How difficult is Cactus to Clouds?

The Cactus to Clouds hike is long. Users start on the desert floor and climb to 10,804 feet. The gain is over 8,000 feet in the first 12 miles and much of this is hiking in dry arid desert conditions. This is a very difficult hike and people have died or been injured while hiking here.

How do you prepare cactus for clouds hiking?

The best (and maybe the only) way to do Cactus to Clouds is to start before dawn. For example, on this trip report, I started at 1am. The idea is that you hike the desert in the cooler nighttime hours, and get to a high (and cool) enough altitude by the time the sun rises.

What is the hardest day hike in America?

The 7 Hardest Hikes in the US, Ranked by Difficulty

• The Maze.
• South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail.
• Kalalau Trail.
• Mist Trail – Half Dome.
• Muir Snowfield Trail.
• Huckleberry Mountain.
• Barr Trail.

What is a C2C in climbing?

The Cactus-to-Clouds (C2C) hike is one of the most challenging and rewarding in Southern California, but is not to be taken lightly.

Do you need a permit for Cactus to Clouds?

Day-use permits are free and can be obtained at Long Valley Ranger Station – near the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Permits are also available at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild, but if you are hiking Cactus to Clouds, there’s really no reason for you to go to Idyllwild for your permit.

How many people have died climbing Angel Falls?

14 people
In the last 21 years, 14 people have died on Angel’s Landing. According to the US National Parks Service, the greatest dangers faced by hikers on any trip are encountered on the drive to and from the trailhead.

Who is the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail?

M.J. “Sunny” Eberhart
At 83 years old, M.J. “Sunny” Eberhart—better known in the thru-hiking community as the “Nimblewill Nomad”—just became the oldest person to hike the Appalachian Trail.

How much water do Cactus need in clouds?

How much water do you need? 1.5 Gallons (5.5 Liters). The standard answer is 1.5 gallons (5.5 liters) if you haven’t done it before and the weather is temperate (not too hot or cold). This is what I took my first time, and it worked out fine.

How hard is the cactus to clouds hike?

It’s steeper too: Cactus to Clouds averages 686 feet of climb for every mile of the uphill section (first 15 miles), while Mt. Whitney averages only around 550. The official start of Cactus to Clouds is in the parking lot of the Palm Springs Art Museum.

How do I get from Palm Springs to cactus to clouds?

The official start of Cactus to Clouds is in the parking lot of the Palm Springs Art Museum. You can park for free on the street, or check the parking garage nearby, but watch out for any time limits. The trailhead is in the back of the museum parking lot and very well marked. You will be starting before sunrise; make sure you have a headlamp.

What is the hardest hike in Palm Springs?

Cactus to Clouds Hike The Cactus to Clouds hike is epic. It was rated one of the hardest day hikes in the world by Backpack Magazine. 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 treacherous Skyline Trail.

How do I get to the North Palm Canyon trailhead?

To reach the trailhead from North Palm canyon Dr. in Palm Springs, go 0.2 mile west on Tahquitz Canyon Way, then turn right on Museum Rd. Park on the road and walk across the street to find the trailhead in the northwest corner of the museum parking lot. No water is available en-route.