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Cactus to Clouds Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 306 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cactus to Clouds Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trail through mountainous desert terrain known for its steep elevation increase.
What runners say about Cactus to Clouds Trailhead
“Convenient hike adjacent to the heart of Palm Springs, going straight up the hillside to offer great views of the city and surrounding valley.”
“Even with my flashlight dimmed, it was pretty easy to follow the real trail and not make any shortcuts or missteps.”
Went up to the top trying to find some mountain goats, didn’t see them up there so came back down, then saw them crossing the trail almost by the entrance of the trail! They’re so gorgeous! Seemed comfortable being around human as long as we keep the distance.
My hotel sat really close to the base of the hike near the museum. I was visiting Palm Springs with my mom and while I like to go on long walks every morning, she doesn't so I was by myself exploring the city on foot everyday. I had gone every direction from my hotel.....except up.
Fantastic! This is a great trail with plenty of fantastic views whether you plan on a hike for a short while or an entire trek. Lots of rocks and gravel, and it’s rough on the knees, so be careful and come prepared. Bring water, and lots of it, because you’ll dry out quick!
I swear Ill do the whole trail someday...but I can definitely recommend the first mile (up to "the top" picnic area) as an excellent 4:30am wakeup hike. Even with my flashlight dimmed, it was pretty easy to follow the real trail and not make any shortcuts or missteps.
Trail conditions & character
“Convenient hike adjacent to the heart of Palm Springs, going straight up the hillside to offer great views of the city and surrounding valley.”
“The initial part is a little difficult because of the rocks, and the next 4 miles are so after that is a steady incline.”
“The trailhead is in the back of the art museum's parking lot, which has many signs that parking is reserved for museum attendees.”
“the last 2 miles are definitely the toughest, and are by far the most technical, as you have to deal with fallen trees and steep cliffs, known as “The Traverse”.”
Plan your run at Cactus to Clouds Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Phone+1 760-862-9984
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
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