Organizer
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Daniel Coleman
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Phone
(360) 481-1477 -
Email
teninopt@gmail.com -
Daniel Coleman has been hiking on his own and with clubs in the Coachella Valley and nearby areas for over 10 years. He has participated in many hikes as sweep and enjoys mapping and tracking the hikes as well. Back home in Washington State, Dan hiked and camped over many years with family and friends in the deserts in Eastern Washington and in the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. As a serviceman in the Air Force, he enjoyed some hiking in the Phillipines, eastern France, Germany, and Austria. Dan's experience includes marine navigation and sailboat racing as well as search and rescue for the Olympia Harbor Patrol and the Civil Air Patrol. Dan retired from practice after 40 years as a physical therapist and enjoys leading hikes here in the desert. Dan has developed 7 hikes in and around Joshua Tree National Park during which he relates historical tales of adventure and misadventure at these sites. When you discover an old cabin or mine while hiking in the desert, it likely holds a story of adventure from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Join Dan on his hikes to hear what happened in seven of these different locations!
Location
Category
CANCELLED MECCA LADDERS CANYON TO BIG PAINTED CANYON
THIS HIKE IS ONLY FOR FIT HIKERS FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA AND ACCLIMATED TO THE VALLEY OVER AT LEAST A MONTH. PLEASE TEXT DAN TO SET A TIME TO DISCUSS IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
The trailhead is an hour drive from Indio, that last 3+ miles of which is a rutted desert dirt/sand road. Add driving time to the hike duration for planning. 4WD vehicle with high clearance preferred.
Even though this hike and the pace are rated moderate, it has its challenges. The beginning of the canyon requires either crawling through a small short tunnel or walking a catwalk about 10 feet long while holding onto the cliff wall to reach the opening of the ladders canyon. (Kids love this!)
There are several dry waterfalls that must be climbed using tall ladders (15-20 ft.). Narrow slot canyons open to wider higher canyons leading to an overlook ridge with a view of the Salton Sea. After proceeding up the ridge for approximately a mile, we drop down into the Big Painted Canyon and wind our way back to the parking lot about two miles away.
4.4 miles, 820 foot elevation gain.
Please email or text Dan with your full name and phone number to find out what’s involved and sign up for this hike. Time posted is meet-up time for caravan to trailhead.
Cell: 360-481-1477
Email: teninopt@gmail.com
HIKE LEADER: Daniel Coleman
HIKE LOCATOR: Mecca Chocolate Mountains
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate
HIKER LIMIT: 10
TIME: 4 hours
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!
