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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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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