A computerized look at the Cactus to Clouds route to the top of Mt. San Jacinto. People literally come from around the world to do this trail. It is the…
The trailhead at the Palm Springs Desert Art Museum. Easy access, easy to find. The parking lot sign says "patrons only", so I decided not to take any chances…
The route starts on the Museum Trail, a short but steep loop that joins with the Skyline trail a bit over a mile up. My plan for the day was to just hike up…
Leaving the watered lawns of Palm Springs.
Trail markings. There are no published maps of the Cactus to Clouds route and it is not maintained. But there is enough use that of it that it's pretty easy to…
A typical portion of the Museum trail. Steep, technical, and marked by white paint. Awesome.
A rest area where the Museum trail joins with a trail coming from the other trailhead at Ramon Road.
The trail heading up. There isn't much vegetation higher than your knees here. I can't imagine doing this trail in 100+ degree summer heat. It is in the low 50s…
The "sign" for the Skyline trail.
A look back down at Palm Springs, getting smaller and smaller as I ascend.
One of the famous rock signs. 8 miles to the Long Valley tram.
I have 3L of water in my new Osprey Manta pack, which should be more than enough for today, but probably not enough for a spring/summer trip.
One of my favorite trail signs ever. You know if the sign mentions 'there have been fatalities and many rescues...' and 'persons that have needed to be rescued…
Another famous sign for those familar with the route. The trail is closed January through June to protect the Bighorn Sheep. It is not technically illegal…
A cactus growing straight out of the rock.
Morning sun through the rocks. There are some amazing rock formations up here.
Rock formation with Palm Springs in the distance.
Rescue beacon. There have been enough rescues and fatalities on the trail that Search and Rescue has installed two beacons along the route. Google Cactus to…
More cool rocks. I normally don't like desert trails, but this one was consistently fascinating.
Over 3000' above the valley floor.