Hole-in-the-Wall
Essex, CA
Volcanic cliffs riddled with holes, where the Rings Loop Trail climbs through a narrow slot using metal rings bolted into the rock. A campground sits nearby.
Hole-in-the-Wall is in Mojave National Preserve, which was created in 1994 by the California Desert Protection Act and covers more than 1.4 million acres (over 5,600 km², or about 2,200 square miles). The area is shaped by volcanic rock and rock formations. The most popular route is the Rings Loop, a round-trip hike of about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) through narrow Banshee Canyon, where metal rings set in the rock make the climb easier. The National Park Service notes that you can learn more about how the place got its name along the way.
Plan on one to two hours for the loop. The information center keeps limited hours that vary by season (as of October 2026), so ask ahead. A campground is nearby. The best time to visit is October through May, and in April and May wildflowers bloom after wet winters.
- Nearest town
- Essex, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.0454, -115.3952
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, May and December. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hole-in-the-Wall CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Hole-in-the-WallDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Black Canyon Group & Equestrian CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Hole-in-the-Wall
- Black Canyon North SiteCampsite4 mi from Hole-in-the-Wall
- Mid Hills CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Hole-in-the-Wall
- Province Mountains SRACampsite10 mi from Hole-in-the-WallTentsCaravans
- Kelso Dunes MineCampsite21 mi from Hole-in-the-WallFree
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hole-in-the-Wall?
Hole-in-the-Wall is in Essex, CA, at GPS 35.0454, -115.3952. It is about 30 mi from Nipton.
Can you camp near Hole-in-the-Wall?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hole-in-the-Wall?
Hole-in-the-Wall is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mojave National Preserve: dunes, depot and cinder cones and Salt, dunes and Joshua trees: by camper from Las Vegas through Death Valley and the Mojave.
What is there to see near Hole-in-the-Wall?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kelso Depot (15 mi), Kelso Dunes (21 mi), Roy's Motel & Café (39 mi) and Amboy Crater (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hole-in-the-Wall?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, May and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)