MOJAVE DESERT

Sure, when we went, it was so cold at night we basically turned into human burritos, desperately huddled in the truck like it was a five-star igloo. Who knew a desert could feel like the inside of a freezer after dark? But honestly, that’s part of the charm: one minute you’re sweating under a sun that could fry an egg on a rock, and the next you’re questioning every life choice as you shiver in three jackets. And yet? Totally worth it. The stars alone—absolutely unreal, like nature’s own IMAX. Go. Just… maybe pack more blankets than we did.

Hole in the Wall

Are you up for crawling through rocks like a giant kid? We went counterclockwise, which meant we got to go down the metal rings like total pros. Honestly, it felt more like an adventure course than a hike, with tunnels and rock formations straight out of another planet. It was the perfect mix of “wow, this is cool” and “okay, I’m definitely posting this.” Super fun, surprisingly easy, and way more exciting than just walking a regular trail. Highly recommend—because why walk around a wall when you can go through it?

Hole-in-the-Wall Hike: What You’re Getting Into

• Length: 1.5 miles but you can totally brag about it anyway.

• Difficulty: Moderate (translation: enough to feel cool, not enough to regret your life choices)

• Time: 1–2 hours depending on how many photos you stop for.

• Highlights:

  • Banshee Canyon: Crawling through holes is surper fun.

  • Metal rings: built-in handholds so you feel like a rock climber without actually being one

  • Viewpoint: the “wow, we earned this” moment

  • Weird, awesome geology: rocks with holes in them… nature’s version of Swiss cheese

• Trailhead: Parking lot past the Hole-in-the-Wall Info Center.

Lava Tube Cave

The Lava Tube Cave in the Mojave Desert is one of those “if you know, you know” spots. It’s about 900 feet from the parking area—just take the first fork to the right, even though it looks like absolutely nothing is there. Seriously, it’s ridiculously easy to miss. Once you find it, you’ll climb down into this giant underground lava tunnel, which sounds way more dramatic than it is. The real magic happens when the sun’s directly overhead—otherwise, it’s just a dark hole. And here’s the fun part: to actually see those famous sunbeams? You have to throw a bunch of sand into the air to make it dusty enough for the light to show up. Yes, really. Nothing like standing in a cave, flinging dirt at the sky to make nature cooperate. Totally worth it for that perfect photo—and honestly, the whole “secret cave” vibe is half the fun.

Hiking Information:

• Trail: ½ mile of rocky terrain 

• Tube Length: About 500 feet—just enough to feel like you’re on an underground adventure

• Ceiling: Varies, but the lowest point’s 3 feet tall. 

• Difficulty: Easy—12 minutes, and you’ll feel like an expert cave explorer

• High-clearance vehicle not all vehicles are cut out for desert roads.

• Flashlight/headlamp don’t be that person who tries to “explore” in the dark

• Crowds: It’s popular, so expect a few friends in your photos

• Amenities: None. Like, none at all. So, go prepared.