Painted Canyon Hike with TLC and AMP

There is a lot of catchup to do and it is definitely not coming in chronological order. This is a hike that TLC and AMP and I did together this week in the Mecca Hills…. and I say ‘together’ rather loosely. Still not trusting my knee (god knows what I would do if it gave out in the middle of a ladder) I did just the canyon portion while the girls went right for the ladder trail.

The ladder hike is truly an experience not to miss, so I am told. Next year! No matter, the canyon walk is utterly amazing! This year I settled for the magnificent deep canyon walk, enjoying the beauty of the varied rock formations, range of colour and diverse vegetation. It’s a bit of a slog since you are in sand the entire time but, I left the girls at their first ladder and made my way to the last of the ladders they would encounter before heading back. I was still done about 45 minutes to an hour before they came out.

You are about to get a photo dump here so scroll on through, stop and study if you wish and if you like something, do make a comment. It is always appreciated.

AMP and TLC at the beginning of the Painted Canyon Trail.
We got to walk a short ways together.
Many of my Camigos will recognize this simple symbol of direction from the Camino de Santiago. Go this way, you are on the right path!
AMP on her first accent on the ladders. The ladders are maintained by a group of volunteers that keep them safe for adventurers. This is where we parted ways.
I do love a sunburst photo!
The narrow path between the towering canyon walls beckoned me on and on and on! Regardless of the loose sand that made this part of the hike a bit of a slog.
There is a mystery around every corner… I could not stop and turn around…. until I came to the end. I.E. the EXIT ladders. Even then, I wanted to climb them and surprise the girls but I did not want to surprise them with, “My knee gave out and I can’t walk back.” I am careful like that… of my limits AND their patience!
Rock Geeks!!! I know you love this!!!
And this!
And this!!!
The sun on this bush was brilliant!
There was a bird in this image, or I thought. Wrong lens, fast bird, oh well!!

I hope that you get a chance one day to do the ladder hike in the Painted Canyon. I hope too, that one day I get to do the ladder portion of it. It is well worth the drive from Palm Springs to experience this beautiful journey through such a well maintained trail.

4 comments

      1. I empathize with your knee issues. My right knee is now on the mend after 3 – 4 months of being weak and painful. My solution has been a combination of chiro visits, 3 1/2 weeks in a damp climate walking stairs, and then beginning a week ago I started an intensive training program.

        1. Interesting. We will hopefully get a chance to chat about the intensive training program this summer or fall. I’ve been doing chiro and osteo exercises that I was given before I left.

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