It is a short drive to our next stop, Hole in The wall Campground in the southern section of the preserve. Rugged mountain ranges cut through the long stretches of creosote dominated desert. We settle in then head for the visitor center since they are closed Tues and Wed and I always like to check in with them to see if there is anything special going on during our stay. It is a bit of an adventure since we set out on the shorter path; 38 miles rather than 60 miles. The catch, 16 of those 38 are on dirt road. There is a lot of pot hole dodging and washboard rattling and we are grateful we were not here a couple weeks ago when they got all the big rain. The road must have been impassable then. I enjoy the views as Kent endures the drive. We make our stop then come home via the paved roads. It wasn’t a mistake but it is a decision we probably won’t make again! Back home we are entertained by the many black tailed jackrabbits that scurry around the wash just outside our window.
There is no power in or even near the campground so it is a great night sky park – once the neighbors put out their huge bonfire. We even got up in the middle of the night. We are “only” 70 miles from Vegas so that light dome is visible but Kent still captures some pretty amazing views. I just stand in the stillness and soak it all in. The only interruption is the low call of great horned owls.
The trailhead for our day 1 trail, Barber Peak, is right here in camp. We dawdle a bit ‘til the temperature gets into the 50s then head out. Much of the trail crosses open range where favorite shaded areas are noticeably dotted with cow flops. Lots of flops but no cows so far. We travel washes and cross low rocky ridges as we circle along magnificent cliffs. Erosion patterns are amazing. In just 6 miles we cross desolate desert and comparatively lush mountainside slopes. We are on the lookout for big horn sheep (again) but find only two cows and an adorable calf. We know where at least some of the freshest flops have come from.
Our trail intersects The Ring Loop Trail. It is sort of the name sake of the area as it winds through narrow slots (holes in the wall) in the eroded cliffs. We spot a high eroded recess that is filled with honeycomb – so that is where they live out here! Two of the canyon slots are steep walled and high enough to warrant climbing rings to assist the ascent. It is a fun trail….as long as you approach it clockwise so it is up the rings not down them.
