Cactus-to-Clouds before the Clocks Turn Back! - 2nd Annual

"The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" - John Muir

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/1/3/c/event_129244412.jpeg

Photo of Ron Zamow, Cactus-to-Clouds, 5 November 2011

Let's take advantage of the last day of Daylight Savings Time to hike C2C. According to Wikipedia, the "Cactus to Clouds trail involves an arduous climb of over 10,000 feet from the Palm Springs Art Museum [at approximately 450 feet] to the summit at 10,834 feet. The mountain is quite rugged in places, with several outdoor hazards that hikers may be unprepared for, including high altitude, severe weather, steep rock faces, and wild animals. Hikers and climbers die or are harmed every year."

C2C is a very beautiful but extremely strenuous and potentially dangerous hike. If you would like to attend, and if you have done a recent hike with at least 5000 feet of elevation gain, please sign up by joining the Waiting list. If we have hiked with you before, or if we know about your hiking experience, we will add you to the Going list. This sign-up process is for your safety and the safety of the group. Thanks for your understanding!

Details
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous

Start Time: 3:30 a.m.

Elevation Gain/Loss: over 10,000 ft gain/2600 feet loss

Maximum Elevation: 10,834 feet at the summit of Mount San Jacinto

Pace: Moderate but steady for 13 to 14 hours total (it's possible it could take as long as 16 hours)

Trail head: Palm Springs Art Museum parking lot

Descent: Tram down and cab ride back to cars

Carpooling: Highly recommended

Don't Forget to Bring
Money: The cost for the one-way tram ride is approximately $12.00. We will then share a cab or two back to the Museum. The cab fare usually ends up being about $5.00 per person. Bring extra money if you want to purchase food/beverages at the Tram station.

Headlamp and extra batteries: We will be hiking in the dark for the first few hours.

Ten Essentials: The standard hiking/outdoor emergency gear, including first aid kit and moleskin. The classic and updated lists with a good explanation: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ten+essentials.html

Water and Food: At least three liters of water (we can refill at the Tram station), snacks, lunch, energy bars, gels and definitely electrolytes. Electrolytes are especially important to prevent or stop cramps.

Layered Clothing: The temperature can drop up to 30 degrees as we ascend, so bring layers, including warm hat, gloves, wind jacket and insulation (fleece or down).

Weather

Forecast for the trail head: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Palm+Springs&state=CA&site=SGX&textField1=33.8303&textField2=-116.544&e=0

Forecast for the peak: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.81766299090527&lon=-116.67926788330078&site=sgx&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text

Stormy weather and/or snow/ice on the trail will cancel.

Waiver
Every year there are many rescues on Skyline and over past years several hikers have died. Please do not attempt this hike unless you know that you are capable of doing it and please bring the necessary essentials. Skyline is especially dangerous in warm or hot weather. Please note that you agree to pay for any medical or legal cost involved in case of an injury to yourself, and request your heirs to respect your agreed waiver in case of a death due to any reason, by signing up for this event.