Overlook Loop

At just under a mile, the Overlook Loop Trail offers the most challenging of the marked hikes inside Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. While starting out on relatively flat ground that passes the six well-preserved charcoal ovens and lime kiln remains as well as the Interpretive Loop and Riparian Loop trails, the Overlook Loop soon splits and begins a steep hike up the saddle between two dominant rock outcroppings. While unsigned, hikers who look closely can find the paths of previous visitors who have left the trail and climbed to the top of the buttes. The shortest route to the top of Rocky Point is from the saddle. A dusty scramble will add about a quarter mile to the total hike distance, but you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Egan Mountains and Steptoe Valley stretching away down below. After retracing the route back to the saddle, the hike continues through a confusing and unsigned course along the south side of Rocky Point. Do your best to follow the tracks on the ground;they cross another small saddle and then head back through the sage and juniper for the main trail near the charcoal ovens. As parts of the trail are not clearly defined at all, it is easiest to follow the trail in a counterclockwise direction, and it is helpful to take a picture of the map at the trailhead.