A Scenic Mecca in the Coachella Valley

Slot canyons, distinctly colored rock formations, palm oases and ridge tops with far-reaching views are the reasons for a hiking pilgrimage to the Mecca Hills.

The hills, southeast of Palm Springs near the northern tip of the Salton Sea, offer textbook displays on geologic faults and the power of earthquakes. Rock dating back 600 million years has been pushed up and overturned. Geologists think the last big push took place about a million years ago when the Mecca Hills were thrust up between the Painted Canyon and San Andreas faults.

Painted Canyon, in the heart of the hills, exhibits a multitude of mineral deposits in hues of pink, rose, red, purple and green.

Keen-eyed wildflower lovers also will find the rare Mecca aster, a lilac-tinted bloom resembling a daisy.

It’s an excellent hiking destination, one that can be explored by way of a loop through Ladder Canyon, named for the ladders that aid hikers along the path. Just remember to bring lots of water, be prepared for hot weather and stay on established routes.

Directions to the trail head: From Palm Springs, Palm Desert or any of the other Coachella Valley cities, follow California 111 east to Mecca. Turn east at 66th Avenue. The street takes the name Box Canyon Road, and after 41/2 miles it bends northeast. A quarter of a mile after crossing the Coachella Canal, you’ll spot a sign for Painted Canyon Road on the left. Turn left onto this road and proceed four miles to the trail head.

The hike: Head east (right) up the wide canyon a quarter of a mile to the entrance for Ladder Canyon. The route skirts a rockslide and soon brings you to a ladder. Climb to a long slot canyon, continue the ascent for about a third of a mile, then join a switchbacking trail to a ridge. Inexperienced hikers will want to turn around here and retrace their steps to the trail head.

Experienced desert hikers with a good sense of direction can follow the path north along the ridge as it serves up views of the Mecca Hills, the Salton Sea to the south and Mt. San Jacinto to the west. After following the ridge for slightly more than a mile, the trail descends into Painted Canyon. Bear south, down the canyon.

Continue to a narrow spot where another ladder helps you reach the canyon bottom. The trail head is slightly less than a mile farther.