Painted Canyon Road: A Geological Wonderland
Explore the colorful canyons and unique geological formations of Painted Canyon Road in the Mecca Hills Wilderness, a testament to the power of the San Andreas Fault.
Painted Canyon Road offers access to a stunning landscape within the Mecca Hills, showcasing vibrant colors and unique geological formations sculpted by the San Andreas Fault. This natural maze of canyons provides opportunities for hiking and photography, revealing millions of years of Earth's history.
A brief summary to Painted Canyon Road
- Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, California, 92254, US
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the desert climate can be very dehydrating.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for walking on sand and climbing ladders.
- Be aware that the dirt road leading to the canyon may be rough; high-clearance vehicles are recommended but not always required.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, and avoid hiking during or after heavy rains due to the risk of flash floods.
- Remove valuables from your car and keep them out of sight to prevent potential break-ins at the trailhead parking area.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 111 in Mecca, turn onto 66th Avenue, which becomes Box Canyon Road. Follow Box Canyon Road east for several miles, then turn left onto Painted Canyon Road, a dirt road leading into the Mecca Hills. The trailhead parking area is approximately 4 miles down Painted Canyon Road. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as the road is unpaved and can be rough. There are no fees for parking or access.
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Public Transport
The nearest public transportation access to Painted Canyon Road is via Sunline Transit bus routes 8 and 9 to Mecca. From the bus stops at 66th Avenue and Lincoln or 66th and Date Palm in Mecca, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to the Painted Canyon Road. A taxi or Uber/Lyft from Mecca to the Painted Canyon Road trailhead will cost approximately $35-$60. Check the Uber or Lyft app for current pricing and availability.
Discover more about Painted Canyon Road
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Carl G. Bray Smoke Tree Painter Monument
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Eisenhower Walk of Honor
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Peg Leg Smith Historical Marker
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Desert Memorial Park
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Desert Queen Mine
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Unmissable attractions to see
Painted Canyon
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Box Canyon
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Painted Canyon Trailhead
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Dos Palmas Preserve
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General Patton Memorial Museum
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Maison Felice
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