PALM SPRINGS HIKING AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
HIKING LEADER JASON BRUECKS - A PERFECT LOCALS' HIKING ADVENTURE FOR VISITORS
JOIN US ON A PLANNED WEEKEND HIKE OR BOOK A HIKING ADVENTURE DURING WEEKDAYS
MECCA HILLS GROTTOS-near MECCA, CAlifornia - Moderate
The Grottoes in Mecca.
Saturday, March 11
7:45 am to 1:30 pm
It has been a while since we explored the Grottos. Maybe as far back as 2019. I want to head back!
THE GROTTOS
Distance 7.5 mi Round Trip
Duration 3:50 hiking with a couple of breaks
Ascent. 1280 ft
Descent. 1273 ft
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
I would rate this hike moderate due to distance but we do have to do some climbing (hand and foot for balance) as we make our way into the cave like tunnels. Some of our group just joins us on the hike and then waits at the entrance. The wait is usually about 30 minutes from the time the group enters the cave to their return. So if the cave is a bit too much join us for the hike enjoy the quiet until our return. We will then all hike out back to our car. Even if you don't do the cave the hike is very nice. Views of the Salton Sea and a very peaceful hike in a large canyon.
MODERATE MEANS THE FOLLOWING:
You are a hiker, you don't mind elevation gains or drops and you can hike up to or more than 5 miles. In addition, if you are willing to venture into caves you will be required to do some rock scrambling and ladder climbing.
There is a 300 feet elevation gain in one place that may seem moderately difficult. This elevation gain occurs at the last 30 minutes of our hike.
The Grotto are an area in the Mecca Hills Wilderness where the erosion of steep mud and slot canyons have created cave-like formations.
-------------
TRIP CONDITIONS:
This is a 5 mile hike, round-trip, and the elevation gain is approximately 300 feet. Soft sand in areas, the return ascent out of the canyon, and the scaling of ladders prompts me to give this hike a difficulty rating of moderate. There are 3 caves.
The elevation gain is most difficult at the beginning and end of the hike.
DRIVING CONDITIONS:
A VERY SMALL DIRT ROAD (QUARTER OF A MILE) THAT ANY CAR CAN DO BUT MODERATE CLEARANCE MAKES LIFE EASIER.
SAND CAN BE SOFT SO HIGH CLEARANCE IS BEST!
----------------------------------------------------------------
MEETING LOCATION:
Del Taco across from Love's Gas Station in Coachella.
From Palm Springs/Palm Desert enter the 10 freeway heading east. Exit Dillion Road (last exit in the Coachella Valley). You must go under the 10 freeway and the Del Taco is immediately after the 10 Freeway on the left across from Love's Gas Station.
85494 Vista Del Norte, Coachella, CA 92236
----------------------------------------------------------------
MEETING TIME:
We Depart at 7:45 am from Del Taco sharp
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARPOOLING:
We will caravan to the hiking trail. The hike will finish around 1:30 p.m.
This includes our driving and hiking times.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT TO BRING
Very important BRING WATER
Bring FLASHLIGHTS so you can see in the caves.
Dress in Layers
Bring a snack or a lunch
------------------------------------------------------
TIME WE WILL BE COMPLETED:
We should be finished and back to Del Taco around 1:30 pm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------