Explore the area north of the Salton Sea - the Mecca Hills region.
Day 1:
Saturday we will get a very early start at the meeting location. The last portion of Painted Canyon Road is dirt/sandy. Camp will be set up in a wash along the final portion of this dirt road and then we will day hike Ladder Canyon, a narrow, winding slot canyon with a few ladders set up to climb dry waterfalls. From the end of this canyon, we will follow a ridge with sweeping views of the Salton Sea, the badlands, and Painted Canyon. Another slot canyon and more ladders bring us back to where we started. Saturday night we will have a how-to-pack-your-backpack demo, a portable campfire, and then enjoy "bring your own" appetizers & dinner.
Day 2:
Sunday we will drive across the "main" road, then hike 7 miles through more slot canyons (including some tighter areas where headlamps are required) with some rock scrambling. While the dark slot canyon portion is short, this trip is not for those with claustrophobia!
Special Outing Requirements: 4WD and high-clearance vehicles are required for drivers, with enough space for others to carpool. The last 3 miles to the trailhead is a dirt road, and very sandy.
Water Requirements: Leaders will provide details at pre-trip meeting. |