Painted Canyon
Palm Springs, CA
Located in the Mecca Hills Wilderness just outside Palm Springs, the Painted Canyon is part of traditional territories of the Cahuilla people. Many visitors come to admire the colorful rock formations along its hiking trails and see the natural beauty up close. Plus, with ladders and ropes through the canyons, it can be an adventurous journey for anyone ready to tackle the challenge.
The basics
There are two main hiking trails at Painted Canyon. One trail uses more ladders to climb the canyon areas, while the other is more strenuous and uses more ropes to get through. Both trails offer beautiful views of the colorful rocks—hence the name Painted Canyon. The best way to explore the Painted Canyon is on a tour that includes transport. Usually, tours offer a few hiking options based on your skills and agility, as some trails can get tough and even dangerous at times.
Things to know before you go
There is nowhere to get water on the trailhead or during the hike, so make sure you pack your own water for your adventure. It’s not recommended to hike on really hot days.
No hiking route you choose will be easy to do—you should be in good physical condition to scramble over rocks and up ladders or ropes.
It’s recommended to bring your supplies in a backpack. Make sure to add a small first-aid kit and some gripping gloves, too.
There’s free parking at the trails’ start and along the canyon wall.
How to get there
To get to Painted Canyon from the Coachella area in California, stay on I-10, and then take the Box Canyon Road exit. Once off the exit, travel about 15 miles (24 kilometers) down until you reach Painted Canyon Road. There’s plenty of free parking at the attraction site. You can also take a tour or rideshare service to Painted Canyon to avoid driving.
When to get there
The best time to visit Painted Canyon near Palm Springs is between spring and fall, as the summer temperatures get way too hot and the winter temperatures can drop drastically low. April through October provides ideal weather for hiking the Painted Canyon trails. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, opt for a weekday visit instead of a weekend one.
Spend the night in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is just a 30-minute drive from the Painted Canyon, and it’s well worth at least an overnight visit or longer stay. Ideal for outdoor lovers and hikers, Joshua Tree National Park is great for nature walks in the desert, stargazing, hiking, and even rock climbing. A must-do inside the park is a tour at Keys Ranch, which is just past the Hidden Valley Campground.
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