Grotto #1

 

Date: November 29, 2011
Time: 4 Hours
Length: 6 Miles
Location: Mecca, CA
Elevation: 1,101
Weather: 65-80° Cloudy
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Description: The trailhead for the Grottos starts out on the Little Box Caves Trail.  It can be a little tricky to find, but a good way to locate it is once you’ve passed the Painted Canyon Road sign, you have 5 miles before you need to pull off onto the dirt road leading up to the trail.  If you miss this dirt road don’t worry, just slow down, it connects back to the road a little further down and you can easily pull into the second one.I arrived at the trail head around 6:30am with 70 ounces of water, 5 energy bars, and my head lamp.  This area can be very tricky at times, and easy to get lost in.  Even though it isn’t that strenuous the sand is soft and it could become strenuous very quickly.  It is in a very big flood area as well, so I would not hike this trail if your expecting rain.  You will have to do a little climbing through the Grotto and you might not need a flashlight, but I would definitely bring one.  If something happens you could get by with your cell phone as a light, you’re not in the dark very long.When you arrive at the trailhead the old sign is torn down, there is only these two poles.  There is a third pole off in the distance, when you get close you can actually read “Little Box Caves Trail” on it.You can go left or right in the beginning.  Both trails will take you to the lookout point.  I went right, it was a little easier. You will see a large rock with this plaque on it.Along with some spectacular views of the Salton Sea and Mecca Hills.Follow the trail down the hill to the wash.  There are two ways to go down, the second way is a little hard to spot, taking you down to the Sheep Hole Oasis.It may not look like it, but you can go left here and head down to the Sheep Hole Oasis via a few switchbacks.  It seems like the rain has washed a good deal of the trail away though so it could be tricky.  I went right taking the easy way down.You can see the Sheep Hole Oasis from the trail if you decide not to go down there.Stay left and continue down the trail.When you get to the bottom there will be a post.From this post you will cross the wash and cut through to the next canyon.  You will see another post when you get close to the trees in this image.You will pass the next post and head over this ridge.  Continue on the trail to the next post.  This section is fairly easy to navigate with all the posts showing the way.Once you’ve reached the third post, head up the wash and you will be able to see another post from there.  When you reach it you will then see these two more posts leading you into the canyon.Continue in the same direction going into the smaller canyon on the right as shown above.When in the canyon you might see some metal debris to your left. You’re going the right way.The trail will start to narrow for a bit as it heads to the right, then you will see another post as it opens up again.  This post is located at the opening of the loop.  If you want you could go in here and come around the back of the Grotto.  I kept going to the next fork in the trail.There will be a good deal of brush when you make a left.Stay left here as you head towards the Grotto.The trail will start to narrow again before you get to the Grotto.  Once you reach the Grotto it will look like a eight foot rock wall.  It might be a little challenging, but you will have to climb over it to get into the Grotto.  Surprisingly, the rocks through the grotto are a little sharp, I didn’t have any issues but you might want to bring gloves for the climbing section of this hike.Once you’re passed the first rock, get your flash light out and go for it.The first drop is about seven feet, there is a rope there to help if you need it.As you’re going through the Grotto, basically head towards the sunlight on the other side.You will go in and out of the rocks about 4 times. Each time you go under the rocks its pretty short.When you get to this point, go under the rock into the dark cave.  This is when you start to get excited you brought your flashlight.It can get a little tight if you have a large pack, so I wouldn’t bring anything too big.It’s pretty amazing inside, just be sure to watch your step.When you do pop out don’t forget to look up and see what the earthquake created.  Each one of these boulders looked like it has about a fifteen foot radius.  Very large and heavy to say the least and you will be walking under them.Another big challenge was at this rock that I had to climb over.  I went all the way right and pulled my self through a crack.It’s a tight squeeze that I couldn’t fit though, but if you can I recommend it.Once you get to this point, it opens up pretty good, you are all the way though the Grotto.  Pat yourself on the back and put your flashlight away, just plain hiking from here on out.The trail will bend to the right as you come out of the narrow canyon, look to your left.  There are two spots that you can go up.  The first one looked really hard so I took the second one just past it.  I think the first one was the original trail, but over time the water has made it a little hard to get up.This is where I went up, it is very easy to miss, so stay on your toes as you exit the Grotto.  You will be able to see the old Jeep trail going up the side of the hill just above this ridge to the left.The view from above you can see the road going up.You will cross the wash then head up, when you get close to the top the trail actually goes left here.  It is a little hard to see in this picture just remember you don’t go to the top of this hill.Stay to the left you will see an arrow in the distance showing you the way back.Stay on this trail as it leads you back towards the Salton Sea.You will come up on the Hidden Oasis soon.It’s a little technical to work your way down, but there is a trail going down the cliff.If it’s even a little hot out, like most Oasis in the desert that actually have a puddle of water, you’ll want to watch out for bees.  If you mind your business they will leave you alone, I suggest going around.As you continue down you will come across several big pieces of the canyon.  There is no correct way to go around them, right or left seemed the same on all four spots.Eventually, you will see the opening you passed earlier.When you get to the post, just remember to go right back the way you came.Remember to cut through to save time.  If you miss this part of the trail it’s okay you can just come up the wash.Go up the way you came down originally, or just continue walking up the wash to the Sheep Hole Oasis taking the switchbacks at the end.Once you get back to the top where the plaque is in the rock, don’t forget to turn around for the view, then make your way down to the trailhead.If you have any questions regarding this hike, or would like the GPS Track file, please contact me for more information.