Tom L.
I have done the entire Cactus to Clouds hike three times, most recently on October 4th. Another three times, I made it to at least the Upper Tram station before stopping, thus giving me six times at doing Skyline. Skyline is one of the names given to the first 10 miles of the trail, from Palm Springs to Long Valley. In these 10 miles, you will gain about 8,000 feet in elevation, with the steepest part being the last two miles.
There are three starting points in Palm Springs, and we always start at the museum located on North Museum Drive. The trailhead is located in the back-right corner of the parking lot to the right of the museum. In just under a mile, you will arrive at a couple of picnic tables, and this is where all three trails come together. This is one of the trickly parts, especially if you have not done the hike before. If you get on the wrong trail, you'll just wind up back in Palm Springs, but at a different location. If you starty at the museum, when you arrive at the picnic tables, look for a trail that heads off to the right a bit. This trail will start to drop a bit in elevation, but don't worry. In a short distance, the trail will make a 90 degree turn to the left and begin climbing again. Also, at this point, if it is a clear night, you can look up and see the light that is atop the highest tram tower. That light will be you beacon, as you see it several times as you climb.
The first three miles averages about 1,000 feet of elevation gain per mile. The next five miles lessens a bit, with an average gain of about 500 feet per mile. The kick-ass mile is mile nine, just after you leave what is know as Flat Rock. In this mile, you will gain about 1,700 feet, as you climb sometimes straight up a ridge.
Once you crest over the top into Long Valley, you will head to your right. The trail takes you to the bottom of the concrete ramp that goes up to the upper tram station. Continue past this a little to the Long Valley Ranger Station. If you are planning on going on to the summit of San Jacinto, thus completing your Cactus To Clouds adventure, you will have to fill out a permit for your group. It is free, but the rangers will check if they see you anywhere along the trail.
From Long Valley to the summit is along a very well-defined trail, and is nowhere near as steep as what you have already done.
A few points: when you leave Palm Springs, it is recommended to have at least a gallon of water per person, as there is no water for those first 10 steep miles. If possible, have someone with you that knows the route. Though it is becoming more travelled, there are still a few trickly spots that can be easily missed. The first four times I did Skyline, I had Cy as my guide. Cy is the king of Skyline, having done the hike well over 250 times!! Also, plan on a pre-dawn start. You want to gain lots of elevation before the sun rises.
Another trick that we learned in the spring. When you get to the upper tram station and purchase you one-way ticket back down (this was $11.00 last month), let the person at the ticket booth know if you want a cab waiting for you at the bottom. They can call and have one waiting for you.
Hope this helps, and have fun.
Whitney Mike
