You may have heard of Cactus to Clouds, perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding hike, not just locally—but in the entire United States, starting at the Palm Springs Art Museum and concluding 10,300 feet higher at San Jacinto Peak.
It’s less likely that you’ve heard of the CactusToCloud Institute, a local nonprofit formed in 2021 as a project by four friends—certified California Naturalists and UC Climate Stewards—who share a passion for the California desert.
I recently connected with Colin Barrows, a Coachella Valley naturalist and the secretary of the CactusToCloud Institute. He explained that the organization’s name is not directly related to the Cactus to Clouds hiking trail; instead, the name reflects the dramatic elevational changes found throughout the region and serves as a reminder of the diverse environments that make the desert so unique.
Desert Sands and Sky Islands is a flagship initiative of the CactusToCloud Institute, in partnership with the University of California, to help residents better understand and connect with the natural landscapes of the desert through educational courses, hands-on learning and community engagement activities designed to foster an appreciation of public lands. The program includes courses including:
• Climate Stewards (www.cactustocloud.org/climate): This course, taking place this fall, focuses on making a difference in one’s own life by gaining a deep understanding of climate science, policy and solutions. Although the application deadline has passed for this year, you can check out the website (and social media) to learn more and put it on your list for next year.
California Naturalist (www.cactustocloud.org/naturalist): This course, taking place in the spring, is an opportunity to learn about the history and ecology of Southern California’s deserts—including public lands, national monuments and national parks—and how they can be better protected. Participants will gain hands-on field experience with outdoor education and community science while actively being involved in environmental stewardship. As Barrows pointed out, “It’s more of looking at the big-picture relationships between people, plants and animals. Think of the connection between going for a hike, the trails we hike on, to the food we eat.”
While there is a fee for these courses, scholarships and payment plans are available.
Barrows said the CactusToCloud Institute is unique because it offers opportunities for folks to get out and appreciate wildlife and plants—and not just via hikes, but via educational and experimental events.
The institute offers monthly events during the fall, winter and spring such as sketching, journaling workshops and bio-blitzing, where people come together to find and identify as many flora and fauna species as possible in a short time within a specific area. Last spring, the institute collaborated with the Native American Land Conservancy to bio-blitz at one of the local preserves while looking at pollinating insects. They had an expert from UC Riverside talk about insects while they enjoyed the natural surroundings, hiking a mile or so and looking at butterflies, bees, etc.
During the hottest months, CactusToCloud may organize sunrise walks and other cooler activities. Check www.cactustocloud.org and the institute’s social-media channels to stay in the loop and learn more.
Speaking of cooler activities: Mid-October to mid-November is the prime time to do the infamous Cactus to Clouds hike.
Barrows completed this long, grueling and dangerous hike once in April; he called it an unforgettable accomplishment. Now, when offering advice to others, he cautiously recommends, “Do as I say, not as I do,” and instead going closer to the end of October, as it should be cooler, before any chance of snow—but “keep a close eye on the weather, and be prepared for changing conditions,” he warned. While spring conditions may seem ideal, Barrows noted that snow and ice can still be present at higher elevations, creating hazardous conditions for unprepared hikers.
There have been multiple fatalities and numerous heat-related rescues from this trail over the years, often on the lower, exposed section of the Skyline Trail, which is where Barrows said he had the toughest time, even with a 4 a.m. start from the Palm Springs Art Museum Trailhead. He was packing six liters of water—that’s heavy stuff—in addition to everything else. “After a couple hours, the trail was sun-exposed and, it was hot,” he said.
Despite its challenges, the hike offers amazing beauty. Barrows described the section along the Skyline Trail around 4,000 feet in elevation as one of his favorites. I couldn’t agree more. I think this area is known as Flat Rock—it’s where the views begin to open, with breathtaking panoramic sights high above Palm Springs; you can see the entire Coachella Valley and far beyond. It makes for a great scenic stop and resting/snack point before the steep climb into Long Valley. This was the most memorable part of the trail for me when I hiked it from the desert floor to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station some years back—that, and the section where you see the tram cars. I remember them being so close, yet so far away.
The most memorable experience for Barrows during his trek was his stop at Mountain Station to regroup—and enjoy a big plate of nachos, smothered in melted cheese, with a beer—before continuing up the mountain to San Jacinto Peak. Then, he went back down to Mountain Station to catch the tram to the valley floor.
In addition to following the lists of dessert essentials (www.desertmountains.org/hiking/#desert-essentials) and things to know before hiking higher elevations (www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hiking), be sure to follow these tips for this hike:
- Be in the best shape of your life.
- Acclimate! Spend time in higher elevation one to two weeks before doing the hike.
- Bring six liters of water.
- Bring extra clothing to layer.
- Bring a headlamp with backup batteries.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Have a map and a plan, and always let someone know where you’re going. Don’t forget to let them know you’re off the trail and safe when you’re done.
Learn more at www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/skyline-trail-cactus-to-clouds and hikingguy.com/hikes/cactus-to-clouds.
