Be prepared for crowds

Comments: I arrived at 2pm and the parking lot was nearly full. The summit looked like it had a trail of ants. The park rangers said it was normal to have a full parking lot any time of the year. The hike to the top took about 45 minutes and there were a lot of people going up and coming down. After descending I took the main loop trail. Didn't encounter a single person! Moral of the story... if you climb "the rock" expect a crowd. The other trails should be just about empty (at least during the middle of the week. Weekends are another story.) As a side trip, when you exit the park, turn LEFT on RR965. It will dead-end at Hwy 16. Turn right for about 4 miles and when you see the Willow City Loop Road (on your left) TAKE IT! You will have about 13 miles of incredible scenery before you head back to Hwy 16.