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This hike in the Mecca Hills is similar to the recent Geology Hike many of you may have missed. Geologists from all over the world often come to these specific and wonderful canyons to study the exposed results of tectonic forces over geologic history. We will observe formations in two canyons that represent geologic history from 1.7 million years ago to the present. Geologic features of this hike include igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, anticlines and synclines, major and minor faults, mountain folding, weathering, and erosion/deposition. Flora in the canyons will include creosote bush, palo verde trees, and smoke trees; flora on the ridges will include chollas, ocotillo, desert lavender, and creosote bush. Fauna in both canyons and ridges may include several species of lizards, small birds, desert hare, and possibly raptors.
The first half of the hike is a wide wash with cliffs hundreds of feet high on both sides and ascending ladders up two short dry falls. The second half of the hike will include crossing along a top ridge in the Mecca Hills (with stunning 360º views), scrambling down a narrow V-shaped wash, walking through a narrow slot canyon with canyon walls several hundred feet high, descending ladders down two short dry falls, and ending the hike in the wide wash again.
Difficulty:
Mostly moderate: The 4.5 mile hike will include 3.5 miles of easy to moderate walking on sandy or gravelly washes and a sandy 5 ft wide slot canyon with walls one or two hundred feet high on either side. A little more strenuous for some people will involve ascending two ladders up 8 ft and 12 ft dry falls, scrambling down a narrow V-shaped wash for about ½ mile, and descending two ladders down 6 ft and 15 ft dry falls.
Distance & elevation:
4.5 mile loop; 1000 feet elevation gain/loss
8:50 am - Palm Springs carpool meets at big parking lot between PetSmart and Walmart at Ramon and Crossley; leave at 9:00 am and drive to Mecca.
9:45 am - Everyone meets at the Arco Station outer southeast parking area at CA 86 and 66th Ave East (CA 195); leave at 10:00 am and drive to the trailhead at the end of Painted Canyon Rd.
10:30 am - Arrive at trailhead parking lot; start hiking at 10:40 am. (There is no outhouse at the trailhead; use the facilities at Arco or Starbucks.)
Estimated return arrival in Palm Springs at 3:00 pm
Directions to Arco complex near Mecca:
From PetSmart: South on Crossley to Dinah Shore; east on Dinah Shore to Monterey; north (left) on Monterey one block to I-10; 1-10 south east past Indio exits to CA 86 Expressway (Brawley/El Centro); south on CA 86 to 66th Ave East (left lane!); east one block on 66th Ave; left into southeast outer parking area at the Arco complex (GPS: N 33.5697004; W 116.0896603).
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. No dogs
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Hiking poles may be helpful.
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Contact Hike Leader:
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling. Distance to trailhead is .
Weather Policy: Inclement weather may cancel.
