FATMAP by Strava

Cactus To Clouds

Ascend the entirety of Mount San Jacinto, Southern California's second highest peak.

Trail Running Difficult

Distance
30 km
Ascent
3.2 km
Descent
787 m
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
146 m
High Point
3.3 km
Gradient
17˚
Cactus To Clouds Map

11 thousand feet of climbing from the desert floor at 480 feet to to the summit of Mount San Jacinto at 10,833 feet. You climb INTO the tree line, then back out of it. Unless you reverse the route, you'll need to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway down, then rideshare back to where you parked your car. (or shuttle back, if you teamed up and drove two cars.) If you out-and-back this trail, it will add 8.5 miles, 8700 feet of descent and 880 feet of gain.

Difficulty

Difficult

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

in February, March, April, September, October and November