Epic 10,000+ ft gain from Palm Springs. Extremely strenuous.
Plan your San Jacinto Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Cactus to Clouds
Self-issue this free day-use permit, 24 hours a day, at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild, Stone Creek, or the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway, or use San Bernardino National Forest's free online day-hike form. Either agency's day-use permit covers both wilderness areas.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
How to get a Cactus to Clouds permit
- Type
- Day Use
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Self-issue this free day-use permit, 24 hours a day, at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild, Stone Creek, or the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway, or use San Bernardino National Forest's free online day-hike form. Either agency's day-use permit covers both wilderness areas.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at California State Parks before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Cactus to Clouds: Live availability activity
How much a Cactus to Clouds permit costs
Cactus to Clouds permit fee: Free.
When to hike Cactus to Clouds
Cactus to Clouds rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.
- 02Day-use wilderness permits are free and available 24 hours from self-issue desks at Park Headquarters, Stone Creek Campground and the Long Valley Ranger Station.
- 03Both the National Forest and State Park honor each other's day use permit, so one permit covers both wilderness areas for a day hike.
- 04One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is hiking together at all times.
- 05This is a day-use permit. Camping overnight needs a separate permit from whichever agency owns the ground you sleep on.
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Cactus to Clouds.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Cactus to Clouds · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Cactus to Clouds FAQ
Do I need a permit for the Skyline Trail (Cactus to Clouds)?
For the state park half, yes. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." It is a free day-use wilderness permit and there is no cap on it. The lower Palm Springs section is not state park land.
Where do I get a Skyline Trail day-use permit?
Off a desk, or off a form. The state park's day-use permits "are free and available 24 hours" at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild, Stone Creek Campground and the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway. San Bernardino National Forest also publishes a free online day-hike form, and "Both the National Forest and State Park honor each other's day use permit so visitors only need to obtain one for both wilderness areas."
Cactus to Clouds trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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