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San Angelo State Park

Name: San Angelo State Park
Rating: 4.18

Type: Trail

Length: 50.00 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(4.18)594

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.89)

Solitude:

(4.63)

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

Mockingbird parents were quick to chase away a bird that they deemed was too close to their fledgling. (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the pair of Roadrunners I saw did not want to be seen and took refuge behind some vegetation. When I moved to get a better photo, he quickly disappeared. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This javelina was very protective of the smaller one in the background. When the younger one got across the road safely, he calmly joined him without incident. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This grey fox was conducting an inspection when I saw him. He decided he had enough and disappeared when I got closer to him. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This reclining feral cat seemed to be surveying his domain. I didn't disturb him and hope a fox seen a few minutes earlier further down the trail did not disturb him either. I think this guy could hold his own if the fox saw him as a meal. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Almost all the prickly pear blooms had insects of one type or another visiting them. (Photo by MikeHikes)

First time I've seen this kind of bird and I saw a pair of them! As I continued to hike, I saw other Lark Buntings in the trees. Very striking bird! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This piece of the trail is indicative of numerous trails in the park now that Spring has arrived. Clusters of blue, purple and yellow flowers as well as the bright green leaves of the mesquite trees are all over the park. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Not print worthy but easy to see that it is a male Vermilion Flycatcher - a very active and colorful bird. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The turkey vultures were relaxing by a water trough and appeared to be simply waiting for something to happen. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This male White Crowned Sparrow found a somewhat desiccated seed pod to eat. The red really popped and caught my eye when he jumped into the small tree. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I haven't seen one of these birds in some time. Nice to see him again! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Only showing last 12 photos. View All Photos

Log Entries

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park - Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 6/14/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.10 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Isabel Harte Park Road (SW) > Lankey Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.0 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Isabel Harte Park Road (SW) > Nature Trail > Horny Toad > Talley Valley > Chaparral > Playground parking area 4.1 miles

Temp started at 75, ended at 88. Overcast and humid, steady 5-10mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry to slightly damp trails. Vegetation covers various parts of the trails so caution is advised. Larger than normal number of trail users due to it being Saturday.

Usual birds were out as were cottontail rabbits, deer and two javelinas. A few juvenile birds were spotted and a pair of Mockers gave chase to a blackbird that was too close to their fledgling (photo attached). Wildlfowers are beginning to bloom again with the predominant color being yellow.

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.

South Shore - Playground to Burkett Park (Short Route)
By MikeHikes on 6/5/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.10 Miles Duration: 3 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.2 miles

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

Temp started at 76, ended at 84. Humid and hazy at first but gradually drier and sunnier. Intermittent SW 0-5mph breeze.

Shorter than usual hike along dry trails. Although the hike was short in length I saw a few interesting birds - one Bullock's Oriloe at the beginning of the hike and an Orchard Oriole at the end. Also saw a pair of Roadrunners hunting but only captured one of them hiding from me (photo attached).

I saw maybe one dozen cactus blooms still on the prickly pear cactus and the vast majority of wildflowers have disappeared BUT Lemonmint is beginning to appear in greater numbers. There are still quite a few thistles out but even they are diminishing.

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.

South Shore - Playground to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/29/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.80 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral (N) > Winding Snake> Burkett Park 3.1 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.7 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles

Temps started at 65, ended at 83. Overcast for Legs 1 & 2, then mostly sunny for Leg 3. Light and variable 0-5mph SW breeze.

Trails ran the gamut from dry to damp to muddy to rocky to smooth with a few portions of the trail, completely submerged in ankle deep rain runoff water.

Quite a few javelinas were present today (photo attached). One small family group had an adult member act in a very protective manner when he/she spotted me. It slowly walked toward me with hair bristled. I spoke calmly and stood my ground as the javelina stopped about 10 yards away. While it was watching me, a smaller javelina was able to cross the road and get to safety. At that point the defender calmly walked away from me, hair bristled upright. Later I saw other javelinas along other portions of the trail stand calmly and watched me saunter by.

I also saw the first of the year Jack Rabbits as well as more Cottontails. Birds were numerous and the gnats are becoming more noticeable. A lot of the wildflowers and cactus blossoms are gone although there are still plenty of Texas Thistles and Mexican Hats.

NOTES -

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

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

Water and shade are available at the campsites along Roadrunner Loop and there are three separate stations where water, shade, ino kiosk and toilets are available.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/23/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.40 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 - Playgrounnd parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.7 miles

Temp started at 75, ended at 85. Sunny with fairly stead 10mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along recently groomed trails that are dry, easy to see and traverse. After parking, I saw this grey fox watching me from the cabins (photo attached). When I tried to get closer for a better photo, he decided it was time to leave and disappeared. Further down Tasajilla Flats I rounded a curve and was met by a skunk's rear end with the tail in the air! I quickly got past him and he went the other way - no chemical attack on his part for which I was grateful.

Otherwise, the usual birds were flying about, a few lizards were spotetd and surprisingly the cactus blooms seemed to be tappering off. There weren't as many blooms open or present on the prickly pear cactus as there were on my last hike in the park mid-section. Wildflowers also seem to be disappearing except for the Texas Thistle which is thriving in many different places.

All in all, a good short hike that helped break in a new pair of Teva hiking sandals.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at the Playground Parking Area.

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

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/18/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.00 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction 4.2 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 2.3 Miles

Leg 3 - 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (S) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (S) > Playground bypass > Potts Creek (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.5 miles

Temp started at 75, ended at 91. Overcast and humid with steady 10-20mph SW winds.

A warm and humid hike along dry trails that are overgrown in numerous places with vegetation hanging over the trail. Caution is advised due to snakes and other park residents that could be underfoot!

Today I saw the year's first Grey Fox on West Potts Creek Trail. I saw him but by the time I had the camera up to take his photo, he was gone. About two minutes later I saw a very large and regal feral cat (photo attached) resting. I suspect if the fox saw the cat he would leave it alone, the cat was that large! Other sightings today were the year's first snake, a non-poisonous one, and both male and female Painted Buntings.

Another cautionary note - along Burkett Trail near the base of Highland Ridge there are two LARGE areas of ground dwelling bees on and very near the trail itself. I reported this to park personnel but until the bees leave or the park people somehow move them, be very cautious if you take this popular trail.

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/11/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.80 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.5 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles

Temp started at 49, ended at 74. Sunny, steady NW winds at 5-10mph.

Easy hike along dry to dew-dampened trails. Some parts are overgrown with vegetation but they are still easy to traverse. Numerous cottontail rabbits and deer were out as were Nighthawks and the usual suspects of Mockingbirds, Scissortails and various kinds of Sparrows.

Lots of wildflowers and cactus blossoms are in bloom giving color to an otherwise drab scenery.

NOTES -

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

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

Water and shade are available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop. There are three toilets and info kiosks along the Loop as well.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back
By MikeHikes on 4/25/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.30 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Overlook 6.0 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javalina > Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp (N) > South Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.3 miles

Temps started at 64, ended at 76. Overcast with a 0-5mph SW breeze. Humid.

Easy hike along dry or damp or muddy trails. Recent rains have helped produce an abundance of wildflowers throughout the park! The mesquite trees are full of lime green leaves and are producing golden fronds. Bee Bush is also blooming and perfume the air with their fragrance.

Today I saw the first Horned Lizard, i.e., "Horned Toad" of the year as well as the first sighting of a pair of Lark Buntings (photo attached). Numerous lizards were out as was a single fairly large feral hog that I inadvertently spooked while hiking. Fortunately, he ran away from me rather than toward me.

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 4/17/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.10 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles

Temp started at 65, ended at 85. Overcast then partially sunny with steady 5-10mph SW wind.

Easy hike along dry, easy to traverse, maintained trails. I saw two large groups of deer at the beginning of the hike but then no other animals were spotted. Birds were more numerous and I saw a group of Cedar Waxwings near the park entrance on Tasajilla Flats Trail. Scissortail Flycatchers were spotted in a half a dozen locations and Kingbirds were also spotted. Numerous flowers of yellow, blue and purple were scattered all along the park area. Bee bush is just beginning to blossom as well.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and abicycle 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 numerous campsites along Roadrunner Loop. There are three info kiosks and toilets along Roadrunner Loop as well.

South Shore - Playground Parking Area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 3/26/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.70 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg1 - Playground Parking Area > Chaparral > Tally Valley > Horny Toad (N) > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.3 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.6 miles

Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground Parking Area 2.8 miles

Temp started at 66, ended at 80. Heavy then lighter overcast. Wind from West at 5-10mph.

Easy hike along dry easy to traverse trails. Saw a couple of deer families and one cottontail rabbit. Birds were more numerous, singing for mates. I spotted this year's first Vermillion Flycatcher at a distance (photo attached). Not much was going on today, the hike was enjoyable though!

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.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Armadillo to Cougar Overlook Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 3/22/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.50 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek (E) > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 4.5 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Flintstone Trail (N) > Cougar Overlook > service road (W) > River Bend (S) > 5 Points Junction 2.6 miles

Leg 3 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (E) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.4 miles

Temp started at 47, ended at 80. Sunny w/light 0-5mph SW breeze changing to 10-15mph West and NW winds.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. One white tail deer was spotted and some birds. LOTS of people on the trails today as it was a Saturday and nice weather, once it warmed up. Birds were singing for mates, a few were photographed but nothing spectacular (photo attached). Flowers are appearing, particularly small yellow flowers and small bunches of purple-ish flowers. The agaritas are still blooming as well. Overall a pleasant hike.

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

Only showing last 10 log entries. View All Log Entries