Hike Schedule
Tuesday, Jan21st- The Ladders in Mecca
8:30 am at the Costco Palm Desert Monterey by the gas station or the truck stop 90496 66th Ave, Mecca at 9 am or Kim's house at 8 am
Length 5 miles
Type Loop
Elevation 900 ft
Time 3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Meetup 90496 66th Ave, Mecca, CA 92254
Outside the Starbucks. Easy to get lost on the way in.
The closest city is Mecca. Google "Ladder Canyon Hike," and go to maps (Painted Canyon Trailhead Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254). The last road you take to the parking lot is a dirt road. It is roughly 3.5 miles long. There is a sign that says 4WD vehicles beyond this point when you turn onto the road, but I take my Honda Fit in; the road is washboard and dusty but not dangerous; just go slow, especially if you are not wearing a bra. This is a hiking favorite.
The trail is a loop that passes through a slot canyon with 5 to 7 ladders, climbs up to a ridge with some awesome views, and then returns along the bottom of Big Painted Canyon with wonderful rock formations. The ridge is exposed with no shade. I am squeamish about heights but do okay on this hike. We help each other clear the top of the ladders.
Bring at least 1 liter of water. New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
Tuesday Jan 28th
View Loop Whitewater
Saturday Jan 25th
No Hike
Saturday
Bring at least 1 liter of water. New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
Register here; new hikers must sign a waiver.
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