Cactus to Clouds trip

[J-Red]

Finally had the opportunity to take this hike the way I was wanting to. Me and my friend took overnight packs up from the Palm Springs Museum to the tram. We got a lot of funny looks do to the heavy nature of our backpacks but we were up for the challenge. The push above 6000 feet was not easy with 40 pounds on our back and proved to be very challenging. After getting to the tram we took a couple hours eating french fries and pizza before heading to the ranger station for an overnight permit. Then getting into Round Valley and finding a good spot proved to be somewhat challenging due to the amount of snow and markers on trails.
But after setting up camp on top of the snow I don't think I have ever fell asleep so fast. We then woke up on Sunday and headed up to the summit which proved to be another test as our legs were pretty sore from the previous day. Getting to the summit and enjoying the view made it all worth it. All said we had a great time and saw some beautiful scenery. I'm glad to have read the many posts on here to help me prepare for the hike

[nobohiker]

Thanks for sharing the great report, sounds like you had a great time.
How high was the snow near the peak and also at round valley? Did you run into anyone coming up the Deer Springs Trail via Fuller Ridge? I'd be interested in trail conditions. Thanks!

[J-Red]

Nobohiker
I did run into a lot more fellow hikers than I thought we would. We stopped to talk to a couple groups coming from Lyken trail but none from Deer Springs. We did have a great experience and everyone we met on the trail was very friendly. Trail conditions deffinetly took some getting use to. A couple of times I found myself leading us off trail looking at scenery instead of boot prints but nothing that a little attention couldn't fix. As to the snow I was not carrying my GPS and don't have the exact elevation but we started to see snow on the trail a little before the Tram. There are a few areas on approx the last 500ft we put micro spikes on to avoid slipping. The rest of the time after leaving the ranger station on the way to Round Valley and from there to the summit we wore the spikes. In some areas they weren't maybe an absolute but I had a heavy pack and would have been like a turtle on it's back had I fallen.

[Ellen]

Howdy J-Red

I think we saw you in Doreen's "enchanted garden" (the lovely flat area below the 5 K elevation mark on "Mars"). We were impressed -- congratulations on a good climb

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[J-Red]

Thanks Ellen
It turns out I have a huge amount of respect for everyone that takes that hike especially those who do it regularly. It was my first time on that trail and even though it was tough it was worth the effort. Glad to have found this site. Lots of good info

[neverwashasbeen]

J-Red, did you find the elevator or the bar first?

[J-Red]

Nwhb

No elevator like my legs were hoping for but there is a bar at the Tram. I plan on doing the trail again and it's some motivation for sure

[nobohiker]

Thanks for all the details J-Red!
I am thinking about about a three day hike next weekend and spending one night in round valley - are campfires allowed there?

-Rick

[J-Red]

Rick

Unfortunately there are no fires allowed at Round Valley. I think there is a campground closer to Idylwild that has Firepits on site but I have never been. It's a great time to camp up there IMO. Bring lots of warm gear for at night because the wind can make it feel a lot colder than it really is.
Have Fun
Jared

[nobohiker]

Thanks J-Red, much appreciated, I could not find this on their website...