Thinking of hiking the Ladder Canyon Trail and Painted Canyon loop near Palm Springs, California? Do it!
Slot canyons are fun, and rock scrambles really do rock. Throw in some ladders to climb up, and you’ve got a totally unique and exciting hiking adventure.
That’s not even factoring in the beautiful panoramas and striped canyon walls set against a deep blue sky.
The adventure and variety are what make the loop from Ladder Canyon Trail through Painted Canyon one of the best hikes in Greater Palm Springs.
A little over an hour from Palm Springs, Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon are located in the Mecca Hills Wilderness. The 4.9 mile loop took us 2.5 hours to complete (stopping for many photos along the way) and is rated as moderately difficult. Gaining 984 feet in elevation, including some rock scrambling and climbing ladders through narrow openings, this hike may not be suitable for everyone.
Here’s what we experienced and what you can expect on a hike through Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon.
Accessing Ladder Canyon Trailhead
Ladder Canyon Trail is 48 miles from Palm Springs (and only 25 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park – another must-do day trip from Palm Springs). Roughly 5 miles before arriving at the trailhead, you’ll turn onto Painted Canyon Drive—a bumpy, gravel road that signs say require a 4×4 vehicle.
We saw some 2-wheel-drive cars make the journey, but I was very glad to have a 4×4 SUV as we slowly and carefully maneuvered through big bumps and lots of sand.
A couple things to keep in mind: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead or anywhere on the hike, so plan ahead. Also, there’s no reliable cell service. It’s a good idea to download a trail map before starting.
Beginning Ladder Canyon Hike
The Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon hike is a loop that is best done clockwise, as it allows you to climb up most of the ladders instead of down them.
As you begin, you’ll be walking on sand and gravel next to towering canyon walls. After walking about a quarter of a mile look for an arrow on the ground made of rocks pointing to your left.
The trail itself is easy to miss because it looks like you’re just heading straight for a wall of boulders. But that’s actually the trail! I told you this was fun!
Climb up into the pile of rocks and very soon you’ll come to the first ladder in a very small space.
We started our hike at the same time as a group of 4 older adults (in their late 60’s, maybe early 70’s). As we reached that first ladder, I wondered if they knew what they were in for. Well, it turns out they were all avid adventurers and hikers. One of them has even hiked the highest point in EVERY U.S. state (minus Alaska). I was impressed!
After climbing up the ladder, you’ll follow along a rocky trail, over boulders and come to more ladders.
This part of the hike reminded me of a slot canyon we hiked in Utah called Little Wild Horse. So fun!
Climbing out of the Canyon
As you follow Ladder Canyon Trail through the canyon, you’ll eventually come out on the top ridge of the canyon. This is where you can see beautiful panoramas for miles. You can even catch a glimpse of the Salton Sea. Pause here and take it all in.
Then continue along the trail which ascends along more of the canyon rim. This part of the hike got to be a little long for me. While the wide-open expanse was pretty, it was also pretty barren.
You’ll want to have sun protection at this point in the hike as there is no shade. It can also get windy here.
Descending into Painted Canyon
Eventually the trail descends into the basin of Painted Canyon and you’re back to walking on a very sandy surface. The Painted Canyon walls display dark and light stripes with subtle shades of orange, red, and gold hues.
While much prettier than the walls in Ladder Canyon, the colors weren’t overly dramatic as one might expect given the name. But they were extremely impressive to walk between.
A couple more ladders (climbing down this time), including one with a rope, finish off this impressive hike.
Then you’re back at the point you veered off towards the pile of boulders at the start of Ladder Canyon Trail.
(For more awesome hikes in the area, check out our article, Best Hikes in Palm Springs!)
Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail: A little bit of everything
Adventure and variety make the Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail loop worth doing. You experience everything from rock scrambles, ladders, rim views, slot canyons, tall colored canyon walls, mountain views, and even a water view. That’s what makes this hike so unique and definitely one to plan into your travels as a day trip from Palm Springs.
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