🥾01/24 SAT 8:30 AM | LADDER CANYON *HIKE* (MECCA WILDERNESS) 🥾

8:30 am* // Distance 8 miles // Elevation 1200 feet

*It is approximately a 2 1/2 hour drive from Orange County. And yes the start time is 8:30 am. The trail can get crowded on the weekends. It is less fun with crowds.

LADDER CANYON & PAINTED CANYON
I am always in search of new and unique adventures. One of my recent discoveries is Ladder Canyon near Mecca, CA. The hike weaves through the canyons in the Mecca Hills Wilderness, a rugged and beautiful series of rock formations and slot canyons created by the San Andreas fault and thousands of years of erosion. This hike has a little bit of everything, ladders you have to climb to get to the next section, slot canyons, and beautiful desert scenery that reminds you of something you would see in Death Valley.

The ladders, and hike in general, are fairly safe. I have seen a wide range of hikers from the very young to the AARP on the main loop. But this is a remote wilderness hike and you should be prepared for anything.

ROPE CANYON
For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, we will do a little extra credit through Rope Canyon after the main hike. Rope Canyon is more strenuous than Ladder Canyon, especially since we will be climbing the ropes. You’ll need some upper body strength. You can turn around at any point if it gets too treacherous or challenging for you.

BOMBAY BEACH, SALVATION MOUNTAIN, SLAB CITY
Extra, extra credit option. Some of us can go explore the VERY UNIQUE communities around the Salton Sea. If you have never visited the area surrounding the Salton Sea, it is quite the sight. There is nothing like it.

However, it makes for a very long day. I'd say add another 3-4 hours to the trip. But ... how often are you all the way out in BFE??? I have seen it, but if others are interested I'd probably be down.

PRO TIPS

• The trailhead is about 4.5 miles off the main road along the unpaved Painted Canyon Road. The sand is generally hard-packed, but some sections have soft sand that you can get stuck in. Typically you can drive almost to the trailhead before you hit any soft sand.
• If you have a two-wheel drive or low-clearance vehicle, and the sand gets too soft, just back up and park somewhere safe. It's okay to park along the side of the road, and people often park from 0.6-0.3 miles away from the trailhead and walk. That said, I've seen low-clearance vehicles get to the trailhead without a problem. It's whatever you're comfortable with.
• If you have a truck or jeep, you'll be fine.
• If you do get stuck, know that there's generally no cell phone service in the canyon and you'll probably have to hitch a ride with another hiker back to the road.
• There are A LOT of tweakers in the dessert. Don’t leave anything valuable in the car!

LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER
If you are new to AMTR, please bring a signed and completed waiver to the event or email it to: AMTR.Meetup@gmail.com. You will be asked to sign a waiver if you do not have one on file. If you refuse to sign, you cannot join the meetup event.

READ, SIGN, AND EMAIL TASJA YOUR WAIVER

HIKING ESSENTIALS
Please bring your own hiking essential needs. This is a REMOTE WILDERNESS trail. Bring layers, sturdy hiking shoes, good socks, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a first aid kit. I’d recommend gloves if planning to do Rope Canyon.

DISCLAIMER
The Organizer, Assistant Organizers, Volunteers, Ride leaders, and Event Organizers in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer(s) is only to organize the meetup. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/outing is responsible for his or her own safety. By signing up for a ride, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards. In addition, you further agree to release and discharge the Organizer and Assistant Organizers of the All Mountain Trail Riders Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities.