Painted Canyon Loop

Riverside County, California

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Details

Distance

4.8 miles

Elevation Gain

974 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Juan Moreno

Painted Canyon offers stunning views, canyons, and other geologic formations in the Mecca Hills.

Take Box Canyon Rd to Painted Canyon Road. Painted Canyon Road is a dirt road, so exercise caution. The road dead ends at the Painted Canyon Trailhead parking lot.

Once on the trail, look out for markers and arrow rock piles pointing to the slot canyons and other trails. Some climbing is necessary to access the tight areas of the canyons, but it's not too difficult. The Painted Canyon Trail Loop covers the circumference of the slots and other various trails, but has plenty of options to branch off into various slots.

The slots are fun as they lead upward to the top of the hills and offer stunning views of the Mecca Hills, the canyons below, and surrounding areas like the Salton Sea. If you happen to hit the trail at night, bring your headlamp, and of course, be sure to take in the night sky. There are great photo opportunities throughout.

Note:

No Restrooms so be prepared

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Painted Canyon Loop Reviews

Mad Potters

Explorer

Painted Canyon Loop

03/31/25

What a fun hike! There are a few ladders that are secured to the rocks to help you climb in some areas. After going through the canyon, there is a little incline to get to the top for a view down into the canyon. It's beautiful, but not a lot of shade. Used a 4wd vehicle but saw a few sedans that made it in without any issues.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Painted Canyon Loop

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Painted Canyon Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop

Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills

Camp at the Salton Sea

Explore Cottonwood Spring

Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP

Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop

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