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San Angelo State Park

Name: San Angelo State Park
Rating: 4.25

Type: Trail

Length: 50.00 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(4.25)451

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.97)

Solitude:

(4.64)

ADA Accessible: N/A

Bikes Allowed: Yes

Dogs Allowed: N/A

Interpretive Guide: N/A

City: San Angelo

County: Tom Green

More Information: More Info

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Photos

This bee really enjoyed being inside the flower as evidenced by the pollen clinging to his body. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Near 5 Points Junction, I saw this flower which already had a few insects crawling inside. Hopefully, the rains will come and allow more to grow. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The weather is warmer and Spring is here. This cactus wren was singing loud and long, hoping to attract a mate. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Flowering bushes are now evident and the bees are buzzing - a sure sign of Spring! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Although not a flowing river, there are large areas that have water. When the rains come, this river will flow - sometimes it will overflow the banks! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Spotted near Burkett Park. Not too concerned about seeing us as he wandered by. (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the first agarita bushes with a bloom at the North Shore. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Sun rising above the dam at the San Angelo State Park. (Photo by MikeHikes)

First Wren I've spotted in 2022. He was hopping along from bush to tree and back to bush near the Playground parking area. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A sunrise flight of migrating birds heading North. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Located on Tasajilla Flats, it just sits there and watches the days go by. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Ran into this guy as he was grubbing along the prickly pear. I made some noise, he saw me and departed. This is the second feral hog I've seen this close at the North Shore - not a good thing. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Only showing last 12 photos. View All Photos

Log Entries

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/15/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.40 Miles Duration: 3 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.5 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles

Temp started at 70, ended at 80. Sunny with a light SW breeze.

A short hike along very familiar trails. All trails are dry and easy to traverse but the vegetation is growing. No wildlife, except for a lone Cottontail Rabbit was seen. In addition, not many birds were out either. A few more cactus are showing flowers and the insects are finding them (photo attached). Some lizards were seen on the Winding Snake and Chaparral trails but they scampered off as soon as I spotted them.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/5/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.40 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Point Junction > River Bend > service road (N) > Cougar Overlook 5.5 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (S) > Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 4.9 miles

Temp started at 70, ended at 82. Overcast at first but became sunny and cloudless at Cougar Overlook. Steady 5-10mph NW breeze.

A longer hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Because of the reent humidity in the air, the vegetation is growing and a few of the trails are becoming "shaggy". Caution is advised due to the potential of stepping on a small reptile or a rattler. Lizards are out but no snakes so far. I saw a group of 15-20 javalinas including small ones, on Roller Coaster Trail as well as a few whitetail deer later on. Birds were singing and I'm seeing more Kingbirds than before. Mockers, various sparrows as well as Turkey Vultures were also spotted.

Wildflowers are more common and I saw Mexican hats, Indian Blankets and other coloful but unknown to me, flowers. Of note was the first cactus flower of the season (photo attached). After spotting the first I saw two smaller flowers on a different plant at a different part of the park. Rain would be welcome but none is in the forseeable future - not good.

Side note - my pair of Teva hiking sandals came apart near Cougar Overlook but held up enough to complete my hike. This pair lasted for about 2 seasons - maybe 300-400 miles.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.

Water, shade and info kiosk availabe at Bell's Point.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 4/29/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.30 Miles Duration: 3 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad trailhead > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.9 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.4 miles

Temp started at 72, ended at 82. Cloudy then mostly sunny. Steady SW winds from 10-15mph w/higher gusts.

A pleasant hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. The park is greening up with the mesquite trees lime green leaves filled with feathery fronds. A few of the Lace cactus have buds growing but no flowers yet. Lots of lizards were seen as were numerous birds - Spring is here and they are singing for mates (photo attached). I saw two cottontail rabbits and a few deer but no other animals. Of note - there were about 20 Turkey Vultures riding the winds and coming quite low to look for food but I never saw any land so no luck there.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

South Shore - Chaparral Pavillion to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 4/17/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 5.90 Miles Duration: 3 hours

Leg 1 - Chaparral Pavillion > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 2.7 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > service road (NE) > Chaparral Pavillion 3.2 miles

Temp started in low 60's, ended in mid-70's. Overcast then sunny with a steady breeze.

The park is greening up! It was as if a switch had been turned on from a week ago - the mesquites are now a lime green and the grass is showing, more flowers have appeared and some of the bushes have small flowers on them. The birds have become more numerous with Scissortails and Kingbirds making an appearance. No animals seen besides a few whitetail deer.

Even though the area is still in a drought condition, it's heartening to see the vegetation and wildlife making an appearance.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosks and toilets available at the campgrounds near the Chaparral Pavillion.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

North Shore - Area 7 Visit
By MikeHikes on 4/14/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.50 Miles Duration: 3 hours

Route - North Shore restroom > jeep trail/dirt road/hiking trail > turn around and return along same route > North Shore restroom 6.5 miles

Temp started mid-40's, ended low 70's. Sunny with a steady NW breeze.

IMPORTANT - I strongly advise hikers to check-in at the South Shore gatehouse. You will need a daily park pass and the combination to the gate padlock AND, more importantly, there are times when hunting is allowed in this area and not in the larger park area so you must ensure it is safe to enter. I also suggest you park by the bathhouse/restrooms near the North Shore gatehouse to ensure your vehicle is safe.

Once you have your car parked, go out the gate you just came in and cross FM2288. You will enter Area 7 through a swinging gate. Once you get inside, look for and follow the trail. You'll soon come to the wider dirt road. Follow it to the end always keeping an eye open for the trail when you come to the power lines.

This hike is one I take once or twice a year. The trail is an old jeep trail/dirt road that parallels the North Concho River until you come to the fence that marks the park's property line (about 3 miles one way). The trail is not marked but fairly easy to follow if you keep your eyes open. The river has some dry patches but there is water there (photo attached). You normally see some water fowl as well as various animals, including the park's Longhorn herd (on occassion).

Today we saw a small herd of juvenile feral pigs (7-9 in one group and 4 in another) that was a first for us. Some ducks and a Great Blue Heron were spotted in addition to the hogs and an assortment of year round bird residents. It was a pleasant hike and one that will be done again after/if/when we ever get some rain to make the river flow.

NOTES

Water, info kiosk and toilets are available at the North Shore gate area.

South Shore - Isabel Harte to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 4/10/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 3.50 Miles Duration: 2 hours

Leg 1 - Isabel Harte > Winding Snake> Burkett Park 1.7 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > park road (NE) > Isabel Harte 1.8 miles

Temp in mid-60's, mostly sunny, steady breeze.

A simple, relaxing hike along familiar trails. More birds are out but the only ones spotted were Mockers, red-winged blackbirds, cowbirds, white crowned sparrows and turkey vultures. A lone javalina was seen near Burkett Park - he saw us and wandered by without concern.

NOTES

Shade available at campsites at Isabel Harte. Water at a central location.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to River Bend Campground Loop
By MikeHikes on 4/3/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > South Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > service road (W) > River Bend (N) 2.0 miles

Leg 2 - River Bend Trail (N) > Badlands> Upper Big Hill > Dinosaur (N) > service road > Rocky Creek > service road > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.0 miles

Temp started at 54, ended at 70. Sunny, light winds.

Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Some birds out as well as a few deer. Seeing more purple flowers blooming and found a few agarita bushes with yellow blooms. A few butterflies were out as well. Outherwise, just a good, relaxing hike.

NOTES

Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station at Bell's Trailhead. Water and shade available at the nearby campground.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Campground.

Park Mid-Section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction + Tasajilla Flats
By MikeHikes on 3/31/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.10 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction 4.1 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (S) > service road (ENE) > service road (SSW) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2. 0 miles

Leg 3 - service road > Tasajilla Flats Trail (final section) and back > service road 1.0 miles

Temp started at 40, ended at 60. Sunny with a steady 5-10mph breeze from the NE.

Easy hike along damp to slightly muddy trails due to a recent rain two nights ago. A few agarita bushes have yellow blooms but there is no scent yet. Small groups of three or four deer were spotted and some birds were seen as well - mostly White Crowned Sparrows. The recent rain has also kick started the grass to grow and green sprouts have appeared in the burned areas.

Initially it was cold but once the sun appeared the temperature warmed rapidly which made this a very relaxing hike.

NOTES

Water, shade info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water, shade, and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 3/24/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.70 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > LL to WS Connector > Burkett Park 3.9 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.6 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.2 miles

Temp started at 38, ended at 70. Sunny with steady and increasing to 15mph WNW wind.

Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Grass is starting to sprout in some of the burned areas and I found two agarita bushes on Roadrunner Loop that have begun to bloom which perfumed the air quite nicely! I saw some deer as well as a small group of four javelina grubbing for food they ignored me and I left them alone. Birds are still somewhat scarce but I saw a Wren (photo attached) as well as an Ash Throated Flycatcher, some sparrows and a couple of Mockingbirds. We've recently experienced multiple days in a row of VERY high, constant Northerly winds. These winds have blown some of the topsoil onto the trails but not enough to completely cover them so they are still easy to traverse. I'm sure once the rains come, if they ever do, the topsoil will be washed away and the trails revealed once more.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.

Water and shade are available at campsites along Roadrunner Loop. Toilets and info kiosks are available at three locations along Roadrunner as well.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Loop
By MikeHikes on 3/17/2022
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.30 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail > Lower Big Hill > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > service road (W) > Badlands > River Bend Trail > service road (NNE) > Cougar Overlook 6.1 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > River Bend Spur (100 yards (NW)) > service road (N) > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > South Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.2 miles

Temp started at 60, ended at 82. Sunny with strong, consistent 15-20mph SW to W winds.

A windy but enjoyable hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. A few deer were spotted at the beginning of the hike but no other animals were seen. The birds seen were mostly ground hugging birds like sparrows. There really wasn't a lot going on due to the strong winds but I did hear more birds singing which is a good sign!

NOTES

Info kiosk and biccyle repair station available at Bell's Trailhead - water and shade is available at the campgrounds by the trailhead.

Water, sahde and info kiosk available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area.

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.

Water, sahde info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Campgrounds.

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