Return to San Angelo State Park

South Shore - Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 10/16/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 3.10 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Leg 1 -  Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area

Temp started at 57, ended at 64.  Sunny with a steady ENE wind at 10-15mph.

A simple, easy exercise hike along Roadrunner Trail Loop.  Nothing of import to report, just had to get out and stretch my legs.  No photos for this trip.

NOTES -

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

Water and shade available at campsites along Roadrunner Loop.  There are three stations along the trail that provide water, shade, info kiosk and toilets.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook - Short Lazy 8 Route
User: MikeHikes - 10/2/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 6.40 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > Lower Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook     3.2 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javelina > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Ghost Camp Shortcut > Lower Ghost Camp > Upper Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > dirt road parallel to Lower Big Hill > Rocky Creek Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead     3.2 miles

Temps started at 58, ended at 80.  Sunny with intermittent 0-5mph breeze.

The Monarchs are migrating!  The park is on their migration path and as the temperatures warmed up, the Monarchs were very visible as they rested on the pecan trees and fed on the gayfeather flowers that are in bloom.  The river still has water in it but the water is no longer flowing into the reservoir.  Hopefully, we will get more rain and get the water flowing again.

Near Cougar Overlook on the return leg, I encountered three good sized feral hogs (photo attached).  They began to walk toward me on Javelina Trail but when I made a noise they immediately broke contact and went back into the bush. 

Not many birds were out but I spotted Curved Billed Thrashers, Scissortails, Cardinals and a few others. 

All in all, an easy and very pleasant hike.

NOTES -

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 9/27/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 9.30 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 -  Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > 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

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

Temps started at 59, ended at 85.  Sunny with 0-5mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry or dew dampened trails.  A female javelina and two little ones were spotted along Winding Snake Trail, bird activity was all the usual suspects - Mockers, Sparrows, turkey vultures and Loggerhead Shrikes.  A single tiny toad was almost stepped on along Horny Toad Trail.

A note to dog owners who bring their dogs to the park - it's great that you pick up your dog's scat so other animals or trail users do not get into it BUT after bagging your pet's scat TAKE THE GREEN PLASTIC BAG CONTAINING YOUR DOG'S SHIT AND PUT IT IN A TRASH CAN - ESPECIALLY IF THE BURKETT PARK TRAILHEAD TRASH CAN IS LESS THAN 50 YARDS FROM WHERE YOU LEFT SAID BAG OF SHIT ON THE WINDING SNAKE TRAIL.

NOTES -

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

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

Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets are available at three locations along Roadrunner Loop.  Water and shade available at numerous campsites along the same trail.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
User: MikeHikes - 9/20/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 8.10 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction    4.3 miles

Leg 2 -  5 Points Junction > Flintstone > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (S) > Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   3.8 miles

Temps started at 74, ended at 86.  Overcast for Leg 1, sunny for Leg 2.  SSW breeze at 0-5mph.

Easy hike along dry trails.  Nothing of note except the large number of toads on the West Potts Creek Trail!  I saw about 30-40 of them and have attached a photo to show the size - they are tiny!  I assume the recent rains caused the toad eggs to hatch at the same time but it's possible the large group of tiny toads I saw in the same area are siblings.  In either case, they need to hop away from the trail or they will be crushed by shoes or tires.

NOTES -

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop
User: MikeHikes - 9/16/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 4point5stars
Distance: 6.80 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 -  Playground 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 > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area    3.1 miles

Temp started at 68, ended at 86.  Sunny and light breeze from SW at 0-5 mph.

Easy hike along dew dampened trails.  Not much damage from the rains of a few weeks ago.  Bee bush is already blooming and it's vanilla scent was in the air.  Saw a few more birds out including a Loggerhead Shrike.  At the end of the hike, a pair of roadrunners chattered and made their presence known.  One in particular watched me as I hiked (photo attached).

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.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back Loop
User: MikeHikes - 9/8/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1point5stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 9.60 Miles Duration: 5 hours

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      6.2 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javelina > connector (NE) > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead   3.4 miles

Temp started at 60, eneded at 82.  Clear and sunny with a 0-5mph intermittent NE breeze.

We had some heavy rains last week that have made a mark on the park!  O.C. Fisher was at .8% capacity (NOT a typo) and is now at 7.7% capacity almost 10 times the amount of water as before!  The North Concho River is still flowing into the lake and the river basin is full of fish including a large amount of gar.  Unfortunately, there are some rought spots where flood debris has made a mess of the trails but for the most part, the trails although muddy, are passable and in fairly good shape.  Because the rain waters followed the trails, the trails have been eroded somewhat.  Caution is advised if hiking!

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook to 5 Points Junction and Back
User: MikeHikes - 8/30/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 4point5stars
Distance: 7.90 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead > service road to Cougar Overlook > Cougar Overlook      3.2 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction     1.3 miles

Leg 3 -  5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > service road to Armadillo Pavillion (NE) > Potts CReek (NE) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   3.4 miles

Temp started at 77, ended at 91.  Sunny, slightly humid with a light 5-10mph SW breeze.

All trails were dry with a few patches of mud from a brief downpour received two days earlier.  Deer, a fox, a couple of roadrunners and a tortoise (photo attached) were spotted today.  I also saw a few Queen butterflies and the purple thistle is coming out in places - Fall is approaching although the current temperatures are not indicative of it.

Not many birds were out today but the park is having a spurt of "green" becauise of the recent rains.  More rain is predicted and that is always a good thing in West Texas.

NOTES -

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

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

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

South Shore - Burkett Park to Armadillo Ridge and Back
User: MikeHikes - 8/22/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 3point5stars
Distance: 4.40 Miles Duration: 2 hours

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > Armadillo Pavillion service road (NE) > Playground by-pass (S) > Potts Creek Trail > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   4.4 miles

Termp started at 80, ended at 102.  Sunny and H-O-T with 10mph SW breeze.

A very short hike due to heat and a time crunch.  All trails were dry, easy to see and traverse.  Not much bird activity but I did get a photo of a Roadrunner getting a drink from a horse trough at Burkett Park after I finished my hike (photo attached).  Cottontail rabbits, Jack Rabbits, deer and a few javelinas were spotted.  Bird activity was minimal no doubt due to the heat.

NOTES -

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 8/16/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 10.20 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 -  Playground 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 > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area   3.3 miles

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

Temp started at 79, ended at 92.  Sunny w/steady SW 10-15mph breeze.

An easy hike along familiar trails.  Does and fawns, Cottontails and Black Eared rabbits, birds and javelinas were spotted.  The trails themselves were dry and easy to traverse.  Rain is desperately needed but none is in sight for the forseeable future which is VERY bad - the lake is at .9% capacity and the mudflats are very visible even from a distance. 

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.

Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets are available at three points along Roadrunner Loop with water and shade available at numerous campsites along the loop as well.

South Shore - Burkett Park to Armadillo Ridge then Isabel Harte Short Figure 8
User: MikeHikes - 8/12/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 7.30 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > WA to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge > Potts Creek (East) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   4.0 miles

Leg 2 -  Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Park road to Isabel Harte (WEST) > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park    3.3 miles

Temp started at 78, ended at 89.  Sunny with a steady 10-15mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails.  Not much went on other than watching a 20 javelina stroing column cross my path about 20 yards in front of me.  Also saw numerous cottontail rabbits as wll as does and fawns.  Not much bird activity.

It was an easy, peaceful hike.

NOTES -

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

South Shore - Burkett Park to Armadillo Ridge to Playground Figure 8
User: MikeHikes - 7/29/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 10.70 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park     3.9 miles

Leg 2 -  Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area      3.9 miles

Leg 3 -  Playground parking area > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park    2.9 miles

Temp started at 77, ended at 92.  Mostly sunny w/clouds.  Humid w/fairly steady 10-20mph SSW breeze.

A nice hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails.  LOTS of animals spotted today - fawns, cottontail rabbits, jack rabbits, a skunk, a VERY large javelina and a lone fox (photo attached).  The fox was interesting because he saw me and stopped by a large prickly pear cactus bunch.  I stopped and waited to see what he would do.  When he saw I was only taking photos he very nonchalantly walked across my path about 15 feet away and climbed a hill.  I watched as he went up a little then found a spot and laid down to nap.  When I moved he opened his eyes but didn't move and as I looked back, he had already laid down again.  Very trusting.

NOTES -

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

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

 

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Bell's Point Short loop + Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 7/17/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 8.00 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 -  Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > service road (SW) > Playground (S) > Bell's Point > Playground (S) > Potts Creek (NE) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park       4.9 miles

Leg 2 -  Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area    3.1 miles

Temp started at 78, ended at 90.  Mostly sunny with high, whispy clouds.  Slightly humid.  SSW breeze at 0-5mph.

A different hike today so I could hike the trails in a different order. Animals spotted were jack rabbits, cottontail rabbits, javelinas and deer.  Birds were also present including an Oriole that I hadn't seen in a while.  This Kingbird looked regal so I had to take his photo (attached).

All trails were easy to see and traverse: for the most part, they were visibly groomed.  Nothing unusal to report - this was just a pleasant hike going in a different order.

NOTES -

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

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

Water and shade are available along Roadrunner Loop at various campsites.  Water, info kiosk and toilets available at three locations along Roadrunner as well.

 

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Short Loop
User: MikeHikes - 7/10/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 8.40 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 14 minutes

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > dirt road to Armadillo Ridge > service road (WSW) > Turkey Creek (N) > 5 Points Junction > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Overlook    5.1 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > service road (SW) > Trailhead to Trailhead Trail (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   3.3 miles

Temp started at 70, ended at 90.  Sunny w/slight 0-5mph WNW breeze.

Today was animal day!  I counted thirteen fawns with five does, three javelinas, and one porcupine.  Reptiles spotted were a coachwhip that was about three feet long, numerous lizards and a single Horned Toad.  Birds were too numerous to count.

All flowers with the exception of one small stand of sunflowers, are gone.  Cactus tunas are ripening and I watched a Mockingbird either eating one or a bug that was on one, when I stopped at Cougar Overlook (photo attached).

Overall a very nice hike.

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 are available at Cougar Overlook.

 

South Shore - Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge - Figure 8
User: MikeHikes - 7/3/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 9.90 Miles Duration: 5 hours

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

Leg 2 -  Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster Trail > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park  3.9 miles

Leg 3 -  Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area   2.8 miles

Temps started at 78 and ended at 98.  Sunny with steady 10-15mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along easy to see and traverse trails.  A few things seen today - lots of deer and fawns, cottontail rabbits, a skunk and quite a few birds (photo attached).  I was told by a mountain biker a cougar was spotted last week at 7 am near Burkett Park.  Unfortunately, no camera was handy so no photos.  I'd like to see a cougar but am not holding my breath.

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.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 6/19/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 10.10 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 -  Playground 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 > 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 75, ended at 86.  Overcast w/steady SE breeze at 10-15mph.

All trails were dry, easy to see and traverse although some parts of Roadrunner Loop are in need of a trim.  I saw a 4 foot long Coachwhip snake but he saw me first and slithered away so no photo.  I also saw a Painted Bunting pair as well as a Mississippi Kite.  Two pairs of does and fawns were also seen as well as cottontail rabbits, lizards and a single horned toad.  Almost all of the wildflowers are gone with the exception of some small yellow daisy looking flowers which were few and far between.  The only flowering plant I saw were Desert Willows trees and there were only a few of them.

Unfortunately, I found a snake carcass on the trail (photo attached).  The ants were feasting on him so his death was not wasted.

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 the campsites along half of Roadrunner Loop along with two toilet, water and info kiosks areas.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User: MikeHikes - 6/12/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 10.70 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 45 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park     3.2 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park    3.8 miles

Leg 3 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area   3.7 miles

Temp started at 70, ended at 89.  Sunny with a few clouds. Fairly constant 0-5mph breeze from the SE.

Slow easy hike along dew dampened then dry trails that are easy to see and traverse.  Lots of birds out today especially Mockingbirds and quail.  I saw two Horned Toads at different locations which is unusual but very welcome to see.  Only animals I saw were deer and a couple of cottontails.  Overall, it was a very nice hike along familiar trails that I thoroughly enjoyed!

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 parking area to Burkett Park Short Loop
User: MikeHikes - 6/6/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 6.10 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 -  Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > 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 75, ended at 87.  Slightly humid, very sunny w/intermittent 0-10mph SW breeze. 

Easy, short hike along dry trails that had been recently groomed.  Quite a few birds were out including a Black Tufted Titmouse which I hadn't seen in quite awhile.  I also saw a turkey hen running away from me with six chicks flying above her trying to keep up.  A few cottontails and a cotton rat as well as deer were also spotted.  Some yellow flowers are making a reappearance and the Lemonmint is becoming more common (photo attached).

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.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Loop
User: MikeHikes - 6/1/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 9.40 Miles Duration: 5 hours

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 Trail (S) > service road (W) > Javelina Trail > Cougar Overlook     3.5 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > service road (W) > River Bend Trail (N) > Badlands > Upper Big Hill > Dinosaur Trail (N) > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (N) > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead     5.9 miles

Temps started at 67, ended at 83.  Fairly constant SW breeze at 5-10mph.  Sunny w/a few clouds.

A very nice hike!  I saw a beaver at the river by Shady Trail.  I hadn't seen one in quite some time so even though the river is not flowing, the beaver is still there.  Later I saw a juvenile male Summer Tanager, an Axis Doe and fawn, numerous birds, lizards, cottontail rabvbits, white tail deer and lots of BEES! (photo attached).  At two points on Dinosaur Trail (return leg) I had to cross a 30-40 yard long stretch of trail where the bees that lived underground were above ground and locked in battle with other bees.  There were numerous "balls of bees" rolling on the ground fighting, some balls were small and other balls the size of my fist.  I walked quickly through the battlegrounds and avoided the balls of bees and did not get stung. 

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
User: MikeHikes - 5/27/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 8.20 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster Trail > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction    4.4 miles

Leg 2 -  5 Points Junction > Flintstone (S) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (S) > Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park    3.8 miles

Temp started at 64, ended at 88.  Sunny, humid w/very light and intermittent 0-5mph breeze.

Easy hike along damp to wet trails that were easy to traverse.  Not much animal activity except for a few cottontail rabbits and two sightings of cotton rats (I believe).  Numerous lizards and birds were out and I saw two cicadas (photo attached).  Cactus flowers are gone and a lot of the wildflowers seemed to have disappeared as well.  We had a severe hailstorm a few days ago so that may be the reason why.  Not much else to report.

NOTES -

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

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

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

 

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 5/18/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 9.90 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 -  Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral (N) > Winding Snake > Burkett Park     3.2 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 arera     3.0 miles

Temps started at 64, ended at 86.  Sunny w/a light 0-10mph SW breeze.

Easy, leisurely hike along damp to dry trails.  Lots more people using the park today (Saturday) than I'm used to seeing.  Saw a sow and four juvenile feral hogs in the distance but the photos taken were not really usable.  LOTS of wildflowers continue to bloom and yellow is still the predominant color (photo attached). 

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.

Water and shade available at campsites along Roadrunner Loop.  Three toilets and info kiosks available as well.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Big Loop
User: MikeHikes - 5/14/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 9.60 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosau Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NNE) > Cougar Overlook     6.2 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > Lower Ghost Camp > Upper Ghost Camp > Riverbend Camping Area > Lower Ghost Camp (N) > South Slick Rock > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead     3.4 miles

Temp started at 59, ended at 86.  Sunny w/very light 0-5mph N then SW breeze.

Easy hike along familiar trails that were slightly damp with morning dew.  Lots of bird actvity - I watched a Great Horned Owl hunt near Bell's Trailhead, later I saw a male Painted Bunting having a dirt or any bath, Cardinals and Mockingbirds were singing as well.  Lizrads were spotted and so was a Ring Collared Snake (photo attached).  This snake was about 18 inches long which made him very large for that type of snake (at least as far as the ones I've seen).  The gnats were VERY active and I did the Georgia wave numerous times to shoo them off.  Of note there are literally hundreds if not thousands of holes in the ground at various places along the Dinosaur and Trailhead to Trailhead trails - those holes contains BEES!  I walking through them and they didn't bother me but caution is advised.

NOTES -

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

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

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

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at the River Bend camping area.

Park Mid-Section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop
User: MikeHikes - 5/7/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 8.20 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 -  Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Overlook      4.7 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > service road (W) then (SE) > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   3.5 miles

Temp started at 68, ended at 86.  Sunny, light NNW breeze 0-5mph, slightly humid.

Easy hike along damp trails that were easy to see and traverse.  There had been some rains since I last hiked and the trails are rougher because the rains washed off the top layer of soil exposing more rocks underneath.  Two javelinas were spotted as well as two Horned Lizards (i.e., Horny Toads) both were the first of the season sightings.  Numerous wildflowers are now in bloom - yellows predominate followed by reds and a few blues/purples.  Gnats are swarming and I was constantly swatting them away from my face, ears, nose and eyes. 

NOTES -

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

Water, shade and info kiosk availabe 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.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
User: MikeHikes - 5/2/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 9.60 Miles Duration: 5 hours

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 > Playground parking area      2.8 miles

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

Temp started at 70, ended at 87.  Overcast then mostly cloudy.  Intermittent SW breeze at 0-5mph.

Easy hike along damp to muddy trails that are easy to see and traverse.  Only animals spotted were three Cottontail Rabbits and a male Turkey.  Numerous birds were seen and heard including a Bullock's Oriole, Cardinal and numerous Sparrows.  Lizards were plentiful on Roadrunner Loop.  Wildflowers are blooming with a few Indian Blanketst as well as a LOT of yellow cactus flowers and other yellow flowers in general.  Bee Bush is also blooming and scenting the air (photo attched). 

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.

Water and shade available at numerous campsites along Roadrunner Loop.  Toilets and info kiosks are located at three places on the Loop as well.

Park Mid-Section -Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
User: MikeHikes - 4/24/2024  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 8.00 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 -  Burkett park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 points Junction

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

Temps started at 66, ended at 74.  Low overcast clouds with no Sun until the end of the hike.  Slightly humid as well.

Quiet, leisurely hike along dew dampened trails that are easy to see and traverse.  Not much wildlife visible today and no reptiles were spotted either.  Birds were a little more active but even they were not too active.

More flowers are in bloom and prickly pear cactus are beginning to bud out (photo attached). 

NOTES -

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

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

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


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