california - Palm Springs - East Deception Canyon - Left Fork

A nice rocky canyon hike.

Take the East Deception road, a bit rocky dirt road.
It should be drivable by all cars.

As the road forks turn left and park at point point "Park".

There is not really an optimal route in this wash.
A wide, mostly rocky wash with some dikes.
And surprisingly, a large amount of scrubs in the wash.

The best way is straight to the target, out of the wash is sometimes a bit less rocky.

Shortly after the parking you will cross the Joshua Tree Park boundary. (Unmarked)

It will take you a hard hour to reach the left canyon.
The first one is the return route, the second one, just before the higher mountains is the route you want to take.

The mountains are the Little San Bernadino Mountains

The hiking gets a little bit better as there is some sand in the wash.
As the canyon narrows and widens again, look left for the return route and memorize it. It's a small low saddle, easy to get up to.

At this point the canyon widens again and keeps on climbing.
"Drop 1" is the only obstacle that is easily climbed.

A point "Right 2" you reach the end, we hiked a bit further to the right, but it's too steep to go any further.

Hike back, a relieve, going downhill.
At the saddle, climb up the saddle.
The way down looks a bit steep, so be careful. If you are not sure go back the same way you came.

The way down is more of a sand dune hike, the sand means less slippery than expected.
Try to keep on or close to the small ridge.

Once down, there is only a minor drop, almost not worth mentioning.
Hike back to the car.
The best route is a bit to the right of the wash.
Further on keep on a straight line for the car.

Pictures

Hiking time: 4 Hours return. Not for a hot day.

Hiked: Mid March 2011.