Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Solid directions for hiking Cactus to Clouds, the hardest day hike in the USA with over 10,000 feet of climbing.
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* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/cactus-to-clouds
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Cactus to Clouds climbs 10,000 feet over 21 miles from Palm Springs to Mt. San Jacinto's summit, then descends via tram. The route requires careful timing to avoid desert heat at the bottom and snow at the top. I break the hike into sections with go/no-go checkpoints, cover the tricky Skyline Trail traverse, and explain water strategy, gear, and weather planning. People have died from heat stroke on this route. Don't just show up. Plan it, understand what you're getting into, and turn around if conditions aren't right.
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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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Solid directions for hiking Cactus to Clouds, the hardest day hike in the USA with over 10,000 feet of climbing.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/cactus-to-clouds
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Cactus to Clouds climbs 10,000 feet over 21 miles from Palm Springs to Mt. San Jacinto's summit, then descends via tram. The route requires careful timing to avoid desert heat at the bottom and snow at the top. I break the hike into sections with go/no-go checkpoints, cover the tricky Skyline Trail traverse, and explain water strategy, gear, and weather planning. People have died from heat stroke on this route. Don't just show up. Plan it, understand what you're getting into, and turn around if conditions aren't right.
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
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
