Start of the La Orilla Trail, San Elijo Reserve

Enclaves! San Diego is full of wilderness enclaves. You just need to know where to look. A couple months ago, I talked about Crest Canyon (http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2011/11/28/crest-canyon.html), and how it’s a great secret spot to hike or run. A couple miles up the road, there’s another great spot for a calming walk or trail run next to the San Elijo Lagoon. This lagoon is the keystone of the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve, which features over seven miles of hiking trails, and is slightly North of Solana Beach, and slightly South of Cardiff.

Directions: From Interstate 5, exit Lomas Santa Fe, and head East to Highland Road (this road will be marked by a 4-Way Stop Sign). On Highland, turn left. Follow Highland East/North-east for a short while; and then turn left (North) onto El Camino Real. The parking lot for the trailhead will be on the West side of the road slightly before a hairpin turn. (The Reserve provides a good set of directions on their webpage, which I’ve placed below). From the parking area, it is several feet to the start of the trail. To me, the first portion of the trail is like entering a mystical forest with its low hanging cottonwood branches. Shortly up the trail (less than .10 miles), you will find a hollowed out area with tree branches covering it; it looks like a home to an unknown animal – or a gateway to another land.

After that, you will be entering the riparian area of the trail, where you will see cattails, and if it’s been a wet year – or if it’s recently rained, like it had the other day when I hiked this trail, you’ll see standing water in La Orilla Creek. If it’s dry – or hasn’t rained, the only water you’re likely to see is the Lagoon itself.

Riparian Portions of the La Orilla Trail The trail then meanders up some very slight hills, and then at .45 miles, arrives at the easement for the power lines above. At this point, you’ll have a variety of options – you can turn off onto some of the San Elijo Lagoon trails leading back into Solana Beach or you can continue West. Should you continue west, you’ll pass some free standing trees, some of which are Torrey Pines, and ultimately head along the Lagoon itself, under the Interstate 5, and toward the Coast. If you follow the trail to its end, you will arrive at the train tracks next to the Coast Highway just North of Solana Beach, which is directly across from Cardiff State Beach. The total distance from the trailhead to the Coast is 3.5 miles, one way, and is by and large, very flat. If you don’t decide to relax on the beach for a bit, the total round trip distance of this hike (or run) is seven miles. This trail is easy, and is for hikers of all skill levels.

Tips: At times, you will see people riding horses in and around the La Orilla trail near the El Camino Trailhead. If you are running the trail, be aware – and respectful of riders, so as not to dart around a corner, which will likely startle the horse(s). The section of trail that traverses under the Interstate 5 also has a narrow section of bridge; and if you are not paying attention, or you slip when running over it, you will end up in the Lagoon, and you will get wet. One last cautionary note about getting wet: when it rains, the trail becomes muddy in some places; and slippery in other places due to the high sand/clay content of the soil, and should you slip – you will get muddy and wet. Other than that, even though the area is fairly urban, this is a good spot to see deer, and sometimes, coyotes!

See you on the trail!

More Information: http://www.sanelijo.org/la_orilla.htm, http://www.sanelijo.org/explore-seven-miles-trails-san-elijo-lagoon-ecological-reserve, http://www.sanelijo.org/sites/sanelijo.org/files/Publications/Trailguides/laorilla.pdf, http://sandiegooutdoorguide.com/component/content/article/1326-la-orilla-trail, http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=656

Looking down the Partington Cove Trail

Big Sur. It’s one of those mythic places of California that everyone knows nothing and everything about. It’s a place of hidden beaches; stunning views where the land drops off into the ocean; and hairpin turns on the Cabrillo Highway (California Route 1). It’s a place of sun and fog and sudden winds; of wild animals, expected and unexpected; authors; and large mansions from a different era. The thing about Big Sur that no one ever talks about is the potential for traffic, and traffic jams. It almost seems incomprehensible that this remote and pristine area would have the same problems as say, downtown Los Angeles until you think about it rationally.

Bridge over Partington Creek

Most of the route through Big Sur, California Route 1 is full of hairpin curves, broken only by occasional bridges, lonely straightaways, steep coastal drop-offs, and is almost always a two-lane road. And, if you add in the key variable: beautiful ocean-front scenery, what you are left with is an equation that looks like this: two-lane road + beautiful scenery + tourists staring at said scenery = traffic jams and general slowing. (This is to say nothing of areas where road construction is currently ongoing as of 2012, where the two lane road becomes a one-lane road). Frankly, there’s actually nothing wrong with this situation – California Route 1 should be driven slowly to absorb the scenery; it’s just that one has to be prepared to view the country slowly. And, part and parcel of viewing the area slowly is knowing where to stop and explore. In this respect, the Partington Cove Trail is one of the best and easiest places to explore.

 Directions: While the trail isn’t marked, you’re going to want to look for a metal gate on the West side of Highway 1 – chances are there will be a fair amount of cars on either side of the road pulled out to hike the trail. The gate is roughly two (2) miles North of the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park; or roughly five (5) miles South of the Nepanthe Restaurant/Store complex. If you park on the East side, take care crossing the Highway 1, as there are frequent distracted drivers not looking for pedestrians.

From the metal gate, the trail is wide and flat down to the coast. Once you are down the hill, you will be by an interpretive kiosk, where the trail will fork off into three separate directions. The first will take you down towards a small cove where the trail dead-ends. The second will take you over a wooden bridge, through a forested grove, and through the tunnel to the remains of the pier at Partington Cove. The third will take you upstream along the Partington Creek. I’d recommend that one heads down to the smaller cove, before heading back to the trail junction and walking through the tunnel down to Partington Cove. At the cove, there’s a bench where you can watch the waves; and plenty of rocks to scramble around on depending on how high the tide is. (http://youtu.be/h9vayVct56U) If you’re looking around, you can also find the old eyebolts and moorings from the pier that used to exist here. Once you’re done exploring the area, return the way you came. While the hill isn’t that steep, this is where you will get somewhat of a workout. Roundtrip, you are looking at a little bit over one (1) mile.

 Partington Cove region

Tips: The tunnel through the rock to the old pier was initially used to carry out tanbark by mules; and was possibly used by bootleggers during prohibition. The tunnel is what really makes this an interesting hike in my book, as it allows one to imagine all sorts of interesting scenarios that occurred in this region. If you’ve got something to eat; the bench at the end of the trail at the cove is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. Lastly, while the trail isn’t technical in any way, nor that difficult, it can be a little slick at places, as your author found out. I had a very embarrassing moment when I slipped and ate it mid-way down – so much for those mountaineering skills right? But, with a little more attention and humility, I am sure you will be fine!

See you on the trail!

The infamous Partington Cove Tunnel - watch for smugglers!

More Information: http://www.blogmonterey.com/2011/06/09/partington-cove-day-hikes/, http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_partingtoncove.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/senders/4867473789/, http://www.yelp.com/biz/partington-cove-big-sur,http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-road-trip/ 

Round Valley, April 2011 (less snow here than May 2010!)

Although the backcountry skiing on San Jacinto is superb, what I like most about the peak is climbing it in winter. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that I prefer climbing the peak in the winter months over the summer months. While I have nothing against the summer route – and standard route that you loosely follow in the winter – I’d say the winter approach is a lot more fun. For starters, in the winter, you will likely have to find your own route after a certain point depending on the snow; there are less people; and in my opinion, the mountain is more scenic with a coating of ice and snow than it is in the summertime. There’s also no risk of dealing with extremely hot temperatures, dust; and if the conditions are right, you can glissade down the face of the mountain, which is a great rush, and an enormous time saver. I always make a point to head up to the summit of San Jacinto once a year (just to make sure it’s still there); and for the past two years, I’ve had great bluebird days on the peak in winter. As I’ve discussed the last two days, the snow this year is not what it has been, but I am sure I will head up to the summit at some point in the near future. From what I hear, you will still need crampons/microspikes at this point, even though the snow conditions are not optimal.

Folly Peak to San Jacinto summit traverse (2011).

Directions: The easiest – and most accessible route is the same route that you would take in the summertime. The route starts from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram station in Long Valley. From the tram station, head into Long Valley, where you will pass the Ranger Station within a quarter mile. Remember, you will need a permit to head any further – but, don’t despair – permits are free! From the Ranger station, you will head up the trail (if it is visible) to Round Valley. At this point, where you head is a matter of where you want to go, and how your orienteering skills are. In 2010, I kept my group fairly close to the route of the actual trail (even though it was several feet below us in the snow); and in 2011 I elected to take my climbing partner and I up the face of Folly Peak after we branched off at Wellman’s Divide.

Alternatively, one could head straight for the summit prior to or at Round Valley; but in my opinion, the Folly Peak to San Jacinto traverse in winter is the way to go. Folly Peak is directly to the West of the San Jacinto summit; and clocks in at 10,480 feet. Last year, we traversed up to its summit in some fairly soft powder that was warming in the mid-afternoon sun. Once we were at the summit of Folly, we followed the more packed snow on the ridgeline over to the actual summit of San Jacinto, which was a little less than a mile. To get back to the tram, you can either walk back the way you came, or, if the conditions are right, like they were last year, you can glissade back down into Round Valley. This is exactly what my climbing partner and I did; we traversed back down to the rescue hut, and after checking it out – and the log, found a great spot to glissade down. I’d estimate that this way eliminated about two to three miles from our return trip; and was great fun, but there has to be enough snow to take this route (which at this point in 2012, it appears there is not). Distance wise, you can make this winter summit bid last around twelve miles if you really want, but realistically, if you know how to use a map and compass, or GPS, you’re looking at much less distance.

Summit, San Jacinto, 2011

 San Jacinto summit, looking North to San Gorgonio

Tips: As noted in the last post, you’ll want the proper gear for this, in case the tram stops running; and because you are winter mountaineering. The summit does get hit pretty hard by strong winds, and the temperature can drop very fast. If you are going to attempt this in wintertime, I’d recommend one heads out mid-winter, rather than late winter. The difference? Firm footing that will involve less postholing than melting snow offers. If you are going to attempt this, do be familiar with your map/compass/GPS so as not to get lost. And finally, do note that John Muir did indeed say, “The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!” While I hate to disagree with Muir overall, what I will say is that if you do climb the peak in winter, you will definitely have a more sublime experience than the summer!

See you on the trail!

And...a view from the summit, here: http://youtu.be/uAwr5sMeW5A

More Information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/636/files/MtSanJacintoSPmap.pdf, http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1480, http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/27F.htm, http://www.summitpost.org/folly-peak/300638, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jacinto_Peak, http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2010/6/6/san-jacinto-tram-to-summit-may-31-2010.html

Heading for the San Jacinto summit, Winter 2011

One of my annual traditions is to head out to San Jacinto in the wintertime to partake in some of the best backcountry skiing in Southern California. However, if I’m being honest, it looks like this tradition is going to take a one-year hiatus based on the conditions I saw on Sunday, January 23, 2012, as there is not enough snow to get in any runs, unless I’m willing to ride over rocks and more rocks. Perhaps the conditions will change in the next six weeks, but at this point, as I noted yesterday, it looks like a drought year for us, which means no backcountry skiing on San Jacinto. (http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2012/1/23/current-snow-conditions-on-mt-san-jacinto-january-2012.html)

 Plenty of fresh powder to go around! (2011)

Forget the snowpack though for now: let me tell you why I think San Jacinto is the best backcountry skiing in Southern California. First, it’s easily accessible – it’s a quick twelve minute ride up the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway to Long Valley, and in a good snow year like 2010 or 2011, you can instantly head out once you leave the tram station. Even in poor years, or late in the season, it’s a short hike/walk up towards Round Valley at around 9000 feet, where you will encounter snow that can be traversed and then skied. Second, there’s lots of variety. You can ski around either Long Valley, Round Valley, or many other portions of the park on relatively flat terrain; and there is plenty of downhill terrain either on the face of the peak proper, or in various chutes and small hills. In this respect, the terrain can be great for beginners – or for experts looking to get in some serious backcountry runs.

In my experience, should there be enough snow, and should you be willing to invest some effort into traversing with skins or on ski, or hiking on foot, you can get a good run of approximately 1500 vertical feet in – not too shabby! Third, unlike Baldy, and the terrain around it, it’s not too busy. Sure, you’ll pass people in Long Valley, but once you get out in the open, you’re going to find fresh powder – I guarantee it. In this respect, I’d say San Jacinto is one of the more unknown areas to ski in, even though it’s readily apparent to everyone.

Getting ready for the ~1500 or so foot vertical run. (2011) Tips: I always try and head up the day after a storm, because there will be fresh powder everywhere. Even if I can’t make it after a storm, I arrive at the tram station early to catch the first tram up at 8:00 am as the tram cars fill up as the day progresses, and it’s a hassle dealing with a full tram and all of your gear. Do also note that a permit is required for traveling past Long Valley, but such permits are free, and are found at the Long Valley Ranger Station. I always have the proper gear for this trip – map, compass, GPS, and spare clothes, among other things, just in case the tram stops running, or something else comes up. I generally also carry/wear my Avalung, but I’ve never had to use it there. I also make sure to have lots of high caloric foods and to have lots of energy, because there are no lifts after the tram, and you will be expending a lot of energy on whichever runs you do go on. Lastly, do note that the weather can change on San Jacinto fairly quickly, and the summit region does get hit pretty hard at times by high winds, which can lead to some fairly iced out conditions, so exercise the proper care.

With those things in mind, the next time there’s a mammoth dump of snow in Southern California, and you want to experience acres of wide open backcountry, check out San Jacinto – but just realize that it might be 2013 before this happens! 

More Information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636, http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/index.php, http://www.pstramway.com/, http://inthewildernesswithtodd.blogspot.com/2011/03/san-jacinto-backcountry-skiing-2-27-11.html, http://san-diego-ski-club.org/backcountry.htm

San Jacinto, 01/22/12 - not much snow!

Yesterday was basically a 1980's adventure revival day as I stopped at the Cabazon Dinosaurs (http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2012/1/23/cabazon-dinosaurs.html) and headed up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a little hiking. There's nothing really retro - or eighties about the tram these days, as it's a slick, modern rotating machine, but when I got to Long Valley, I had a very retrofabulistic moment (yes, I know retrofabulistic isn't a real word, but it sounds good, right?) when I looked around, and there was almost no snow. At that moment, my exact thoughts were: "Where's the snow?!?!?" As you can see from the photos, there was little to no snow at around the ~8500 foot mark that Long Valley sits at. As I walked along the valley, both East and West, I'd say the snow depths were running at ~1-3 inches, variable, mostly melted off, and what base layer remained was almost completely iced out. Keep in mind that these conditions were after the "winter" storm we received in the Southern California region, which obviously left no accumumulations at this elevation. From Long Valley up to Round Valley, there was spotty accumulation, mostly under deep tree cover and around the rocks of ~2-4 inches, variable; with an occasional "drift" of a foot or more (again, completely iced out). More often than not, even up to around ~9500 feet, there were bare spots of dirt, and no snow coverage whatsoever. 

San Jacinto, 01/22/12 - where's the snow?!

This is in start contrast to last year, 2011, when I was on the summit in April, and there was still a substantial amount of snow from Long Valley on (several feet), and from 2010 when I headed up the to the summit on Memorial Day in several feet of snow from Long Valley. While a storm is passing through today, the ten day shows nothing but sun. At this point, it looks like we will be experiencing a drought year, which, while good for peakbaggers, is bad for fire conditions. If you are planning on heading for the summit at this point, I'd strongly recommend microspikes/crampons due to the prevalance of ice on the trail and summit approach.

Pray for snow!

More Information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636, http://mtsanjacinto.info/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=6fa45979eed52ba5ffc35100ff9cc233

Time waits for no man - or in this case, no man, and no dinosaurs. Among other places, I grew up in Southern California, and while growing up, I made a fair number of trips out to the desert with my parents. One of my favorite things about heading out to the desert was that part of the I-10 after Beaumont where the freeway crests a slight hill, and you can see for miles down into the valley where the windmills churn before Palm Springs. At that point, day or night, the main thing you could see breaking the desert panorama were the larger than life shapes of two dinosaurs resting comfortably. In my head, I could picture them lumbering off into the distant hills, or chasing cars full of tourists like myself looking for an easy meal. If you stopped there, the parking lot was full of eager, chattering people, and a lot of over-exuberiant kids. After all, what kid didn't like dinosaurs - or venturing into a dinosaur's belly? 

That was then, and this is now. Today, the dinosaurs - Mr. Rex and Dinny - are obscured behind a Burger King, and some other restaurant, and not so visible from the I-10 East. The ownership of the dinosaurs has also changed - as has the message - to a creationist viewpoint of how the Earth and its creatures has been created. Full disclosure here: I'm a firm believer in evolution; but aside from that, it seems wrong to me to use these fanciful creatures to promote a political message - but maybe that's just my nostalgia talking. In any case, the combination - new ownership; behind a fast food restaurant has made it seem more desolate and different to me than what I recollect from my memories "back in the day". Nevertheless, how can you pass it up if you're in the area? It's right off the I-10 in Cabazon, so you can't miss it.

See you under the dino's feet!

More Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabazon_Dinosaurs, http://www.yelp.com/biz/cabazon-dinosaurs-cabazon

Tatooine, er, Kelso Dunes, from the "trailhead"

I hate to make people jealous, but I have a confession: I’ve been to Tatooine. I’ll be even more honest – it wasn’t at Star Tours, and it wasn’t through any related Star Wars video games. And, as a further disclaimer, I’ll let you know that I haven’t gone completely around the bend yet, and it didn’t take place in a dream, or within the confines of my own head. Did you know that on Tatooine, the sand talks? In certain places, you can feel it saltating against your legs, and you can hear the whispering plink plink plinks as it bounces off your body. Even more interesting, when you’re out in the deep mountains of sand of its far reaches, you can hear the dunes peak to you with a deep bass timbre, in rumbling chords of booooom sssssssss boooom.

 Midway up the Kelso Dunes

But, before you call the men with the white coats, let me clarify where exactly on Tatooine I’ve been: I’ve been to the Kelso Dune portions of the planet only. What’s that you say? There’s no Kelso on Tatooine, and that the Kelso Dunes are on this planet? Fiiiiiiiiine, you got me. I am right about all of the above though – the sand in the Kelso Dunes talks; and if you’re there at the right time, it booms and sings – one of the few networks of sand dunes on the planet that does!

Directions: Head three light years past...alright, alright. If you’re in the Mojave National Preserve, you’re going to want to find Kelbaker Road, which will take you to the graded gravel turnoff. And, actually, if you’re outside the park you’ll want to take the Kelbaker Road exits from the I-15 or the I-40 as well. If you’re coming from the North, you’ll pass through Kelso before you get to the Dunes. Do note that there is no gas within the entirety of the Mojave National Preserve, so be sure to fill up prior to entering the park to explore.

View South from the Kelso Dunes - the distant line is the "trail" The Trail: Actually, there is no trail. Once you reach the parking area for the dunes, there is a pit toilet, some interpretive panels, and a short quarter mile segment heading due North into the dunes. From that point, it is every man, woman, and stormtrooper search party for themselves (and you thought I was done with the Star Wars references). It took me about an hour to reach the summit of what I perceived to be the highest dune from the parking lot.

While this may sound like an incredibly short distance; let me assure you that as you are headed uphill for almost the entirety of the hike/walk/desert trek/exploration, it is actually quite difficult and strenuous at times. Oh right, I forgot to mention why it is difficult: you are trekking uphill in sliding, slippery, shifting, foot sucking sand. Even if it is not hot when you are doing this, you will work up a sweat if you are headed to the top, I guarantee it. Should you not be headed to the top dune, you will also work up a sweat traveling around the dune field, as it is rigorous work at times. From the parking lot you can travel as short – or as long as you wish; however due note that dune travel can be disorienting, and should you head to a far far away dune, make sure you can orient yourself back.

 Dune sliding - tallyho!

Tips: If you’re going for photographs, I’d say the best times are either early in the day, when there are no footprints, or late in the day, when the light changes in the desert. My other tip is to get out there and enjoy the dunes. This is one of the few locations where off-roading is prohibited, so you can run, jump, slide, roll, and do just about anything down dune hills without the fear of being squashed by a vehicle. My suggestion: take a sled; old snowboard; lunch tray; inner tube; or anything that you can slide in; and head up part or all of the way up a dune and then slide down. And, if you don’t have a sliding object that you can use, head up, and slide down with just your feet causing as many savalanches of your own as you want.

Supplemental Tip: If you’re coming from the North, and you’re hungry, I recommend you stop in Kelso, where the National Park Service has renovated the old train station, and its diner, The Beanery. It’s a great spot to learn more about the park, and experience some of the history of the region. (http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/beanery.htm)

See you in the sand!

More Information: http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/upload/MOJAmap1.pdf, http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/mojave/kelso1.html, http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/mojave/kelsosand.html, http://www.mydreamcametrue.com/dreamdesert.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelso_Dunes

Since I've been talking about the desert for the last couple weeks, it seemed like a good idea to review two of my new favorite desert related applications.

Watch for Tortoise!The first is the Mojave Desert Tortoise App, and it can be found here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mojave-desert-tortoise/id400806083?mt=8 . This is a great little app that has a quick quiz about the Mojave Desert Tortoise and its lifestyle, as well as handy facts, should you be lucky enough to see one, and even more importantly, should you be lucky enough to see one, a way to take a picture and upload it to researchers seeking to better understand and protect the tortoise - so, like the sign says - "Watch for Desert Tortoise"(!). (As a hint, now would not be a good time to use this app, as the Tortoises are hibernating).

Second, and equally as helpful is the California Desert Application, which can be found here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ca-desert/id431028825?mt=8. This is a great little app with an intereactive map of desert areas, an interactive interface regarding different activities that are available in these areas, and a section for recent news and events going on in those areas.

Also, the best news about these apps is that they are both free, so should you have an iPhone, and plan to be out exploring in the local Southern Californian Deserts, be sure to check them out!

See you on the Interwebs!

The infamous "Rings Climb" - dun dun dunnnnn

Every National Park has its own signature “must-do” hike. In Yosemite, it’s the Mist Trail and Half Dome. In Zion National Park, it’s Angels Landing. And, in the Mojave National Preserve, the signature hike is probably the Rings Climb/Ring Loop Trail. I say “probably” because I have to admit that I’m a big fan of hiking around the Kelso Dunes when I’m in the Preserve; and in my mind, it’s a tough call deciding between the two. However, in terms of pure hiking, I’m going to have to stick with my initial call: the Rings Climb/Ring Loop Trail is the signature hike of the Preserve.

Directions: The Rings Loop Trail leaves from one of two locations located at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center parking lot. There is a trail entrance located at the East side of the parking lot, near the entrance, and another trailhead located at the picnic area at the North end of the Visitor Center lot. I’d personally recommend that you start your hike at the East trailhead in the Visitor Center parking lot. The trail is well marked from this point, and you have a clear, flat first quarter mile before you arrive at a grouping of boulders with petroglyphs on them. (http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2012/1/9/hole-in-the-wall-petroglyphs.html ). It is precisely for this reason that I recommend leaving from this trailhead rather than the other, as you are more likely to spot the petroglyphs than if you are approaching from the opposite direction. (However, if you’re particularly observant, and looking for them, I am sure that you will find them no matter which direction you travel).

Mid-Banshee CanyonAfter the petroglyphs, the trail continues for another half mile (.5) on mostly flat terrain, winding slightly to the North. At three quarters (.75) of a mile total distance, you will get great views of the opening to Banshee Canyon. From this angle, it looks like a fanciful castle with windows, turrets, and other openings. The trail then heads slightly uphill into Banshee Canyon, leaving you in the middle of the phantasmagorical rock formations that Hole-in-the-Wall is named for. These rock formations are the byproducts of an ancient volcanic eruption, which scorched the surrounding desert millions of years ago. Today, the various holes, openings, and other formations look like anything you can imagine.

Once you’ve taken an appropriate amount of time to admire the geologic features, you’re likely going to want to find your way out of Banshee Canyon (named for the howling sound the canyon makes in high winds, naturally). To the South is a slight slot that ends in a straight vertical wall with carved/worn hand and footholds. While this is an exit, it’s meant for climbers, and not the average NPS visitor. (I checked it out, and found it to be a good workout!). To the North, the NPS trail heads up another slot, until you reach the signature point – the rings.

 First set of "rings"

The rings are simply that – metal rings that NPS has installed into the rock walls of the canyon. They are divided into two separate sections. The first section is steep, but at this point, the rings are placed to give a person more of an assist hiking, rather than being needed to actually ascend this portion of the trail. However, the second section of rings heads up a short rock wall, and are needed to actually climb up a section before hiking out.

Now, here’s where discerning readers will ask the thousand dollar question: Just how tough/dangerous is the ring area? Should I attempt it? First, let me give you the NPS answer (as I am former NPS employee): everyone should do what they feel comfortable with; and not try anything outside their comfort/skill level that will leave them in danger. Second, let me give you the LA answer: most people can do this. Yes, a fall from the first section would cause bruising or a broken bone at worst, while a fall from the second section could definitely result in something worse. Having said that, I’ve been on the cables at Half Dome, and the route on Angels Landing, both of which are NPS approved trails, and these Rings are easy compared to those risks. Things to note: the canyon through the ring section is somewhat narrow, so if you are a bit larger, you may feel that it is a tight fit. (I note that I am not a big person, nor small, but average sized, and I found it a bit tight in a spot or two). Also, if you are concerned about people passing up and or down, this is probably not the spot for you, especially if you’re a little claustrophobic.

 Second set of "rings"

Having said all of those important but serious things, I will also note that the rings are fun. I saw older people climbing them (70+) and junior mountaineers climbing and descending them with ease. And that is why I would call this hike a must-do and the signature hike of the Preserve – it’s fun, there’s great scenery, and you get to adventure up and down the canyons a little bit. From the rings, it’s probably a tenth of a mile (.10) to the trailhead by the picnic area, and a great overlook of the Hole-in-the-Wall formations. The loop is a mile in length total, so this hike is accessible at any time for just about anyone.

Tips: Did I mention there’s petroglyphs? (http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2012/1/9/hole-in-the-wall-petroglyphs.html) I think I did. Other than that, I’d recommend heading out at night (with proper lighting, of course) to view Banshee Canyon for a unique view of the formations under the moonlight.

More Information: http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/-hiking.htm, http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/MOJA/Rings_Trail/_Rings_Trail.htm, http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/hole-in-the-wall-rings-trail-in-mojave-national-preserve/, http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/08/travel/la-tr-mojave-20120108