Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail is a 1.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cima, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching and is best used from September until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The main feature of this trail is the rings which are physically demanding.
Dirt Parking lot at Hole in the Wall Information Center
Contact Hole in the Wall Information Center at (760) 252-6104 or (760) 928-2572 if not open call Kelso Depot open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM at (760) 252-6108
From Interstate 40, Exit Essex Road, exit 100 and make a left and go 10 miles to Black Canyon Road and go another 10 miles to Hole in the Wall Visitor Center and make a left, the Trailhead is in the parking lot. Entrance fee to the Preserve is Free
Outstanding experience. It was so much fun going into the rock formation looking like it is a dead end only to find the path showing a way through. The rings were well placed for me (5 ft 10 in tall). It was an effort to lift myself and it took some thinking and planning to make sure my dominant leg was at the right place at the right time. Recommend going up the rings trail. I will avoid going down the trail.
This loop was quick but fun, I recommend taking it clockwise so you begin at the left entrance. This allows you to go up the rings instead of down. Going up is much more fun and a bit less difficult. The loops can be a bit difficult for kids and I definitely don't think you can get a dog up or down, so thats something to consider before you begin. Our car had a difficult time getting to the trailhead from Old Government Road/Black Canyon Road. If your car is not good at off-roading, I absolutely recommend entering from the South.
Hot in the sun. Banshee canyon/rings part quite short but fun. Too steep for dogs. Nice short desert hike
Awesome trail with the slot canyon and series of rings to help you "climb out!
Awesome and easy hike! Great for kids to explore, just keep an eye on them and make sure they don't fall. Go clockwise, because it's going to be a lot easier to go up the canyon than down it. Some people found the rings to be difficult to climb but we got our 35 lb dog up just fine. I wouldn't recommend trying to get a larger dog up though.
Definitely go clockwise on the trail. Also, bathroom facilities were not open at the information center so plan accordingly. Otherwise, really cool holes in the wall.
Nice easy trail that is not overly crowded. Highly recommend going clockwise.
really dope trail! some rock carvings and beautiful landscapes. rings aren't difficult at all. it was very windy when i went.
Long drive over bumpy dirt road, but lots of uniqueness to this place... rings, climbing, wild horses, cacti. Definitely do the trail starting to the left of the parking lots when facing the rocks.
Awesome little trail! We were told by the ranger that it’s great with kids. And it is if they are bigger but not with toddlers. There is a part that is rock climbing and is not that easy. Our 8 year old did fine. But we made it and we had a lot of fun!
Amazing sunset color. We went counterclockwise and took the rings down. It was fun playing in the holes.
Challenging if you aren’t fit. But one of my favorites! Love exploring around