Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop Trail

Ladder Canyon & Painted Canyon Loop Trail is a moderate 5-mile hike in the Mecca Hills Wilderness near Mecca, California, featuring narrow slot canyons and ladder climbs through colorful rock walls.

Tucked into the eastern side of the Coachella Valley, in Chuckwalla National Monument, this route offers a stunning mix of desert scenery and geological wonders, including towering canyon walls in vibrant shades of pink, red, and tan.

Adventurous hikers will find the ladders both exciting and manageable, but caution is advised during periods of extreme heat or potential flash floods. For the best experience, visit between October and April to avoid the region’s scorching summer temperatures.

Trail Details

Getting to Ladder Canyon & Painted Canyon Loop Trailhead

From Palm Springs, head east on I-10 for about 30 miles. Take the exit for CA-86 and follow the 66th Avenue Bypass for approximately 5 miles until you reach Painted Canyon Road. Turn left onto Painted Canyon Road and drive another 5 miles on this well-maintained dirt road. You’ll arrive at a signed parking area near the canyon’s entrance.

If you’re coming from the east of the Coachella area, take the Box Canyon Road exit off I-10 and continue for about 15 miles. Turn right onto Painted Canyon Road and proceed 5 miles until you reach the same signed parking lot. Although most passenger vehicles can handle Painted Canyon Road, use extra caution if it’s recently rained or if the road appears sandy; high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended in those conditions.

The Trail

The adventure begins at the parking area at the end of Painted Canyon Road, where you’ll see a sign indicating the start of the hike. As you enter the canyon, keep an eye out for a faint path or a stone arrow marking the beginning of Ladder Canyon Trail on your left. Many hikers do the loop clockwise, which means you’ll tackle the ladder climbs first before looping back through Painted Canyon.

In the initial slot canyon section, you’ll notice the walls rising dramatically around you, sometimes just a few feet apart. The terrain can be sandy underfoot, and the temperature can rise quickly—be sure you have enough water and sun protection. Soon, you’ll encounter the first of several ladders that have been placed to help hikers navigate short but steep ascents. Inspect each ladder before climbing, and proceed carefully, as footing can be shaky in spots.

Once you’ve climbed out of the slot canyon via the ladders, you’ll emerge into a wide, open desert landscape. Here, the trail levels out briefly, offering sweeping views of the Mecca Hills and the distant peaks surrounding the Coachella Valley. The midday sun can be intense in this area; the best strategy is to start the hike early or time your visit for the cooler months.

As you continue forward, you’ll begin a gradual descent back into Painted Canyon. This section showcases colorful banded rock formations that give the canyon its name, with hues of pink, red, and rust shimmering in the sunlight. The canyon narrows again in places, but the route here is more straightforward than Ladder Canyon. Keep an eye out for side slots and small caves carved by flash floods over time. Eventually, you’ll return to the main canyon floor and follow the wide wash back to your starting point.

Since the trail is fully exposed for most of the loop, carry plenty of water and avoid hiking during extremely hot weather. In addition, be mindful of flash flood risks—sudden rainfall in surrounding areas can quickly fill these canyons with water.

Camping

While there is no established campground at the trailhead, the surrounding areas of the Mecca Hills Wilderness are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Dispersed camping on BLM land may be permitted in certain locations, but check current regulations and road conditions before attempting to camp. Alternatively, you can look into nearby private campgrounds or RV parks in the Coachella Valley, which offer more amenities. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and respect posted rules to keep this wilderness area pristine.