Mecca Ladder Canyon Trail (Level 2 Moderate)

This is day 2 of the Mecca Hills adventure. On day 1 we hiked the Mecca Hills Grotto Trail. You may consider staying overnight in the Indio area to hike both of these trails.

Considered one of the best desert hikes in Southern California, the Ladder Canyon Trail, with a loop through Painted Canyon, is a must-do. The hike weaves through the canyons in 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. And, of course, there are the famous ladders. To do the hike, you’ll climb up and down several ladders to scale the steep cliff walls. Don’t worry, the ladders aren’t that scary and are relatively safe. Another great thing about the Ladder Canyon Trail is that you have great views of the high mountains when you are not in a canyon. Overall, this is an incredible hike.

For more information, see Hiking Guide link
https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/palm-springs-hiking-trails/ladder-canyon-trail-painted-canyon-loop-hike/

To get to the trailhead, Take Interstate 10 East, pass Indio, then take Hwy 86 South and exit at 66 Ave. Go East for 4 miles and it becomes Box Canyon Road, and you will see the Painted Canyon Road on the left. Turn left to the Painted Canyon to drive on a 5-mile gravel road with packed sand. There should not be a problem with high clearance and 4-wheel drive vehicles. But some sedans can make it by going slower. If it becomes difficult, you can park off to the side and walk to the trailhead.

Bring water, hat, sunscreen. Gloves can be handy. Don't bring hiking poles because you need to climb ladders and rocks.

Distance - 5 miles
Elevation Gain - 900 ft

General Rating: Level 2 Moderate. Download RATING TABLE (https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating) to read more about difficulty levels.

REMINDER:

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> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***