Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderately difficult loop trail in Mecca Hills Wilderness. It is a very popular hike. There are many routes, including a rope trail and ladder trails. These are accessed by either climbing up and down ropes or by climbing up and down ladders positioned over steep rock faces.

This trail goes by 20' Rope, Lookout, and Ladders.

Hiking the Ladder Canyon Trail and Painted Canyon Trail near Palm Springs in Southern California is a unique experience, featuring rock formations, slot canyons, ladders to climb, and art on the canyon walls. There are painted arrows on the ground and rock arrows to signal the way.

Getting Started

Remember the 10 Essentials (https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) and to Leave No Trace (https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/).

No dogs allowed on this trail

Be aware that the conditions on this hike can change drastically in minutes. It can go from sunny and warm to hailing and VERY windy along the ridge, so dress and pack accordingly. This is a series of slot canyons, so be aware that flash floods can and do occur. Do not hike in this area when there is rain in the forecast as you would have no escape from flooding if you are in the canyon. There is no cell phone service and the area is quite remote, so a GPS device would be very handy.

The best direction to complete this loop is clockwise, so that you climb up ladders instead of down, and because you must climb ladders to complete it, this route is not suitable for everyone. Bring water with you, as coming out of the slot canyon up to the junction with ridge trail there no shade and steep grades. After the junction, another mile of ridge trail is also sun exposed and it can get very hot. There are no good shortcuts back to the beginning so be extra prepared on hot days.

It is recommended to have four wheel drive (4WD) to make it up the dirt road and access this trail. This area has a history of flash floods, so check the status of Painted Canyon Road, which leads to the Painted Canyon Trailhead (https://www.desertmountains.org/open-trails)

Take Grapefruit Blvd (also Hwy 111), left on 66th Ave will transition to Box Canyon Rd, left on Painted Canyon Rd.

A GPS will take you to the wrong location. Type in “Ladder Canyon” and your phone will only take you 1.5 miles down Box Canyon Rd (not the trailhead). Drive 3.5 more miles until the road ends, there’s a sign that says END.

Taking Children

This is not a hike for young children. Teenagers would be fine on this hike as long as they are not scared of heights.