Took a tram from palm springs up to San Jacinto wilderness (an almost immediate 8k ft change in altitude) then hiked from the tram to the top of San Jacinto Peak. Its incredible how the elevation impacts the environment so drastically in a matter of just a few minutes I went from a hot, dry desert to a cool, lush forest. The scenery here was incredible. Encountered some thunderstorms at the summit took shelter in a small cabin nearby. Waited for storm to pass and continued on. Someday I hope to do the full hike cactus to clouds, but have to admit it was nice to just take it easy and enjoy the views. Typically I need to work much harder to get the views I saw here.