Organizer

Andrew Walls
Andrew Walls
Phone
530-264-6290
Email
atwalls@gmail.com

Andrew is a full time resident of Palm Desert who actually hikes during the summer! Andrew is an avid hiker and backpacker who can be found strolling on and off trails throughout the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree NP and Grand Canyon NP. In addition to his participation in CVHC activities, Andrew is a Certified California Naturalist and a hike leader with Friends of the Desert Mountains. Prior to moving to the CV in 2017, Andrew was a team leader with the Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team in Northern California.

Other Organizers

Gary Ward
Gary Ward
Phone
949-285-4664
Email
gaudreygary@gmail.com

Location

Mecca-Painted Cyn Trailhead
Mecca-Painted Cyn Trailhead

Category

HIKE GROUP SAFETY

Date

Mar 14 2026

Time

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Labels

Moderate Hike,
Pace of Hike: Medium,
Trail Maintenance

Round 2! MECCA LADDERS CANYON- Trail Maintenance- Date Change

Following a successful tour of the most popular route in Ladders Canyon on February 7, we are headed back to inspect one of the less popular routes. We will inspect the ladders and hardware along the trail (trail details below) and identify items that require replacement or repair. A later hike will involve carrying replacement ladders and hardware in and bringing out old, damaged ladders and hardware. This is a joint operation of CVHC and the Sun City Hiking club.

The trailhead is an hour drive from Rancho Mirage, that last 3+ miles of which is a rutted desert dirt/sand road. The road is in good condition and does not require 4WD at the moment, but take it slow to avoid bottoming out.  Add driving time to the hike duration for planning. 

Even though this hike and the pace are rated moderate, it has challenges.  We will be ascending and descending ladders and slopes. In places we may use fixed ropes to assist in climbing.

This alternate route involves a walk up the main wash, followed by a series of dry waterfalls (ladders, ropes) and then ridge walking to a descent through slot canyons and additional dry waterfalls. A map is available here: https://caltopo.com/m/472V2TJ. We will follow the blue route on the map.

5.32 miles, 1039 foot elevation gain.

If you would like to join this hike, please email Andrew and include your phone number. 

HIKE LEADER: Andrew Walls & Gary Ward

HIKE LOCATOR: Mecca Chocolate Mountains

HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate

HIKE PACE: Medium

Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club!   Join Now!