To determine the best time to leave, look at an hourly weather forecast for Palm Springs and the summit. Here I am hitting 5000ft at dawn, and it’s already 85F. You’re going to want to strategically use the weather in your hike. Do the math to figure out a rough start time. Look at the weather reports and calculate roughly 5F drop in temperature per 1000 feet climbed. 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. For example, on this trip report, I started at 1am. The best (and maybe the only) way to do Cactus to Clouds is to start before dawn.
If you want to check if there’s snow on your hike, read this guide. The park rangers strongly recommend NOT doing your hike during this time. June to September – The majority of rescues and deaths happen in the summer, when the high’s can be around 110-120F.Even if the summit looks clear of snow, there may still be snow and ice on the shady portions of the hike. Usually the snows have melted and temperatures are still cool. May – Another good window, similar to October.Conditions start getting better in March and April. Winter temperatures on the summit can be -10F. You will need ice axes and crampons / micro-spikes. This comes into play when ascending the Traverse, where the gradient can go up to 50%. After the first snow, the melt/freeze cycle will coat much of the trail in ice. November to April – Doing Cactus to Clouds in the winter should only be done if are very experienced in winter / ice hiking.Late September and early November can be favorable too. The desert is cool enough to survive in, and there’s probably no snow on the summit. October – Generally this is your best bet.You’ll want to check the weather for Palm Springs (the start of the hike) and San Jacinto Peak (the end of the hike). Always check the local conditions before making any decisions. It’s a hike that you need to prepare for, and then you do it only when the conditions are right.īecause there are extremes at both ends of the weather spectrum (alpine and desert climates), timing your Cactus to Clouds hike is a bit of an art. The Cactus to Clouds hike is popular, especially with Southern California hikers, but it isn’t a hike you just show up and do. Know exactly what you’re doing and be prepared. When to Hike Cactus to Clouds The warning rock on the hike. Please make sure you’ve fully prepared for this hike and are doing it under the right conditions. This guide gives you all the info you need to do this incredible hike safely. The Cactus to Clouds hike should only be attempted by the very experienced and very fit hiker, and only under the right conditions. 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. It was rated one of the hardest day hikes in the world by Backpack Magazine. Turn by Turn Cactus to Clouds Hike Directions & Video.Cactus to Clouds Hike Directions & Info- FYI ➤ 70% REI Clearance On Now
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