Hike Log

C2C For Me

Trailhead:

Skyline Trail

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Snowfields to cross – could be difficult

What better way to tackle Mt. San Jacinto for the SoCal Six Pack challenge than with a little Cactus to Clouds fun. For those of you that aren’t aware Cactus to Clouds begins at the Skyline Trail in Palm Springs (elev. 479) and climbs onward and upward for the next 15 miles to the top of Mt. San Jacinto (elev. 10,834)

So we set out early Saturday morning while there was still plenty of darkness and began the trek up the mountainside. The desert is an interesting and beautiful place to explore at night without the rays of the sun beating you into the shade. Up and up we went passing by a variety of cactus, rocks, a few centipedes, even a lone rattlesnake.

As the night faded into Dawn the sky was immersed in a gorgeous array of orange, pinks, and blues. Around mile 9 where the traverse starts up toward Long Valley is where I ran out of water in my reservoir but I knew I'd be able to refill at the ranger station. We reached Long Valley just as the first people were arriving from the aerial tram and what a diverse group that is to see from climbers, hikers, backpackers, city folk, and celebrities. San Jacinto draws us all in.

So leaving Long Valley it’s a short 5 miles up to the summit and there’s still some snow above Little Round Valley and the summit approach. I reached the summit and had it all to myself for a few minutes of much needed solitude. Shortly after my arrival several groups made it up as well as a few other C2C finishers. We all congratulated one another and wished each other safe travels down. This hike was grueling but I still really enjoyed it. The changes in the eco system are really amazing and beautiful. If you’re feeling adventurous give it a shot!!!

 

 

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