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

[@jianc2430]

The trail was still closed two days ago (10/21/24). My husband and I started at 2:20 AM and made it to Wellman Divide at 2:40 PM. I was very exhausted at that point. I basically dragged myself up the last mile. We figured we would need another 6 hours to get to the peak and back to the tram station, so we decided to turn around. We really underestimated the difficulty of this trail, even though we planned conservatively and we were pretty much on schedule. The part from Flat Rock to Grubbs Notch was extremely hard. We also got lost a few times in that section and afterwards to the ranger station. For a reference, we hiked Mount Whitney last year and this year. That was hard and this was worse. The weather was prefect. A group of two hikers passed us before Rescue 2. We crossed one of them again after long valley when he was on his way down. The other person only hiked to the tram station. We did the Museum trail the day before, then drove to the tram station and parked our car at the overnight lot, and walked back to town. This gave us peace of mind and the walk was very pleasant. It was 3.5 mile downhill to the visitor centor. There is a wide sidewalk all the way. Now think back, if we had started at midnight, we might have been able to summit. I am glad we gave it a try, but I don't think we will do it again, or any long hike as such, since we are 59 and 60. Good luck to everyone.

[@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* !!!)

[@connoreberhart]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@marymiller2121]

When I lived in Cali I did this hike twice a year, but I did it as a backpack. Took my time, drank lots, enjoyed the incredible views. Yes you’re carrying a heavy pack, but so worth it because exhaustion never is a problem. And such a great workout. Usually took two days, once three when I hiked down rather than taking the tram. If mountaineering higher mountains is a goal, you cannot beat this as a training hike. Great video, good memories. Thanks

[@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.

[@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.

[@Hook-in-hand]

Great video! We rescue many people from that trail by helicopter hoist. Remember, if we have to rescue you, there is no charge. So many people are afraid to call out of fear of a cost of tens of thousands of dollars, which is not the case. The Riverside County Sheriff's SAR helicopter is there for those reasons. Accidents happen, don't worry about calling.

[@Hikingguy]

Big thank you for what you do and thanks for posting that.

[@TerraNovaLife]

@@Hook-in-hand thank you for the heads up. I appreciate your kindness and support. Many blessings 🙏🏽 now I'm definitely going to give it a GO. ⚔️

[@ElaineTyler-c5l]

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.

[@TerraNovaLife]

🙏🏽 prayers

[@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.

[@CheronPalmer]

Thanks to Cris! We were 3 first timers hiking this very difficult trail and appreciated and used all of Cris' detailed information from his website and videos to complete this grueling day. We (3 women) left at 1 am got to the Rangers station around 10:30 am. Got our permit and ate lunch for an hour(big mistake- don't sit this long). It was hard to get moving again. Got to the top at 3 pm and then to the tram at 6:15 pm. We used All Trails for directions and had our Garmin so friends could follow us and in case of an emergency. Cris we truly appreciated all your insight and step by step directions! WE MADE IT! Thanks again!!

[@Hikingguy]

That's awesome, big congrats!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@noahcockroft6859]

Really appreciate your excellent guide here! We did this hike in early November and really lucked out with the weather. In my opinion, the most challenging part was the last mile to the summit. Despite the challenge of the uphill between Palm Springs and Long Valley, I hit the wall around mile 14. This video helped baseline my expectations and is invaluable if you're doing this for the first time - thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yea, by mile 14 you've put a long day in. I've hit that wall at different points over the years. Whichever way you slice it, it's a damn tough day.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@LiveLoveLaugh22]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@georgeloveday9674]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@JustBob5150]

This is a killer hike. I did it in October

[@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...

[@SeanFederbusch]

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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@gearsnogames9616]

I used to hike up to the Palm Springs summit twice a week with my Traxxas TRX 4. Brought plenty of water and always hiked down at sunset while the rattle snakes where chiming. Made sure to make plenty of noise and sing on the way down to let the rattle snakes I'm coming. Someone set up a set of pull up bars at the top overlooking the city, I hope they are still there.

[@jacksonsundown7545]

An excellent presentation, Sir, very well done. I have not hiked this entire span myself... However, my own experience goes back over 50+ years hiking up and down Tahquitz Canyon where there was no established trail, but lots of rock hopping and bushwhacking... all the way up to the 4th Canyon, as we referred to it back then... where you actually come upon a lake. Yes, you are correct, the escarpment from Palm Springs to the top of San Jacinto is the steepest in the world, over such a short span of miles, and covers 4 separate ecological zones... so this Hike may be the very hardest to many people. I have worked as a trail guide and a horseback riding guide over the years, and in many places and spaces... many of them tough and challenging. But I have never been one for GPS, smart watches, or other gadgets and devices... What I go with is just a simple map for reference and only as a starting point. What I have learned is that whatever one experiences out on the trail is very personal, can sometimes even be an epiphany, and is an accomplishment to be honored always and forever --- and much more than some notch on a belt. Superlatives get lost in the haze, eventually. I live in Arizona now where we also can go from cactus to snow in many places... but there are many trails falling into dis-use, not many trail markers at all, no spray-painted blazes either, no rescue stations to be found --- but... I certainly do understand the need to have them, of course. I am all for whatever it takes to get people away from their comfort zone and out onto the trail --- that is why I have worked as a Guide for many years. Anyway, even though I may be reluctant to accept all of the new technology aimed at making these trail excursions more safe and accessible ---- I still really do appreciate all your efforts, Sir , and encourage you in all your HikingGuy.com adventures and future videos! Bravo! Keep it going!! Thanks for listening.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for that and hope you're enjoying AZ! 👍

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@Hikingguy]

If you're considering doing this hike in winter, here's a repost from a SAR member that may be helpful. My advice is to NOT do it in winter. " 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 🙏

[@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.

[@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!!

[@trilbyarnold3341]

Props to you for the strength and experience to make this as a day hike. It does look like there are a few places where an overnight camp could be made, just need to carry an additional liter or two of water.

[@cynthiawilliams5508]

No, don't try to do that. The amount of water you have to carry for two days is too much weight relative to the steepness of the hike and you will not be able to complete it from exhaustion and dehydration. You will end up needing a rescue. I used to do this trail very often and saw many rescues. You can't conceive of the physical depletion of the hike because there are no other hikes in North America with this degree of elevation gain AND high heat. I know of only one man who ever successfully camped on this route and in other contexts he regularly carried eighty pound packs 'for fun'. He was an extremely strong and very young man. Everyone else who's attempted camping on the trail ends up needing a rescue. It's a very dangeorus hike and it's crucial to folllow all established guidelines.

[@jacobsanchez6924]

This is sound advice. Shorty’s Well to Telescope Peak is another tough “unofficial” trail/hike

[@CeeLiberty]

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

[@ManivanAdventures]

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

[@radiohill]

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

[@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

[@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...

[@flavioperuzzi4337]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@Ellsworthx13]

Thank you for a well done guide…very informative. I, along with a few other scouts, made the trek up to the peak on August 4-5, 1962. Our route began in Idyllwild’s Humber Park. I don’t believe the Cactus to Clouds trail existed at that time. The PS Tramway had not been built.. We took two days, camping overnight at Round Valley. As we sat at the peak and took a lunch break while looking down on I-10 traffic, someone broke out a transistor radio. That’s when we heard the news that Marilyn Monroe had died…a sad day for a group of 15-year old boys.🫢 We took a different route for the descent and got back to Humber Park considerably faster than the beginning leg up to Saddle Junction, Long a Round Valleys, etc. I love that area.

[@jbagley77]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@bikelife4118]

Wow! You made it look easy. It’s one of my goals to do this hike soon. The video was very helpful

[@kristymoore7052]

Your detailed info is amazing and I appreciate it.

[@davidmack4495]

that was awesome...great job!!

[@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

[@dft1]

Nice. Video. I've push my mountain bike up it 6 times, only one time made it to the tram and rode back back. Longest most tiring descent ever

[@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 👍

[@stephaniecaza9636]

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

[@josedelarosa5424]

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

[@tylerharris7789]

That doesn't look easy, but I'm definitely putting that on my bucket list. Thank you for the excellent guide!

[@JustBob5150]

Far from easy

[@Blue-Spirit]

I showed up and did this hike after reading a brief description of the trail. I woke up at 4am at the trail head and took 5 short breaks durring the hike. It took 7 hours and by the time i reached the top i felt like i was going to pass out. Definitely a dangerous trial and you should take all safety precautions when attempting this climb.

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@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!

[@reneebeckloff7855]

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

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

This is wild. I'm coming in November, but only plan to hike (hopefully dependent on weather) the portion after the tram. As much as I'd like to do this, I am not fit enough right now to do this haha. Great thorough video.

[@robertperez7380]

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

[@carldaniel6510]

I'd like to do this hike, but it's quite a long drive for me and I'd want to do it in several stages (e.g. to Rescue1 & back, to the Tram & down, from the Tram to San J and then finally C2C). That's a lot of 8.5-hour drives to (and from!) Palm Springs. Still, on my list... maybe in '23 or '24, we'll see. Excellent video and guide, as always!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! And yea, the best move may be to split into 2 days - hike from bottom to tram, tram it back down, then next day tram up and hit the summit. You can probably knock it out in a weekend that way.

[@JonSteitzer]

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

[@hlaan2]

Impressive hike and impressive beautiful landscape as well . All the way from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 we follow you with great pleasure . Thanks a lot and take care 😎

[@Hikingguy]

Dank U Wel!

[@hlaan2]

👍👍👍👍😎

[@liliandygicotooley4115]

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

[@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.

[@L4mTr4n]

Definitely one of the hardest hike I’ve done. Iron Mountain and Triplets Rock is also hard as well.

[@trailahead]

I'm a hiking guide in Palm Springs and I have yet to do this hike, but one day I will and I'll use this video for reference. Thanks

[@ClimbingEasy]

Local here as well. Do it! Wait until snow has melted. Like end April-May will hopefully be the next opportunity to do so. I do have to ask; how does the hiking guide works? Like an day hike interpretive guide?

[@trailahead]

@@ClimbingEasy I list my hikes on travel sites. The hike takes place in a predetermined location, so it is basically an interpretive hike.

[@ShinerBockGirlz]

Hands down best hiking dude on KZbins or the freaking planet!!! Love ya!!!

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!!

[@ShinerBockGirlz]

@@Hikingguy I have a question for you...The tallest mountain in US Denalli??, have you ever done it, will you ever do it, and why if you have not? Is it too dangerous? Too far? etc....Totally respect your decision/answer whatever it is. Also do you do backpacking trips? Like a few 3 or 4 nighters? Would you? I havent seen all your vids but if you dont do those would you consider doing them? BTW you are super handsome and I love your blue eyes!!😻Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!!

[@Hikingguy]

@@ShinerBockGirlz Thank you 👍👍👍 The tallest in the lower-48 is Whitney, which I've done many times and have a guide up for. Denali is the highest in all of USA, but unfornuately is a mountaineering exercise and not a hike. So no video or info on that, and probably won't do it. Too many risks and logistics unfortunately. And yes! I def have backpacking trips up on the site. Check out Timberline Trail, TCT, CRHT (Joshua Tree) and some others. See you out there! Cris

[@ShinerBockGirlz]

@@Hikingguy Very Good answer...Hike vs Mountaineering..I will check them out...thanks for what you do, I enjoy that you put the hike info first then do it...seems more logical(the trail google maps etc.) again many thanks and I wish you and your family the best.

[@Hikingguy]

@@ShinerBockGirlz Likewise have a great New Year!

[@xavierquinonez9883]

Lol it’s crazy having grown up in SoCal so close to that and I’ve never heard about it. I also started backpacking after I moved back to the Bay Area. Can’t wait to try it tho

[@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.

[@chrisignacio1791]

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

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@GreenFlash1790]

Thanks for this guide! I look forward to a second attempt. First time I got lost in the dark before the picnic tables and off trailed my way back down to Palm Springs. Then I started back from the beginning and made my way a good bit past Rescue 2 but, given the time I lost at the beginning, I was afraid of running out of daylight (late November) so I turned back. Got lost again and ended up exiting via the Lykken trail. Ended up doing about the same milage as a complete C2C. :)

[@Hikingguy]

Ha yea I was going to say, if you passed Rescue 2, it was probably easier to go up, hopefully you can bag it next attempt - at least you know the trail well - and once you get past Grubbs Notch, it's really just going through the motions

[@desert-walker]

Been there done that along time ago, hardest one ever will never do it again really😊

[@wedohardthingsco]

Hiked it 4th of July from Palm Springs Museum to Summit Peak 7:41 elapsed time. 7:28 moving time. Total Time including back Tram 8:48 elapsed time. It was a good day. Happy 4th of July!

[@raywilson548]

Thanks for the nice review of C2C. The hike I started 30 years ago with the Coachella Hiking Club. My good friend Roger Keezer coined the name.

[@Hikingguy]

That's great - yea I heard the story of the name and talk about it on the website. Thank you Coachella Valley Hiking Club for making the trail a reality.

[@kentrails]

Great video! Thank you so much for the guide for this trail. I've completed a ton of SoCal epic trails but have avoided this one. Looks like I'm going to do it next October! I think I"ll camp at Round Valley after summitting and then take the tram down next day.

[@Hikingguy]

I'd just say try and go as light as possible. Whatever you can get off your back for that 8000 feet of climbing will help. It's pretty brutal...

[@edwardkenny2356]

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

[@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.

[@wolfeadventures]

I’d put Rabbit Peak up there if done as day hike.

[@TheHikingChef]

Seriously your best vid yet!! Fantastic info!

[@ccfully]

Great video! You are tough! We just did the peak from the tramway but can agree that the climb back up the paved walkway to the tram was the absolute WORST! I was literally mad haha 🥵😡

[@elaineresendez4419]

Did many hike in 20 years and this looks really rough. Very good video.

[@elli003]

I don't know how I got here, but I sure appreciate what you can do ! Enjoyed the vid !

[@soaringbob]

Very nice guided hike up the hill. Have done parts of it, including a few miles up from the museum, down and back up that steepest part below Grub's Notch just to experience the worst of it, and multiple hikes from the tram station to the peak in July and August when it is usually in the 70's up there. I've seen the bighorn sheep multiple times, too. There seems to be at least two herds in that area, including 8 hanging out somewhat near the picnic tables, and another 9 over on the South Lykken Trail where they like to eat barrel cactus. Do be aware that the last tram ride down the mountain is, or at least was at 9:30pm. If elderly or a slower hiker, like me, you may be cutting it close if still on the peak at 5pm! Here's a challenge for anyone who plans to reach the peak; see if you can find all three of the survey markers at the peak. Two are easy to find, with one of them located next to the wood peak sign in the video!