Hole in the Rock Canyon
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| | Difficulty:POI 1A I (v1a1 I) Raps:0
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| Condition Reports: | 3 Jul 2026
"A fun little morning hike on our way to Arizona. Camped along the trail on an old campsite that is no longer listed anywhere (35.0388, -115.39855), th |
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| Best season: | Nov-Apr
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35.0421, -115.3950
35.0421, -115.3950
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Introduction
A loop hike around a rock feature that includes 2 sets of installed metal “rings” driven into the rock to support climbing up or down near the end of the loop, as well as some petroglyphs that are well kept a 1/3 of the way in on the route. A nice way of breaking up a drive or a very low effort touristy thing to do along with Mitchell Caverns, but wouldn’t recommend a trip dedicated solely for this hike.
Approach
Southern approach: Take I-40 exit off Essex Rd. and follow it around 40 minutes on the paved road. Take the right turn into Black Canyon Rd (following the road left will lead to Mitchell Caverns).
Park at the information center and head southeast following the use trail around the mountain. Alternatively, park at Barber Peak Loop parking area for a quicker return to your car or if there is no parking.
The original pin for this location was for the Technical Canyon, NOT the Rings Loop (The Loop should be a SEPARATE POI) - beta was once on Canyon Collective, which is now defunct. -Take exit 100 off I-40 for Essex Road. -Drive 9.7 miles northwest on Essex Road to a Y junction. -Stay right at the Y (Black Canyon Road) and drive an additional 9.7 miles (19.4 miles from I-40). Turn left for the Hole in the Rock visitor center -Drive past the visitor center and make the first turn left after 0.4 mile. Park at the end of the road which is also the trailhead for Hole in the Rock Rings Loop.
Approach for technical canyon (15-30 minutes): -From the parking area, scramble southeast up the path of least resistance (orange rock) to a bench. Traverse right, somewhat exposed, to a high garden and the start of the canyon. The scrambling shouldn't exceed class 3.
Descent
Walk clockwise following the trail, making sure to visit the petroglyphs at (35.03844, -115.3937). Easy trail walking without any difficult ascent or descent allows for a great family adventure.
Near (35.04342, -115.39919) is where the 2 section of rings are; they are an ascent of about 10-20ft (3-7m).
Descent for the TECHNICAL CANYON, not, the Loop. 15-30 minutes -Once in the high garden, down-climb to the first rappel in an obvious runnel. -A small bench before the rappel provides access to the chockstone anchor. -Easy down-climbing after 1st rappel leads to a small garden with fantastic rock formations, holes and vugs. -Rappel 2 is anchored by large rock down narrow section to wide garden. (usually some sort of jingus anchor from scramblers) -Intersect the Rings Trail Loop and take a right (the loop counterclockwise). -Climb out of the canyon (the rings provides assistance; although not mandatory) back to the parking area.
R1: 35 feet Chockstone R2: 25 feet Boulder
Head of canyon and first rappel: 35.0434, -115.3979 Exit (turn right): 35.0435, -115.3992
Exit
Hiking up past the second set (35.04404, -115.39843 ) leads you to the Barber Peak Loop Trailhead. Turn right and hike down the dirt road back to your car.