Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
The loop hike begins by following the canyon beyond the road end sign.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
The entrance to Little Painted Canyon is unsigned. Backcountry navigation is necessary, however, it is possible to identify the canyon from the stone formations at its mouth.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Walking up Little Painted Canyon.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Little Painted Canyon narrows into a slot canyon weaving deeper into the Mecca Hills Wilderness.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
After climbing up to the ridge at the top of Little Painted Canyon, an elevated view gives a scenic perspective of the Mecca Hills landscape.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
From the top of the canyon, there are many smaller ridge trails and canyons that all lead back to the trailhead, however this pile of stones is the most visible sign of the entrance to Ladder Canyon.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Ladder Canyon follows a narrow canyon that descends through several steep drop off requiring use of ladders left along the way.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Portions of the trail are through soft sand in washes that make the hike slightly slower.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
A colorful slot canyon in Ladder Canyon.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Walking through one of the slot canyons.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
A ladder against a vertical wall that drops into a lower slot canyon.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Ladder Canyon empties into Painted Canyon in a visible opening, from which point the route down canyon to the trailhead is easy to follow.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
10/19/2020
Amongst the only markers in the area is the signboard located at the parking area at the mouth of Painted Canyon.