Cobber99 User Profile

Cobber99 commented on Cobber99's trip Eisenhower Peak: Wilderness Loop Trail on Feb 08, 2013

Palm Desert, California, United States • 5.0 miles

Starting Out - Eisenhower Mtn. Quite Visable Photo

Start of the Canyon Leg of the Wilderness Loop Photo

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I should add that, if you have an annual pass to The Living Desert, you get early access hours before others. It is an incredible value.
http://www.livingdesert.org/membership_benefits.html

by Cobber99 on Feb 08, 2013 at 03:01:03 pm

Great hike. About 2 hours out and back. Great views as you hike along the ridge coming back (assuming anti-clockwise route). Bird watchers should watch out for excellent viewing in the Living Desert in early morning and near the trailhead (out on the hike) if you're coming in in early evening.

by jobowo on Feb 22, 2013 at 02:17:41 pm

Thanks for all the trips here Cobber99 but 40 minutes? At a run maybe! Two hours both times we've done it and that's at a fast walk. I don't think this is quite a threatening in the winter. We hiked it in Feb and there were quite a few people alone. Perhaps it's busier then. But as you say, nice trail and plenty of bird-watching if you come down in the evening.

by jobowo on Mar 19, 2013 at 09:42:17 pm

Cobber99 commented on Cobber99's trip Palm Desert - North Loop on Jan 08, 2013

Rancho Mirage, California, United States • 7.2 miles

This trail is basically an outdoor treadmill. It is great for a workout close to the town and the views over the valley are great, however there are loads of people on it, iPods blaring.

by NewDawn on Dec 12, 2012 at 07:44:04 pm

I couldn't agree more. The only item I would add to your description is the constant scent of perfume. After mapping it, I have had no desire to return to the greater Bump-n-Grind trails due to all the traffic. To each their own, and I think many use it for the cardio ... but I hike to get away from the hustle & bustle.

by Cobber99 on Jan 08, 2013 at 12:54:22 pm

I agree with both of you. On the off chance I end up here I prefer to start on the Bump-n-Grind going left and divert to the trail to the cross. almost 7 miles round trip, a good climb up the hill to the cross and ALOT less traffic. As you said Cobber99, I also prefer to hit the trails less traveled if possible, or try to get out real early.

by merbnz on Jan 09, 2013 at 04:17:16 pm

Cobber99 commented on Cobber99's trip Big Painted Canyon/Ladder Loop on May 05, 2012

Cactus City, California, United States • 4.5 miles

Mouth of the Big Painted Canyon (right from parking) Photo

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Cool hike!

by powayhiker on Jul 04, 2010 at 12:28:31 am

Did you hike it?

by Cobber99 on Jul 10, 2010 at 04:25:33 pm

Good description.

by ndechant on Sep 23, 2010 at 05:52:47 pm

Looks like a great area to explore. Nice photos!

by chris on Oct 21, 2010 at 05:42:45 pm

My partner and I did this trip and it was wonderful! We were in Palm Springs for the weekend before Thanksgiving and really enjoyed this diversion. We did the full Ladder Canyon loop which wasn't nearly as difficult as we had anticipated (we're not very experienced hikers). It certainly took a while to complete but the varied terrain and the views at the top near the large rock pile were definitely worth it. Thanks for the great description and the inspiration!

by pmarcos on Nov 28, 2010 at 08:42:37 pm

Doing this MAy 12th 2012 , wondering if it may be to hot , and/or if others may be there doing it also. Suppose it may be a good idea if a hot day even with early start to do it in reverse? Assume that may be a smart idea as the first 3/4 or so appear to be more out in the sun/open. Ending the hike the last hour or so would be in the slots and shade.Any ideas/suggestions? Bill, email is curranb@msn.com

by billthehiker on Apr 27, 2012 at 12:02:35 am

Ya - you have the right idea Bill. I would go up the big canyon first during the earlier light. You will be protected from the direct sun once you are in the slots later. If you have a GPS, the one waypoint you will want is the top of the ladder grotto. Reason: it can be very confusing from above (many of the slot canyons look similar and there are many goat trails up there). The on-page map kind show the coords and I have a GPX you can download here:
http://hiking.forsbergville.com/hikes/mecca-hills/big-painted-canyonladder-loop/

by Cobber99 on May 04, 2012 at 09:58:04 pm

Hi...brand new here, but did this hike last week (June 12 2012)...took a handful of hours, but we were just wandering around. We did the slot canyon (ladders) first, then came back down through the big canyon. Gorgeous. And hot. And sandy. Fun. Thanks for the great description of the hike! I like Troop 31 (the kids who seem to draw the arrows on the ground, and responsible for the rock pile up top)

by Drake_M on Jun 17, 2012 at 06:01:58 pm

Amazing, stunning, gobsmacking walk. Would make a couple of observations:

1) The track up to the trailhead can get quite sandy and a lowslung 2wd vehicle could well get stuck towards the top.

2) If it isn't hot, would definitely do this walk clockwise. Two of the ladders much easier to ascend than descend and less likelihood of taking a wrong turn without gps.

by NewDawn on Dec 12, 2012 at 07:47:27 pm

Hey NewDawn -
We are looking to do this hike tomorrow (Christmas Day). Any tips besides doing it clockwise? Also, I drive a Cadillac CTS so it's very low to the ground. Can you recommend somewhere else to park besides the top of the trailhead? Getting a car towed out on Christmas isn't in our holiday plans.

Thanks and Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays!

by abrewbrew on Dec 24, 2012 at 08:03:51 pm

I've hiked the Ladder Canyon Trail 3 or 4 times. It has lately become more difficult to drive anything less than a 4wd car through the sand which has either drifted across the entrance to the canyon or been rearranged by lots of other 4wd vehicles using the road. Its pretty unlikely and I'd not advise going in a Cadillac. My Explorer got stuck, and there is a couple mile washboard dirt road you have to go down to arrive at the sandy "get stuck" area. There is really no place to park, so I'd suggest going with a friend or borrowing a 4wd vehicle. It is SO worth it!!! I love Ladder Canyon. Its my favorite and at times quite difficult trail, but I'd love to share... my 100% blind mother who is 64, hiked it with me!! 2/3 of the way through, I DID have to race back to the car, and sped off to town to bring more Gatorade for her and my dad who is 70. DON'T HIKE W/O sufficient water!!! We had 7 people in our pack, and really... I needed to multiply my ration by 7 and dumbly did not. But they were fine, and if they can make it? YOU can too! :)

by amyarty on Dec 31, 2012 at 02:08:58 am

I've hiked the Ladder Canyon Trail 3 or 4 times. It has lately become more difficult to drive anything less than a 4wd car through the sand which has either drifted across the entrance to the canyon or been rearranged by lots of other 4wd vehicles using the road. Its pretty unlikely and I'd not advise going in a Cadillac. My Explorer got stuck, and there is a couple mile washboard dirt road you have to go down to arrive at the sandy "get stuck" area. There is really no place to park, so I'd suggest going with a friend or borrowing a 4wd vehicle. It is SO worth it!!! I love Ladder Canyon. Its my favorite and at times quite difficult trail, but I'd love to share... my 100% blind mother who is 64, hiked it with me!! 2/3 of the way through, I DID have to race back to the car, and sped off to town to bring more Gatorade for her and my dad who is 70. DON'T HIKE W/O sufficient water!!! We had 7 people in our pack, and really... I needed to multiply my ration by 7 and dumbly did not. But they were fine, and if they can make it? YOU can too! :)

by amyarty on Dec 31, 2012 at 02:08:59 am

We hiked Ladders Canyon Saturday 3/30/13. Great hike! Had no trouble driving the road and parking lot with our Saab, and many other cars made it there also. Did the loop trail in about 2 1/2 hours.

by sdbiker on Mar 31, 2013 at 07:28:19 pm

We were out to Ladder canyon on 3/3/2013 and got into the wrong slot by accident. It was the one to the left of the slot with four ladders in it and ended at a climb up that somebody had rigged with a couple of rope climbing aids.
Question:
Does anybody out there have knowledge of what is up beyond the rope climbing aids as we would like to go back and attempt to climb it.

Also -

The road has been recently graded and any two wheel drive vehicle or motorcycle can drive in with no problems.
~Harpo

by jharpj on Apr 04, 2013 at 04:17:57 pm