Open desert canyon camping. Can be soft sand at times and hot in the summer.

Do not visit the area if there is any threat of rain. This is a flash flood area. The roads wash out and get closed.

The Mecca Hills are located about 40 miles southeast of Palm Springs. They were formed by the convergence of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate along the San Andreas Fault. The geologic formations of Mecca Hills are among the most unusual of their kind in the world, and the San Andreas Fault that runs from below the Salton Sea all the way above San Francisco is overdue for a large quake.

From the west, take I 10 to exit #142, south on SR 111 for 14 miles, west on Box Springs Road 4.7 miles, campground on the left – north. Follow dirt road about 4 miles. Many camping areas. From east, take I10 exit 168 (Joshua Tree NP) and south 15 miles, entrance on the right, North. The road is graded and maintained, yet washboard.

Official BLM statement concerning road access:
The road in to Painted Canyon is graded by Department of Transportation County of Riverside as needed for access, so, by order of DOT, the road to get in there is recommended for four wheel drive vehicles only, due to soft sand.

Map of the area located here.