your bike more than riding it. It's up to you, just be careful if you decide to try it.

[@user-cf7pe3qg1c]

I remember hiking San Jacinto. It was difficult but we did it to prepare for Mt. Whitney. Our trailhead was at Idlewild.

[@graham974]

C2C is so tough but so worth it. And having the tram ride back down makes it uniquely doable. San Jacinto is still my favorite mountain. 🏔️

[@wheresmyhuman7862]

Thanks for the video(guide). People who wants to do this hike and watched this video now have greater success(survival) rate.👍

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yea, hoping it gives folks the info that they need to make safe choices out there. 👍

[@napndash]

Life-saving info for someone out there

[@thetoothdoc3535]

That’s some elite level shit

[@thomascarmona7312]

Awesome video!

[@GodfatherActual]

Did San jacinto when I was a wee tenderfoot scout in boy scouts and man did that hike kick my ass. Got mild altitude sickness just shy of the summit. Definitely need to go back and do it now that I’m better versed in bagging peaks. Great insights, great views, great video.

[@boonerichardson1639]

I’ve done GC rim-to-rim day hike, and that’s about as hard as I care to get. This looks like an awesome hike. Taking tram up to bag the peak would be more my speed these days. Love those high peaks in the desert!