Cactus to Clouds Trail

Category: Hiking area in Palm Springs, California

Address: Skyline Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Phone: +17608629984

Reviews

Ray Alan

Apr 9, 2022

Great short hike up above the buildings, great for the evening when the Sun goes over the mountain. There's a big rock up on top that's nice to take in the views. Also really cool to see the shade go over the city.

Jose Delarosa

Aug 31, 2021

Saturday 9pm and got to the tram at 9am,what a awesome hike,coming back definitely!!

Philip B

Feb 8, 2021

Hiked on 11/13/20. It was very steep for most of the hike. Do your research, bring at least one friend, be fully prepared for snow/ice (shoe spikes really helped), and make sure that you'll be to the tram station before 6 pm. Bring more than 1 gallon of water. We started at 2 am and used bright headlamps. Encountered a mountain lion and it followed us, trying to hunt us if we got separated. We were eventually able to scare it off by throwing big rocks at it and yelling. I would definitely hike it again. Maybe with 2 friends next time.

Mihai Zgunea

Jan 5, 2019

Intense but beautiful hike with great views of the desert. Best time to do it is late fall until spring when the temperatures are litter and it makes it easier. Carry enough water with you, you will need it. Also start early. I've seen most people start around 4-5 am so they would hike a good portion of it before the sunrise and the heat. People do it during summer, too but I wouldn't. Besides the workout itself I'm also looking for enjoyment. No permits needed. Free parking at the trailhead. You could park on the street or inside the covered structure at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Get it off your bucket list and move it on your yearly list!

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Questions & Answers

How long would it take for someone who is reasonably fit?

Val Gayes | Sep 1, 2018
Michael G | Aug 31, 2020

If you are considering undertaking the entire ~20 mile, all-day walk, then these answers are appropriate and have been provided by folks who must be super-fit, experienced and dedicated hikers who had good hiking shoes and other gear and took supplies of food and water. However, your question suggests you might not be in that category...........and you don't need to do the entire trail. I would love to hike the full trail one day, but I have hiked the first section - that begins at the Art Museum parking lot - many times. I walk as far as I have time for and feel up to on the day, then turn around and walk back again. It is a very steep and rocky trail, but you don't need to go very far to get amazing views over Palm Springs. If you make it to the picnic benches (20-30 mins depending on your level of fitness), you have done pretty well. If you continue on to the first Rescue Box, then that is a solid 2 hour + return trip. Don't do it on hot days...............

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does this hike cost anything?

Steven Evon | Sep 1, 2018
Brett Newton | Sep 1, 2018

I just did this in November and rode back down for free. I think they just assume you must have a ticket since you got up there.

Is it snowing on the Cactus to Clouds trail? How high does it ultimately go?

KEN NARASAKI | Sep 1, 2019
Todd Goodwin | Sep 1, 2019

I'm not sure if it's snowing now, but there's probably snow on the ground up top. It goes up to the top of the tram, about 10000 feet. It normally takes 8 - 12 hours and is a very strenuous climb. Also, if you attempt the full climb, be sure to bring plenty of water. There are no water stations.

Are there any books about the Cactus to Clouds Trail/hike? I’ve searching on google but have been unsuccessful so far. I’d like to give it to a friend as a Christmas gift. I would appreciate any assistance that you can give me!

Karen Goodman | Sep 1, 2019
James Kim | Sep 1, 2019

I don't think so. But you could find some information about the trail from trail/hiking postings.

Are dogs allowed

Kathleen Silverstein | Aug 31, 2021
Kabir Kang | Aug 31, 2021

No dogs allowed

Is there another way down cactus to clouds, with the tram being closed? Is there a pick-up point or any other way to get down without hiking both ways?

Tyler Sinks | Aug 31, 2021
BigGameSlayer | Aug 31, 2021

The tram is your only option unless you do C2C2C. The Tram is no open but check their hours. www.pstramway.com

Do i need a permit or reservation to do this hike?

Steve Green | Aug 31, 2020
Priscilla Mojica | Aug 31, 2020

Not for this one! :) Other hikes like the ones owned by native tribes further down Palm canyon do charge a fee. This one is free though!

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