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Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop
Starting from the Painted Canyon trailhead, this loop enters the sandy wash of Big Painted Canyon, where the Mecca Hills reveal pale badland slopes, narrow walls and desert vegetation typical of the wilderness.
The route then turns into Ladder Canyon, climbing through a tighter slot-like passage with rock obstacles and fixed ladders before emerging onto open ridges above the canyon system.
It finishes by descending through the broader, colorful corridor of Painted Canyon, returning between sculpted walls, sandy washes and the rugged desert relief of the Mecca Hills.
#Hiking #Loop #Canyon #Mountain #Nature #Wilderness #Desert
- Distance: 4.6 mi
- Elevation gain: 1,073 ft
- Maximum elevation: 1,335 ft
- Elevation loss: 1,076 ft
- Minimum elevation: 610 ft
- Moving time: 4 h 25 m
- Moving speed: 1.0 mph
- Maximum speed: 2.1 mph
- Total time: 13 h 1 m
- Global speed: 0.4 mph
Interactive trail map
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Trail profile
- Distance: 4.6 mi
- Elevation gain: 1,073 ft
- Maximum elevation: 1,335 ft
- Elevation loss: 1,076 ft
- Minimum elevation: 610 ft
- Moving time: 4 h 25 m
- Moving speed: 1.0 mph
- Maximum speed: 2.1 mph
- Total time: 13 h 1 m
- Global speed: 0.4 mph
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Gear up for your next adventure:
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
About this trail
Name: Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop trail, distance, elevation, map, profile, GPS track
Start: Painted Canyon Road, Riverside County, California, 92254, United States (33.61912 -115.99921)
End: Painted Canyon Road, Riverside County, California, 92254, United States (33.61916 -115.99924)
Coordinates: 33.61912 -115.99924 33.64153 -115.98824
Topography: Riverside County topographic map, elevation, terrain
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Painted Canyon Trail and Ladder Canyon Trail Loop in Mecca Hills Wilderness
United States > California > Riverside County
The Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail Loop offers a dynamic mix of adventure and scenery, from colorful rock walls to narrow slot canyons. The trail's iconic ladders allow hikers to navigate through steep sections, adding a touch of excitement as they climb through twisting pathways. At higher points,…
Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,060 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,339 ft
