Ladder Canyon - Mecca Hills Wilderness

[greatshaitan]

Always love this hike. Been trying to take my little one (5 year old) out here for quite some time now. Got out about a week ago. He managed to hike almost the entire thing and loved the ladders. If you have not done this hike, I highly recommend it. Quick, easy, and beautiful!

William stopped every few minutes to pick up rocks.


Some scale


Beautiful day.


Ladder Canyon


My son warned me not to go up the wooden one as it "Leads to death"


Nick saving my son from the large rocks.


And some video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nikMZ97ROVo

More pictures on my website.
http://www.drunkreddragon.com/images/adventures/Laddercanyonwill/index.html

[bluerail]

Very cool, looks like a fun trip and im glad to know where that wooden ladder leads to. I'll be sure to stay away.

[Florian]

The first shot and then the second for scale are really impressive!

-Florian

[scottmac]

and then, in a couple of years, your mellow hikes there turn raucous ...

[climbant]

Such a fun place to explore.

[RichardK]

I have been thinking about this hike and have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

What condition was Painted Canyon Rd. in? Is it suitable for passenger cars or only 4x4?

Did you have any concerns about vehicle break ins at the trailhead? From http://hiking-in-ps.com/meccahills.php

"I have had several reports of cars being broken into and vandalized in the area (the last time as recent as January 2014. Cars have had their windows smashed and items stolen from the cars)."

Thank you for any information!

[climbant]

Painted Canyon Road is just fine for any vehicle even though it says 4x4 only. I've taken my Accord and have even seen very small cars like a Honda Fit out there but I would exercise caution after a big rain. I haven't had any issues with break ins and haven't read about any in awhile. Weekends are very busy and I figure thieves will target the much nicer vehicles that are abundant.

[greatshaitan]

I drove my Honda Civic Hybrid out there and had no issues what so ever. 4x4 would only be needed during or after a rain and the roads are all washed out.

I have heard of breakins, I have never experienced one there. Just always make sure that no valuables are visible or even stored in the car.

[HH8]

Always love this hike.

pink, red, yellow, grey, brown, indigo hills
so many layers of colors silently eroding away.
What history hides within?