Painted Canyon Trailhead - Mecca, California

Name: Painted Canyon Trailhead
Rating: 4.8

Address: Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254.

Specialties: Hiking area, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Hiking, Loop trail, Trail difficulty, Good for kids, Kid-friendly hikes, Dogs allowed.
Opinions: This company has 555 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.8/5.

Location of Painted Canyon Trailhead

Painted Canyon Trailhead is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and tourists alike. Located at Address: Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254, this location offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors of all ages. While a phone number and official website are not publicly listed, there is a wealth of information available about Painted Canyon Trailhead online.

As a hiking area and tourist attraction, Painted Canyon Trailhead boasts several special features that make it a standout destination. Not only is the entrance wheelchair accessible, but there is also a wheelchair accessible parking lot for added convenience. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the beautiful landscape, taking in the sights and sounds of nature as they explore the loop trail. The trail is suitable for kids, making it a great option for families looking for a fun and active outing. Dogs are also allowed, so furry friends can join in on the adventure.

With 555 reviews on Google My Business, Painted Canyon Trailhead has earned a stellar reputation among visitors. The average opinion rating of 4.8/5 speaks to the quality of the experience offered by this location. Many reviewers highlight the beauty and tranquility of the hiking trails, as well as the friendly and helpful staff.

In addition to the Painted Canyon Trailhead, there are several other points of interest in the area. Visitors can explore the nearby Mecca Hills Wilderness Area, or take a dip in the Salton Sea. The nearby town of Mecca offers a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient place to grab a bite to eat or pick up supplies before hitting the trails.

If you're looking for a fun and memorable outdoor experience, Painted Canyon Trailhead is the perfect destination. With its beautiful scenery, accessible trails, and family-friendly atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out the location's Google My Business page for more information and to read reviews from other visitors.

Reviews of Painted Canyon Trailhead

Painted Canyon Trailhead - Mecca, California

Lucas Petersen

5/5

Truly incredible views. You will absolutely not regret coming here (unless you forget to bring lots of water what is...). Our small sedan made it out to the parking lot safely, albeit at a slow pace.

Chrystina

5/5

Spacious hiking trail depending where you decide to start.
This is an incredible hike with unique painted formations.

Noelle

5/5

Truly wonderful. The final 4 miles are sand - low clearance vehicles may want to take note especially after heavy rains. Totally worth the drive in - just an incredibly beautiful and unique place to see, and the hike is as hard as you want it to be. Highly recommend.

Terkel S

5/5

Great area to take a walk/ hike.
LADDER canyon, go in the main trail until you see ladders on the left and a big arrow in middle of main canyon...
If you're into geology and tectonic plates stuff, this is pretty cool.

Driving...
This is at the end of a 4 mile dirt road, generally in good shape.
You could drive a prius in there. One guy got his Mercedes stuck on the dirt bank, not really the roads fault.

Nezam Newman

5/5

A beautiful hike in the middle of the canyons. This is an approximately 5 mile loop with canyons on one end and ladders on the other end. Canyon end is easier to hike and ladder is more challenging. Most people choose to start with ladders and then end in the canyons. We started with the canyons and ended with the ladders. It is more challenging this way, but we like a good challenge. There is absolutely no cell reception at the beginning and at the end of the trail, but you will have service when you make it to the top due to nearby cell towers. The trail on top oof the canyon is narrow and unshaded. Bring a cap to cover your face, use sunblocks, and bring plenty of water. This is a trail all nature lovers should try, especially when it enters the narrows at the bottom.

Mike Smith

5/5

I hiked the Painted Canyon in the Mecca Hills Wildeness. As the name says, it did not disappoint me! The multi-colors rocks, sediment layers, and the canyon walls were just amazing.

This was not on my radar until I arrived at Salton Sea SRA. It's definitely a must-do hike if you're in the area. The labyrinths of canyon walls take you through several areas and make a loop trail if you choose.

From what I know, it is mostly red sandstones, conglomerates, gneiss, and schists. But there are tons of other rocks like quartzs and granites. I'm not a rock expert, but any geologists would enjoy this place.

I learned quickly from other hikers that it's best to take the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. That means you have to take a series of ladders up to the top, hence the Ladder Canyon Trail, and then you slowly descend down through the canyon back to the Painted Canyon trailhead. I did just the opposite, but still, it was just as spectacular.

I only did about 1/2 way around it, or 4 miles out and back with 2000' elevation gain.

The road is a bit washboard, but any low- clearance vehicle should make it through as long as you stay on the main road.

I highly recommend doing this hike if you're in the area. It's well worth the drive and your time!

Daniel Sweeney

5/5

Very fun hike up a narrow slot canyon with the help of a few ladders. Then a beautiful hike back down through the painted canyon, dry wash with many different types and colors of rocks. About a 4.5 mile loop. Lots of cool lizards and birds.

Jorge Lopez

4/5

Fun and cool hike. You can do this hike in a loop which is what most people choose. Others backtrack and come down the ladders after reaching the top. I suggest doing the loop by climbing the ladders first reaching the top then comeback via the canyon. Things to consider in this hike is your vehicle, the road is in pretty good shape most of the time however if there is rain your car will not make it unless you have high clearance and 4 wheel drive. Second take lots of water. This is a desert area and the hike can take some time to do I did the loop in about 2 hrs single hiker with no stops. The top of the hike is exposed with no shade. Lastly at the top you can get cell reception at least for Verizon. This may be helpful in an emergency. The area is now used for camping and it is a pretty popular trail. Happy hiking!