This 1.5 mile loop is very popular because of its scenic overlook, so you’ll want to go during non-peak times if you have any hope of solitude. The trail is very wide and easy to follow because of the frequent use.
With a very limited amount of time in the park I picked a couple of shorter, easier hikes that would offer the largest payoff for our time. Stony Man was at the top of the list.
I loved the lushness of the greenery along the way. It’s a very easy trail with only 300 feet of elevation gain, something that is somewhat rare for trails with overlooks such as this one.
We visited in summer, making our hike hot and humid but also offering some wildflower blooms along the way, such as this Wild Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
Once you reach the rock outcropping, you are likely to find a small crowd of people milling about and taking photos on the more picturesque perches. If you’re interested in these more key roosts, you won’t have too long to wait, as the crowd seemed to circulate fairly frequently.
We enjoyed the hike thoroughly, especially that it is a small lollypop loop, offering different views on the way back.
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