The Rings Loop is a 1.5-mile circuit at Hole-in-the-Wall that drops through Banshee Canyon using iron rings bolted into the rock walls — the feature that gives the area its name. The route passes rock art and volcanic formations before the canyon descent, connecting to the Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail at the far end.
Overview
Hole-in-the-Wall is a formation of rhyolite — an ancient volcanic rock riddled with holes created by gas bubbles trapped during cooling. Banshee Canyon cuts through this formation, and the rings section is a near-vertical descent through a narrow slot where iron rings mounted in the walls provide handholds and footholds. It's the most unusual section of trail in the preserve.
What to Expect
The loop is mostly flat through volcanic desert terrain before reaching the canyon. The rings section requires using your hands; there are two ring-assisted descents (roughly 10 feet and 6 feet). Rock art is visible along the canyon walls. At 4,400 feet elevation, Hole-in-the-Wall is notably cooler than the lower desert — snow is possible in winter.
Tips & Logistics
The trailhead is at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center parking lot. Dogs are allowed on leash but are not recommended for the rings section — the descent is too technical for most dogs. No permit required. Year-round accessible. Check road conditions if visiting after rain.