Big Split Rock Hike with Philip Ferranti

We have a special treat. Philip Ferranti, the author of, 140 Great Hikes in and around Palm Springs is going to be a guest lecturer for this hike. Philip founded the Coachella Valley Hiking Club in 1992 as well as helping to found our club. He has led over 450 club hikes.

This hike will take us to the “Big Split Rock” slot canyon in Mecca. It is about 3 miles long and will take approximately 2 hours. Elevation gain is minimal at about 100 feet, so this is an easy hike, however, some of the slot canyon is narrow so gloves are recommended and some scrambling is involved so we’ll classify it as easy/moderate. While this hike is an easy/moderate hike, it is full of color, geology and wonder. The rock formations are surreal. The pace will be leisurely, and Philip will provide some history and insight into the creation of this canyon.

The only issue is that the Painted Canyon Road which is a 4.5-miles dirt road, so an SUV or a four-wheel drive is best. This hike requires about a 45-minute drive to Mecca.

If you have his book, this hike is on page 25.

After the hike we could do lunch in Indo if people are interested.

If you are concerned about tight spaces, then this might not be the hike for you.

Please note this hike requires and RSVP and will be limited to 15 hikers.