Hole-in-the-Wall Road
Volcanic wonderland in the Mojave
Hole-in-the-Wall Road winds through some of the Mojave’s most striking volcanic terrain, where ancient lava flows created the bizarre rock formations that gave this route its name. The 20-mile dirt road connects the Hole-in-the-Wall Campground to the Mid Hills area of Mojave National Preserve, threading between towering Joshua trees and navigating washes carved through rhyolite cliffs that glow orange at sunset. The road’s highlight comes at the actual Hole-in-the-Wall formation, where Swiss-cheese volcanic rock creates natural windows and caves that early travelers used for shelter during desert crossings.
This is moderate-difficulty desert driving that requires high-clearance 4WD for rocky sections and loose sand through the washes, though stock trucks can handle most of the route with careful driving. Spring and fall offer the best conditions when desert temperatures stay reasonable, while summer heat makes this a dangerous proposition without serious water reserves. No permits needed, and dispersed camping opportunities abound among the Joshua trees. What you get: access to pristine Mojave wilderness where you can camp under stars so bright they hurt your eyes, plus geology lessons written in volcanic rock.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 20 mi / 32.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Barstow, California |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Hole-in-the-Wall Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here. The trail is rated moderate with dirt surfaces and some rocky sections, but nothing that requires a lift — just don't attempt it in a 2WD crossover.
Is Hole-in-the-Wall Road accessible in summer?
Technically open, but summer in the Mojave means temperatures regularly exceed 110°F — that's dangerous for you and your cooling system. October through April is the window; spring and fall are the sweet spot for bearable temps and good light.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping in Mojave National Preserve is free but limited to 14 days in any 28-day period, and you must camp at least a quarter mile from water sources, roads, and developed areas.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The roughest terrain is around the volcanic rock formations near Hole-in-the-Wall itself — loose rock, embedded basalt, and some shelf road sections that reward slow and deliberate driving. Nothing technical, but it's not a fire road cruise either.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any cell service on the trail?
Zero cell service on the entire 20-mile route — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave. The nearest reliable fuel is in Barstow, roughly 60 miles west, so top off before you head out; don't count on anything closer.
Trail track
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