Mecca, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Mecca, California, include the must-visit Ladder Canyon Trail. This 4.5-mile loop trail is known for its unique ladder system that helps hikers traverse the rocky terrain. It's a moderately challenging trail, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. Along the way, you'll be treated to scenic views of the Salton Sea, Painted Canyon, and numerous unique rock formations. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, check out the Coachella Valley Preserve, located near Mecca. This area is famous for its palm oases and natural springs. It offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, making it ideal for all levels of hikers. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, these top outdoor activities in Mecca are sure to please.
Top Spots in and near Mecca
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Riverside County, California
Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain
2.86 mi / 1056 ft gainHike starts at the base of Ryan Mountain. The trail runs along side the mountain, offering great views overlooking Joshua Tree. Once you hit the summit, you'll get great panormaic views of the national park as the top of Ryan Mountain is at an elevation of 5457ft. The trail is open during all se...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike Ryan Mountain
4.82.86 mi / 1056 ft gainOne of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Vall...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Lion Peak Trail
9.39 mi / 1722 ft gainLion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Coffman Trail from Andreas Canyon Rd
3.56 mi / 525 ft gainCoffman Trail, located in Palm Springs, California, is a popular hiking destination. The trail is approximately 3.56 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty. It begins at Andreas Canyon Road and winds its way up the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landsc...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Andreas Canyon
5.01.03 mi / 154 ft gainAndreas Canyon in Indian Canyons is located very close to Palm Springs in the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. It is one of the few places with abundant shade and running fresh water in an otherwise dry desert landscape. Enjoy a longer hike to a waterfall (Seven Falls) or stay ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail
4.01 mi / 587 ft gainA very scenic 4-mile round trip with a rewarding waterfall after a 2.5-mile hike/stroll. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Peninsula Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Split Rock Loop
5.01.94 mi / 220 ft gainStarting out at the Split Rock Trail parking lot, you'll see Split Rock, which might be the most visited boulder in the park. Everyone makes a visit to it and while it is absolutely amazing, it's great to take the hour or two to wander around to more amazing scenery. Immediately upon starting t...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
4.41.03 mi / 164 ft gainTurn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. Af...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park
0.75 miPark at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 mi...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park
5.0Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb at Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree
Intersection Rock is located in the Hidden Valley Campground with lots of parking!Overhang bypass route5.72 PitchesStandard Trad RackIntersection Rock has many classic routes- I found right ski track and overhang bypass to be 2 of my favorite routes in j tree.Start left of the flake in a crack, t...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree
4.8Joshua Tree National Park is known for its world class rock climbing, out of this world landscapes, and some of the darkest skies around. Having a base camp inside of the park is incredibly important as it's quite massive and I found that Hidden Valley Campground is strategically placed smack dab...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Desert Queen Mine and Eagle Cliff Boulder House
3.41 mi / 656 ft gainThis is a great trail and arguably, entering the mines is the coolest part. Bring a headlamp so you can see down tunnels. As you go past the giant boulders on the right, you enter a nice microclimate of cooler air and scrubby oak trees. Don't forget to look up - you'll see lots of erosion on the ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock
5.00.5 mi / 200 ft gainPark your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area. The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north. As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination. Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Wall Street Mill
4.02.43 mi / 131 ft gainHike along the easy Wall Street Mill Trail for about one mile and you will reach the mill - if you are into night photography, this is an amazing subject that will bring you back again and again, always capturing something different. Explore around off trail - there are tons of boulders to play a...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike the Barker Dam
1.28 mi / 85 ft gainThe Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After ...Read more
