Located in Essex, San Bernardino County, the Barber Peak Loop Trail offers a solid 6-mile loop around Barber Peak, just west of Hole-in-the-Wall Campground in the Mojave National Preserve. The trailhead sits right behind the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center, so parking and access are straightforward. This is a dog-friendly route, which makes sense given the terrain—you’ll be moving through classic desert landscape with decent shade from scattered Joshua trees and rocky outcrops.

The loop itself is relatively moderate in difficulty. You’ll pass by the distinctive Opalite Cliffs on the way around, and the return leg winds back through Banshee Canyon. The views shift as you circle the peak, and there’s enough elevation change to feel like real hiking without being punishing in the heat. The trail surface is mostly packed dirt and rock, manageable for dogs with reasonable paw toughness, though you’ll want to watch for sharp volcanic rock in places.

What makes this hike work for dogs is the length and the terrain. Six miles is long enough to give your dog a genuine workout, but not so long that it becomes a death march in the desert sun. The canyon return through Banshee gives some natural shade relief toward the end of the loop. Water availability is limited, so bring plenty for both you and your dog—there are no reliable sources along the trail itself.

The Hole-in-the-Wall area gets busy on weekends, especially in cooler months, so starting early helps with parking and keeps you ahead of larger groups. The landscape here is dramatic in that stark, open way—lots of exposed rock and big sky views. It’s the kind of hike where your dog will probably surprise you with how much energy they have, at least for the first few miles. Stick to early morning or late afternoon visits in warmer months to avoid the midday heat on the exposed sections.