Cactus to Clouds Trip Report - May 21st Saturday

[Mtnsummit]

Just read the post from May 20th update, so will add just a few things from our trip yesterday. 8 of us started out at 5:30am (would have started earlier but weather forcast was mild for Palm Springs). Started out from Ramon Rd. (and came back with our car broken into - more on that later). The white dots on the rocks definately helps keeping you confident you are on the right track. Trail is pretty easy to follow, and towards last ridge before Long Valley a arrow out of rocks points the way up. We made it to the tram at 1:45pm. At that point two of the hikers had had enough for the day, and two more decided to stay with them. The rest of us (4) decided to push on. The Ranger at the station had explained some were finding the trail to Wellman Divide hard to follow due to snow. They also explained most likely crampons or snow shoes were probably not needed. The trail was a bit tricky to follow at some small portions, but just follow the numerous foot prints and dirty snow trails, and you should be pretty good. Bring a map and compass as good measure. The route from Wellman Divide to the top was actually pretty clear of snow until the emergency rock cabin. From to the top will be many foot prints, prior post holes, etc.. But you don't need spikes or snow shoes. However trekking polls did come in very handy on sections of the route to keep from slipping. I used my trail running shoes and never did get my socks wet FYI. Snow was compacted. We reached the summit at 6:00pm, I think the last to do so for the day. We spent about 20 minutes or so on the top, exhausted but happy with our accomplishment and GREAT weather. Way back down I put my bennie cap and light jacket on off we headed down.

I had looked at the tram site the day before to see when the last ride down was. It was posted as 9:45pm. In reality it was 9:00pm due to prom going on. We got back to the tram at 8:50! It did not help that the three members wanted to hike back to the tram with no headlamps, feeling enough light was out to navigate back. We were rushing back because the other 4 members that had decided to stay at the tram had been waiting for us all that time - nearly 6 hours - to get back. Well, with no headlamps being used (I had mine but they did not want to stop long enough for me to get it out of my pack) we took the wrong turn on Willow Creek instead of going straight on Low Trail back to the tram (only about a quarter of a mile away from our final destination. After a few minutes or realizing we were not going the right way, checking our map and compass, we backtracked a few hundred yards and found the trail back to the tram.

I am glad we made the tram back down by 9:00pm, otherwise we would have waited until probably 12:00 or 1:00am to ride the last one down with all the prom kids.

Other notes - bring a lot of WATER!!! Even though I had explained (in writing no less) to our other members what they needed to bring well in advance, a couple of them did not heed the advice. Sure enough before Long Valley/Tram on the way up, one had run out of water well in advance. Lucky for him others had enough to ration to him, but don't get caught short. I brought 1.5 gallons of water and it was just about right, with some to spare. If a hot day in forecast, I would make it 2 gallons to be safe. Also, BRING FOOD! I found it very hard to feel like eating after a few hours in, but you need to bring something for energy! There was a bucket on the trail that had a empty water bottle in it. A great idea for emergency. Next time I will have each of our party bring a extra plastic bottle to leave in the bucket - if everyone did so it would make the hike safer for those ill prepared. This is not a easy hike, and you must be prepared so that you do not have to rely on others to help save you. And bring some warm clothes to change into when going to the top.

We took a chance when arriving in Palm Springs at 4:30am to see if the Tram parking lot was open ( I thought it did not open until 6:30am) but to our surprise it was open so we left a car in the Tram parking lot, crammed into my Silver Pilot, and proceeded to Ramon Rd to start the hike. Well, by the time we got back to the car (9:30pm), some idiot/scum had decided to bust my window, and found two of our wallets and took other items out of the car. My stupid mistake leaving my wallet in the car. So I would be leary of leaving a car at that spot. While there are homes nearby, the parking spaces near the trail are somewhat isolated. It tainted and otherwise great day. I will post this incident in another thread just to make sure everyone sees this part.

[Ellen]

Howdy MtSummit

Fabulous trip report and congratulations on your C2C My day ended at the tram.

I'm so sorry about the car vandalism and robberies !@#$%^& gutless losers

The last time this happened, one of our board members suggested meeting at the Palm Springs police station.

I've been at the museum in the wee hours of the morning when police cars have driven into the parking lot to patrol -- I always smile and wave.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen