Cactus to Clouds Trailhead — Attraction in Palm Springs

C2C2C – AN ULTRA TRAIL QUEST INTO THE SKY AND BACK

San Jacinto Peak can be reached from many directions, but no route matches the raw, unfiltered intensity of climbing straight up from the desert floor and then back down. Cactus to Clouds to Cactus (C3) isn’t just a day trip—it's a full spectrum endurance challenge, one that few attempt and even fewer complete.

After 10+ successful C2C2C completions across all seasons, I’ve developed a deep respect for this route. It will push you beyond your limits, but if you embrace the suffering, it will be a benchmark experience in your life.

This isn’t a step-by-step guide—there are plenty of those. Whether you're climbing to the tram, to the peak, or all the way up and back down, this will be a small piece of the puzzle for you, and some valuable beta. If you have questions, feel free to reach out through my profile—I’m happy to share insights with fellow ultra adventurers.

Trail & Route Clarifications:

Museum Trail – The first steep climb from the Palm Springs Art Museum to the picnic tables.

Skyline Trail – The relentless, exposed ascent from the picnic tables to the tram.

San Jacinto Peak Trail – The final stretch beyond the tram, leading to the 10,834 ft. summit.

Key Takeaway: These trails are all continuous segments of the same route

Route Variations:

Cactus to Clouds (C2C) – Desert floor to peak, ending at the tram (most opt to ride down).

Cactus to Clouds to Cactus (C2C2C / C3 / “The Sphinx”) – The purest route, from desert floor to peak, then all the way back down.

Key Takeaway: Many assume the climb is the challenge. It’s not. The 10,000 ft. descent on trashed legs—is the true test

Seasonal Considerations:

This route is challenging in any season, and I believe there are valuable lessons to be learned in each, but if you are looking for the path of least resistance, November - April is the sweet spot.

Spring (March-May) Uncivilized and overgrown trails if we've had a lot of rain down low and snow up high, which means you’ll be dealing with a lot more spiny plants. Rattlesnakes are very active this time of year fyi Summer (June - September) If you haven’t acclimated to the heat, I wouldn't try it. Hydration is your main threat this time of year. Not so much on the way up when you’re still fresh, but more so on the way down when you are much more fatigued and dehydrated. Fall (October - November) It’s still a little warm, but the conditions are mostly ideal. The vegetation is pretty cooked from the summer heat, so the trails are a bit more civilized and less over grown. You'll only be dealing with higher temperatures at the very beginning and very end of the trip. Winter (December - February) By far my favorite time of year to go, especially if there is snow on the traverse. Heat or hydration is not a major concern in my opinion. Your main challenge will be route finding and getting through the snow on the traverse. If there is snow and you are making first tracks, micro spikes and trekking poles are highly recommended.

The truth? If you’re researching this, you likely already have what it takes. Do the work. Condition your body and mind. Embrace discomfort. Weigh the risks, prepare intelligently, and go after it.

One of the biggest concerns besides heat and hydration? Getting lost. The solution: Download the GPX track. Get a GPS watch. Use the Gaia app. Your phone and watch should have the track loaded. The white blazes help early on, but they disappear past the picnic tables. Navigation is your responsibility. But over time, you’ll learn the rhythm of the trail—the way it weaves in and out of the ridgeline, testing and rewarding you in equal measure.

C2C2C is an ultra-trail odyssey, demanding absolute respect for the mountain, the desert, and your own limits. With 10,000+ feet of gain and loss, extreme weather shifts, and relentless terrain, it’s one of the most punishing single-day routes in the world.

But if you’re ready—if you crave an adventure that will redefine what you believe is possible—this route...

If you love steep climbs, desert views and scorching temperatures (like I do) this is a wonderful hike. HOWEVER - I can't express how important it is to take this trail seriously. I hike here all year long, and I can't tell you how many times I've had to give my water supply to unprepared hikers suffering from extreme exposure (even in the first 2 miles). The trail to the picnic benches (1 mile) is difficult with no shade, and in the summertime it is too much for beginners. If you plan on hiking any portion of the skyline trail towards San J summit, you will very likely be completely alone (except for me - I'll be on the trail somewhere), and in the summer there is no water at all on the trail. You may think "I can make it back down without much water - after all, it's downhill." This is wrong and stupid. The summer temperatures in Palm Springs are hottest after 2 pm - you could easily be trying to get back in 110+ degrees. I often see "tough" guys hiking the first 2-4 miles of the skyline trail with no shirt and 16oz of water. These are the ones I usually have to rescue. Enjoy the desert beauty. The trail is fabulous. Just come prepared against the sun and heat, and don't overhike your ability - there is little room for error in an environment as...

Hiked on 20 June 2022. Started walking at 3:15 AM and made it to the top 11 hours later. Was having a beer at the tram station 13 hours after starting. I wore Merrell MOABs and had no foot problems. Carried a 30lb pack with 2.5 liters of water that I refilled at the Lone Valley Ranger station.

The first 4000’ or so is pretty straight up. It gets easier for about 2000’ more feet. But daggone from about 6300’ to 8400’ (tram valley) it is like climbing a ladder…if that ladder was made of loose shale and gravel. Seriously, you peel through altitude like a freakin marlin out in the deep blue on a thousand feet of 10lb test line.

I was able to stay above the heat the entire way and once I got to 8400’ it was significantly easier. There is still a 10 mile round trip to the top and back to the tram. Can’t say the top is worth it because I have been in an airplane. It’s better if you just ride the tram up and drink a super expensive IPA and then ride the tram down. Same effect.

11/10 would recommend you take your ex on this hike.

Edit: my first attempt ended in failure when my buddies legs quit at 5000’ feet and he got a free CHP helicopter ride to the bottom. The internet says it’s dangerous to do alone, but do you believe everything you read? I...