Cactus to Clouds

[arose10]

I'm planning to do a midnight climb of San Jacinto, via the Cactus to Cloud Trail, in August. I'm currently thinking of doing the Museum Trail to Skyline to the Desert View Trail to the tram to the peak and then back to the tram. A few questions...

1) What USGS 7.5 topo maps do I need for this route?

2) Does anyone have key GPS waypoints for this route?

3) What is the best way for me to get from the base of the tram back to my car at the trailhead of the Museum Trail.

4) This is the first night hike I've done in awhile. Any recommendations for a good, reliable headlamp that will function well on the trail?

Any other tips, recommendations, must-knows, etc. would be greatly appreciated!


Best,
Alex


One semi-related question. I was also thinking of hitting up San Gorgonio, perhaps as a warm-up to San Jacinto. Any recommendations on which route to take? I was checking out: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/24i.htm.

[FIGHT ON]

I know #4. http://www.rei.com/product/745183
but you better ask where to park your car or how to leave it if you plan to park it in or near the Museum Parking lot.

[Hikin_Jim]

Best recommendation for Cactus to Clouds: wait until October. Even with a midnight start, it's going to be hot, hot, hot. Most folks do C2C in the spring or fall. Search through some of the old posts; there's been a lot of discussion over time re the heat issue.

Up to you of course, but something to think about.

Re San G: The Vivian Creek Trail is probably the best warm up for C2C. Get your dayhike wilderness permit well in advance; they go fast.

[Cy Kaicener]

Alex - Here is a good link for GPS waypoints
http://www.geocities.com/cactus2clouds/skyline.html

The Sierra Club is doing this as a midnight hike on October 18th

[kd]

I am planning my first C2C in October. I would go with the Sierra Club, but that is the only weekend that is unavailable due to visitors. I would like to go with an experienced hiker. Also, any recommendations for training would be appreciated. I do Devils Slide to Tahquitz on Monday evenings. 2:34 round tri last night. I try to do as much running as I can on the other days. C2C has been my dream for years. I really need a guide the first time....Thanks