
So it was our second day in the SoCal desert, and I wanted to visit one exact location. It’s 2 hours drive from Anza-Borrego, but when would it be only 2 hours drive from it again?!
I came upon Ladder Canyon a a few years ago. Even if the idea of ladders inside the canyons wasn’t new for me, I was surprised that the hike could have so many ladders in it.
Ladder Canyon is part of Mecca Hills and starts from another but bigger Rainbow Canyon. The trail is popular and beautiful. It has so many sights and experience to offer!




The start of the Ladder Canyon is easy to miss. The hikers thought made the arrow from the rocks. So keep an eye on the ground!
From the first step, you will need to crawl. And immediately you will find the first ladder. Then you will get more of them: short, almost vertical, or leading to the top of the well.
















The Ladder Canyon will become shallower and eventually lead you to the top of the hill with an overview of the badlands.
From there the vast network of human-made but mostly inofficial trails starts in all possible direction. So you need to track your route carefully. You can take a big loop through the Rainbow Canyons or simply retract your way back.


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