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Ladder and Painted Canyons

Slot Canyons in Southern California

By: Scott Sichler + Save to a List

Southern California is not usually associated with slot canyons but I found two great ones not too far from the site of the Coachella Music Festival. Ladder and Painted Canyons are located in the Mecca Hills area.


Ladder Canyon is a fun hike accessed with a series of relatively safe looking ladders. Most will find it easier to climb up the ladders rather than down.


The view from top of the canyon.


Painted Canyon has interesting layers of rock.


The slot is wider in Painted Canyon but still beautiful and makes for a great hike when combined with Ladder Canyon.

Video from the Canyons: 

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