The Story Behind C2C
Cactus to Clouds isn't just a hike—it's a rite of passage. Starting in the Sonoran Desert at 481 feet and climbing to 10,833 feet atop Mt. San Jacinto, it's rated one of the most demanding day hikes in North America by Backpacker Magazine.
The Journey
The trail begins behind the Palm Springs Art Museum, where you'll leave the desert floor and begin ascending the Skyline Trail. There's no water source for the entire Skyline section—just you, the trail, and temperatures that can swing from 120°F at the bottom to below freezing at the summit.
The Midnight Start Club
Most C2C hikers start at midnight or earlier to beat the brutal desert heat. You'll hike under stars, watch the sunrise from thousands of feet up, and experience one of the most dramatic environment transitions on Earth—from cacti and desert scrub to pine forests and alpine meadows.
Why We Made This
Completing Cactus to Clouds is an achievement worth celebrating. We created this gear for the community of hikers who've pushed through the pain, questioned their life choices around the 8,000-foot mark, and stood triumphant at the summit. This is gear for those who've earned it.
"10,400 feet of why... and then you reach the top and remember exactly why."
— Every C2C hiker, somewhere around Grubb's Notch
Ready to Wear Your Achievement?
Check out the first drop — t-shirts and hats available now.
Shop the First Drop