Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
50.00 ft (15.24 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
0.60 mi (0.97 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Interpretive Loop Trail is the shortest trail inside the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historical Park trail system, covering just under two-thirds of a mile. In that short distance, the trail passes through high desert sage brush, riparian and second-growth forest, and reaches Willow Creek, which can have a fluctuating flow throughout the year.

With about 50 feet in total elevation gain over the course of the loop, taking the fork at the sign immediately beyond the charcoal ovens will put you on the trail headed in a clockwise direction. Over its course, views of Ward Mountain, the location of the former townsite of Ward for which the park is named, open up. The final portion of the trail runs on the Riparian Loop Trail before returning to the charcoal ovens.

The trail is easy and offers a bench and a few interpretive signs along its route. A vault toilet and trash are located at the trailhead parking area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Short. Accesses creek.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

7,000.00 ft (2,133.60 m)

Highest point

7,030.00 ft (2,142.74 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Historically significant
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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