How to Hike Cactus to Clouds - The Hardest Day Hike in the USA?

Solid directions for hiking Cactus to Clouds, the hardest day hike in the USA with over 10,000 feet of climbing.
Gear I'm Using Now:
inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach
Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app
Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch
Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes
Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack
Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance

Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):
https://hikingguy.com/gear

Maps & Printed Directions:
https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/p...

In this video, I cover how to hike Cactus to Clouds, often considered the hardest day hike in the USA. This route takes you from the desert floor in Palm Springs up to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, climbing over 10,000 feet in roughly 21 miles. I break the hike down into manageable sections, share tips for tackling the notorious Skyline Trail, and show you what to expect from trailhead to summit and back down via the tram.

Timing and preparation are everything for this hike. I walk through the best times of year to attempt Cactus to Clouds, taking into account the brutal desert heat at the bottom and potential snow and ice at the top. I also explain how to use temperature gradients and weather forecasts to plan your start time, and stress how important it is to understand what you’re getting into—this hike has been fatal for unprepared hikers.

I also go over the gear I bring for safety and comfort, from water strategies to using GPX tracks for navigation and looking out for white trail blazes in the dark. I include tips for pacing, energy management, and water refill spots along the route. If you're serious about completing Cactus to Clouds safely, this guide lays out everything you need to know in a practical, no-nonsense way.

Whether you’re doing this hike for the first time or planning a return trip, the detailed trail breakdown, logistics, and gear insights should help you get it done safely and successfully. There’s a reason this hike has such a reputation—it’s a challenge, but with the right preparation, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences out there.

Chapters
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

Links:
Website: https://hikingguy.com
Monthly Hiking News (free):   / hikingguy  
Subscribe:    / hikingguy  

---

Disclaimer:
Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.