Rings Loop Trail

Rings Loop Trail is a short but rewarding hike in the Mojave National Preserve. The trail begins at the northern end of the Hole-In-The-Wall Visitor Center picnic area, and it quickly descends into Banshee Canyon. There are two stretches in which some climbing is required, and metal rings have been secured into the canyon rock to provide assistance. After about a quarter of a mile the trail reaches the bottom of the canyon and levels out. This is a great spot to explore the holes in the rock walls, which are unique formations created by volcanic activity. The holes were shaped by gas pockets trapped in cooling lava, which were then exposed by wind and water erosion over time. The rest of the hike is relatively easy as the trail circles back to the parking lot through the open desert. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs, which were carved here thousands of years ago by the first occupants of the Mojave.

There are facilities and picnic tables at the trailhead. Hole-In-The-Wall Campground is a short walk north of the trailhead, and it has 35 sites for RVs and tents as well as two walk-in sites.