Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In October 2023, I completed the Cactus to Clouds hike from Palm Springs to the 10,800' summit of Mt. San Jacinto. With a net elevation gain of roughly 10,400 feet, it has one of the greatest elevation increases among day-hike routes in the United States. The elevation gain happens in only 15.5 miles, making it one of the steeper trails of its length in the world. It's hard. It's really hard. I swore up and down that I'd never do that hike again.
Of course, I lied.
This time, rather than taking the tram ride down, I decided to hike back down to Palm Springs. Cactus to Clouds to Cactus (C2C2C) is a 30 mile hike, with over 11,000' of elevation gain. In addition to the long mileage and intense elevation gain, this time of year, you have to deal with temperatures in Palm Springs above 100 degrees. Even for the most seasoned hikers, its risky.
Do I want to do this hike again? Nope. But I'm never going to say never again.
NOTE: “Go Juice” is a mixture of Strawberry Perpetuem, unflavored Whey Protein and a packet of strawberry flavored liquid I.V. in a Liter of water. This is around 400 calories and electrolytes.
3 scoops of Perpetuem
1 scoop whey protein
1 packet liquid I.V.
Perpetuem and unflavored Whey Protein are from Hammer Nutrition. Get 15% off your first order by clicking here: hammernutrition.com/MOONJUICE
In October 2023, I completed the Cactus to Clouds hike from Palm Springs to the 10,800' summit of Mt. San Jacinto. With a net elevation gain of roughly 10,400 feet, it has one of the greatest elevation increases among day-hike routes in the United States. The elevation gain happens in only 15.5 miles, making it one of the steeper trails of its length in the world. It's hard. It's really hard. I swore up and down that I'd never do that hike again.
Of course, I lied.
This time, rather than taking the tram ride down, I decided to hike back down to Palm Springs. Cactus to Clouds to Cactus (C2C2C) is a 30 mile hike, with over 11,000' of elevation gain. In addition to the long mileage and intense elevation gain, this time of year, you have to deal with temperatures in Palm Springs above 100 degrees. Even for the most seasoned hikers, its risky.
Do I want to do this hike again? Nope. But I'm never going to say never again.
NOTE: “Go Juice” is a mixture of Strawberry Perpetuem, unflavored Whey Protein and a packet of strawberry flavored liquid I.V. in a Liter of water. This is around 400 calories and electrolytes.
3 scoops of Perpetuem
1 scoop whey protein
1 packet liquid I.V.
Perpetuem and unflavored Whey Protein are from Hammer Nutrition. Get 15% off your first order by clicking here: hammernutrition.com/MOONJUICE
