Cactus to Clouds Trail Hike

[jadelaars]

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to this message board. Im currently training to do the Cactus to Clouds Trail Hike as the culmination of this summers hikes/races. I've already hit Jackass Peak, Langley, Baldy, Taquitz. and i have planned San Gorgonio, Whitney, and finally San Jacinto. in addition ive done several triathlons, all in order to be in the best shape for this monster of a mountain hike.

However, after hearing news of the two deaths this past weekend I feel kinda spooked. Im planning the hike for early October in order to reduce the heat factor. but ive never been on that trail and certainly dont want to get lost. ill be bringing a GPS unit and found a place to download the hike, but nothing can substitue someone with experience. Im reaching out to anyone out there who has done the hike and would be willing to hike with me up the trail. if youre interested, please send me a message and we can arrange something.

Thanks
Jason

[backcountrybrad]

hi Jason, I have also been eyeing this route, but as more of a trail run. Mind if I ask where you got your GPS coordinates from?

[Zé]

1. search the archives here, there are links to gps coordinates (I have given mine before)

2. if you do races / trail run, then that at least indicates a good level of conditioning that will obviously reduce the chances of heat stroke etc... you probably know your body better, and know how to hydrate yourself.

you're already being smart and thinking october, when it hopefully cools off a little bit. the later in the fall, the better - as long as it hasn't snowed yet.

[jadelaars]

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=178810

i was intending on using this guys route.

i doubt id try to run it. im mainly just doing the races for endurance conditioning. but i do want to keep a consistant strong pace and summit in under 10 hours.

[magikwalt]

Thank you jadelaars for posting the link to that site. In looking over the page I saw a Trip Stats section on the right hand side. They're depection of his trip speed and altitude/mileage are an excellent reference. If anyone needs to understand where the danger lies in this hike just study the two charts and use the slide bar below them to make it more obvious. As he approaches 5 miles note the plunge in his speed and how it continues until he reaches the 9 mile area.

The trauma for those not prepared starts as they climb the exposed ridge leading to flat rock and continues all the way to the traverse. The exposed ridge and area at and above flat rock have poor cell phone reception until you get high enough to have line of sight again.

[t75jwk1]

I will be out in Palm Desert August 17th - 23 and like a challenge. Is is reasonable to trail run this using a camelback for water? Assuming you are in reasonable condition how long might it take. I recently completed the Great Wall of China marathon (some elevation there) in 4 hr 6 min as well as the Devil's Lake 50 mile ultra marathon - which had plenty of elevation (both up and down) - took me 9 hrs. 25 min. for that one.

Anyone available to join in the "fun"?

[physicslord]

t75jwk1:

Search around this site, or check the cactus to clouds information site for advice on times and such.

How much running have you done when it is between 100 and 120 degrees in the shade?

Devils Lake is not enough. If you have never run in the Coachella valley in mid August, and are coming directly from the midwest with no acclimation I would strongly advise against your trail running plan.

Have you read the recent newspaper articles about the heat related deaths? Those people thought they were in good shape.

If you still think you are in good enough condition my advice is to bring one of those locator beacons so they can find your dead body in timely manner.

[FIGHT ON]

If you still think you are in good enough condition my advice is to bring one of those locator beacons so they can find your dead body in timely manner.

"Don't sugarcoat it like that, physicslord ... tell em straight!"

[Perry]

John, since you have little heat acclimatization but you happen to be quick by most hiking standards and trained for long distances and climbs, I think it would be doable with a 2:00 am start and a bright headlamp so you don't trip on rocks or step on snakes. Your camelback alone won't hold enough water. You'll need at least 2 gallons (16 pounds!) of water and more salt than you normally would take. Of course you already know about the importance of carbohydrates. I'm guessing you would reach the tram in 4 or 5 hours. I don't recommend doing the 5:00 am start time like zip (who does skyline in under 4 hours) just because it's your first time and it sounds like you're not used to climbing in the heat.

[bluerail]

Come out here and spend your first few days doing some shorter steep trails in the middle of the day and see what this heat is really like. That way if anything goes wrong on skyline you'll have a fair idea what can happen to you and how quickly you'll be in trouble.

If you need help locating other shorter, but steep trails I'm sure you can get help here.

If you still feel good about doing it, but can't find someone who is going up that knows the trail well, you're better off just going up the tram and doing a run.