South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park - Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 3/6/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.70 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > park road to Isabell Harte > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 4.5 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > park road to Isabel Harte > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.2 miles
Temp started at 60, ended at 80. Steady 15-20mph SW winds. Cloudy then partly cloudy.
Easy hike along familiar trails in a different manner. No animals were spotted and the few birds seen were staying low to the ground because of the heavy, steady winds. No other trail users were spotted. The only thing to report is that the agarita bushes are beginning to bloom and spill their fragrant scent into the air (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 - IMPORTANT - WATER IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 2/27/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.70 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Leg 1 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 3.5 miles
Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 4.2 miles
Temp started at 49, ended at 73. Sunny with intermitent SSW 5-10mph breeze.
Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. A few deer and a solitary javelina were spotted. A few birds were singing for mates but otherwise there was no animal or bird activity. A few agarita bushes are putting out a few flowers and the smell is very nice! Nothing much to report otherwise except in the notes below.
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.
SPECIAL NOTE - as of today (Feb 27, 2026) water IS NOT AVAILABLE at any of the locations. Unknown when it will become available.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 2/20/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.1 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Temps started at 44, ended at 60. Wind from NE at 5-10mph and felt colder than normal. Overcast and dreary.
Easy to see and traverse trails with absolutely no animal or bird activity due to the weather. No photos taken and not much to say about the hike except it was a hike and I got some exercise.
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. IMPORTANT - work continues at Burkett Park so I couldn't check on water availability.
Water and shade at various campsites as well as three places where water, shade, info kiosks and toilets are available along Roadrunner Loop.
Park Mid-Section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook
User:
MikeHikes - 2/13/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.40 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction > River Bend > service road to gate > service road to Cougar Overlook 6.3 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.1 miles
Temp started at 54, ended at 77. High overcast clouds. Steady, Southerly breeze increasing to 10mph.
Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Deer were spotted coming into the park but none were seen on the trails. No other animals were seen either but there were a few Turkey Vultures and Black Buzzards spotted at Cougar Overlook. A lone mountain biker passed me near Burkett Trail on my return leg but that was it - the park was very quiet and still.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park. (see below for note #1)
Water, shade, info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction. (see below for note #2).
Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Cougar Overlook.
IMPORTANT INFO -
NOTE 1 - as of Feb 13, 2026 the park is working on Burkett Park to install a new picnic table area as well as a new water fountain. The dry toilets are still available at this time but I don't know if the water is available.
NOTE 2 - as of Feb 13, 2026 the water at 5 Points Junction has been turned off. Bring plenty of your own water and/or check with park personnel to ensure there is water available.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 2/2/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.40 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.1 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temp started at 34, ended at 61. Clear then overcast with high clouds. Wind streadily grew from 0-5mph to 10-15mph from the SW.
Pleasant hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Numerous deer were spotted (photo attached) and more than one buck was amongst them. The temps kept most of the birds our of the air with a few exceptions, notably a Loggerhead Shrike and some Meadowlarks. Otherwise it was quiet with few birds out.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are availabe at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at three points along Roadrunner Loop as well as water and shade at various campsites.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop - Raccoon Rescue
User:
MikeHikes - 1/22/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral Trail > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 3.0 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > park road to Isabel Harte > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.8 miles
Temps started at 31, ended at 44. Overcast, light 0-5mph SW breeze.
A cold overcast day for a hike but as the Norwegians say "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." My clothing was good and kept me warm and secure as I hiked. A few groups of deer who had escaped last week's hunt were running about and a few birds were also spotted (photo attached).
Trails were fine and as usual, I found trash which I went to deposit into a dumpster at the Isabel Harte Day Use Area. When I opend the dumpster, I found it was empty except for one fairly large, frightened raccoon huddled in a corner of the cold dumpster. After retrieveing a large broken mesquite branch, I attempted to prod the raccoon to climb out but he was too scared so I left the branch securly propped in the corner near him and continued my hike.
We are preparing for severe weather in a few days and I worried about the raccoon being so frightened that he wouldn't leave the safely of the dumpster. I decided to change my hike route and check on him. If he was still in the dumpster, I'd alert park personnel to see if they could resolve the matter. When I returned to the dumpster, about an hour later, it was empty - the raccoon had used the branch to escape and return to the wild. A happy ending!
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 Big Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 1/16/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.70 Miles
Duration: 5 hours
Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend Trail > service road (N) > Cougar Overlook 6.1 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > South SLick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.6 miles
Temp started at 44, ended at 54. Sunny, few clouds. SW wind at 10mph, shifted to N wind at 20+mph with gusts.
Breezy, cold hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails with one major exception - Lower Ghost Camp (next parapgraph). Numerous whitetail deer survived the recent hunt that ended yesterday. In addition, I spotted an Axis deer buck and doe! Most birds were low to the ground and stayed in shrubbery due to the steady and cold winds. No photos taken for this hike.
Lower Ghost Camp Trail - at the southern-most end of the trail, the caution tape had been removed as well as any "Trail Closed" signs. All was good until I got to the river bend area where it was apparent the trail was gone and animals and/or humans had made an improvised trail of sorts. Followed the "new" trail until it came to the River Bend Campground where the tape and sign was back in place. Don't know if hooligans removed the other signage or if the park personnel did. In either case, cauition is advised if you choose to use this trail.
NOTES -
Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Bell's Trailhead. Water and shade available at campsites nearby.
Water, shade, and info kiosk available at Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area.
Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Campground.
Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Bell's Point and back
User:
MikeHikes - 1/8/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 5.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Route - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek Trail > Playground Trail > Bell's Point and return along the same route.
Temp started at 60, ended at 64. Sunny w/some cloudy, 10-20mph steady SW wind.
Easy hike shortened by a phone call. Deer were seen and I wish them luck for next weeks hunt which will be conducted throughout the entire park. Only a very small section at the extreme South end of the park will offer sanctuary.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park
Water, shade and info kiosk available at Bell's Point.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 1/1/2026
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.50 Miles
Duration: 5 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 > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.2 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles
Temp started at 40, ended at 57. Brief sunny then overcast. Steady 5-10mph SW Breeze.
Easy hike on New Year's Day. Quite a few deer were out (photo attached) as well as a feral hog on Winding Snake. No threat was made so it was a peaceful encounter. A few birds were out but overall, it was just a pleasant hike!
Starting miles for 2026 - 5011.4
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking arrea.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets availabvle at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at numerous campsites along Roadrunner. Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at three locations along Roadrunner.
Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 12/26/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 8.70 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek (W) > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Overlook 5.3 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > park service road (SW then S) > Trailhead to Trailhead > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.4 miles
Temp started at 60, ended at 77. Sunny then slightly overcast. Steady SW breeze at 5-10mph.
Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. A few deer were spotted but today was bird day. Cardinals, White Crowned Sparros, Meadowlarks, a Kestrel, and red-tailed hawk and the biggest surprise was a Belted Kingfisher at Turkey Creek. What water is there was stagnant so I assume the Kingfisher quickly moved on to a better hunting locale. The trails were good, the weather pleasant and the solitude was nice - a good hike!
This was my last hike for 2025. Here are a few stats -
Number of hikes - 43
Beginning miles - 4636.7
Ending Miles - 5011.4
Miles Hiked - 374.7
Avg Miles per hike - 8.7
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.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 12/22/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.60 Miles
Duration: 5 hours
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.6 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles
Temp started at 39, ended at 70!! Sunny with some overcast clouds, steady SW 5-10mph breeze.
Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Deer were spotted as was a songle javelina, numerous Mockers, a Loggerhead SHrike, sparrows and a porcupine sleeping at the top of a tree (photo attached). Not much activity until it warmd up a bit and even then it was pretty quiet. One negative - I found 1/2 of a baby porcupine on the Nature Trail. No idea what got him but I hope it was a quick death.
On a more positive note - today I passed the 5,000 recorded mile mark hiking on Texas trails - the vast majority of the mileage was at San Angelo State Park where I've hiked for almost 25 years. I know the trails well!
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.
Three stations with water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available along Roadrunner Loop. Water and shade available at numerous campsites along the way.
North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 12/17/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.40 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > park service road (SW) > Rocky Creek Trail > park service road (S) > South Slick Rock > River Bend Campground > Upper Ghost Camp Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook 3.5 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > River Bend (W then N) > Badlands > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.9 miles
Temp started at 50, ended at 56. Overcast for the 1st 2/3 of the hike then partly sunny with clouds. 0-5mph Westerly breeze, light humidity.
Easy hike along recently opened trails with the Lower Ghost Camp Trail still CLOSED. Shady Trail and the North Scenic Loop have reopened. The July 4th flood was pretty severe and left a lot of debris scattered about (photo attached).
Due to the temperature and the overcast skies, there was almost no bird activity and only a few deer were out. The only good news is the river still has water in it. For this park, that is very welcome news!
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 available at Cougar Overlook.
Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 12/11/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.00 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 points junction > River Bend > park service road (W) > park service road (N) > Cougar Overlook 5.7 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > park service road (SW) > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.3 miles
Temps started at 36, ended at 64. Sunny with a light breeze then steady 10-15mph SW wind.
Easy hike along dry, easy to traverse trails. A few deer were spotted and a few birds but with the cold and increasing wind, no other animals or birds were seen. Nothing much to report except it was a very pleasant hike and no photos taken.
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.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 12/5/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.70 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lankey Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.2 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area.
Temsp started at 36, ended at 54. Overcast with 5-10mph WSW breeze.
An easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Cold at first but gradually warmed up. LOTS and LOTS of deer spotted - especially 6 and 8 point bucks. No doubt they sought refuge from the recent hunt of a few days ago. Not many birds spotted although I saw a red tailed hawk at a distance and quite a few quail. Overall it was a good hike to enjoy nature while it was cold outside.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle reapir 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 - 11/22/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.80 Miles
Duration: 4 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 > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Trail > Horny Toad Trailhead > Playground parking area 3.5 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles
Temp started at 46, ended at 64. Sunny with 0-5mph NNE breeze.
Easy hike along damp, slightly muddy trails. Deer hunting is on-going at the North Shore of the park which means 2/3 of the park is closed to hiking/biking.
Not much activity from the park residents for the majority of the hike. There were a lot more people using the park today (Saturday) in part due to a break in the inclement weather we've had as well as the inclement weather we'll soon receive. A couple of mountain bikers were out but there were quite a few hikers and trail runners I shared the trails with today.
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 available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at campsites along the Roadrunner Loop plus there are three places that have water, info kiosk and toilets.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park and back
User:
MikeHikes - 11/6/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.30 Miles
Duration: N/A
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Tally Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.2 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.1 miles
Temp started at 46, ended at 74. Sunny with light, intermittant SW breeze.
Easy hike along dry and easy to see trails. Nothing unusual about today's hike. I saw deer and javelinas, birds and a few raptors in the air, few to no insects and no reptiles.
As of this date, the trails North of Burkett Park remained closed due to hunting.
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 Loop + Roarunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 10/22/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey Trail > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.7 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground Parking Area 3.1 miles
Temp started at 43, ended at 83. Sunny with intermittent SW 0-5mph breeze.
Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. Due to the temperature, this was my first of the season sweatshirt + shorts + shoes hike. The sweatshirt came off when I reached Burkett Park but had most assuredly needed for Leg 1 of the hike.
The Monarch Butterflies became more numerous but nor in flocks as the hike progressed and the day warmed. Lots of single then small groups of butterflies flew overhead - all heading South. Javelinas as well as white tail deer (photo attached) were seen and numerous birds such as Mockers, Scissortail Flycatchers and a horde of wood peckers were spotted at various times.
All in all a cold start but quickly warmed up hike.
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 availabe at numerous camsites along Roadrunner. Info kiosks, water and toilets are available at three locations along Roadrunner Loop.
North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back
User:
MikeHikes - 10/16/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1- Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur (S) > Lower Big Hill > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Slick Rock > River Bend Campground > Upper Ghost Camp > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook 5.0 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > service road (W) > River Bend Trail (N) > Badlands > Service road (NE) > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 4.2 miles
Temps started 59, ended at 85. Sunny with steady 5-10mph SSW Breeze.
Easy hike along dry, easy to see trails. It has been a few months since I hiked the North Shore due to the July 4th flood. Trails are still closed (Shady Trail, North Scenic Loop and Lower Ghost Camp trails). The rest of the trails are still there and hike-able.
Monarch Butterflies are beginning to migrate South for the winter. I saw numerous single fliers as well as a few bunches mostly hanging around the pecan trees.
Biggest surprise was seeing a small herd of Axis Deer (photo attached) fairly close to the park entrance. I've occasionally observed their ancestors for a few years when I would see them while hiking Shady Trail. I was told the Axis Deer had escaped from a hunting ranch that is across the road from the park.
NOTES -
Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Bell's Trailhead. Water and shade is available at nearby campsites.
Water, shade, and an info kiosk are available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area.
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 Loop + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 9/30/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 3.3 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Horny Toad > Talley Valley > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.2 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Temps started at 60, ended at 83. Sunny with a slight 0-3mph SW breeze.
Easy hike along dew dampened to dry trails. There wasn't much going on but it was good to go out and stretch my legs listening to the birds sing (photo attached). Only a few deer were spotted, nothing really to report.
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.
Water and shade available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop. Three areas have water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available on Roadrunner.
Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 9/23/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.70 Miles
Duration: N/A
Leg 1 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Point Junction 3.5 miles
Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 4.2 miles
Temp started at 79, ended at 88. Sunny, steady SW breeze at 10-15mph.
An east hike along dry and familiar trails. A few spots have vegetation growing but not enough to completely cover the trails - caution is still advised so you don't step on a park resident. Some of the desiduous trees are beginning to lose their leaves but he predominant mesquites are still very green as are most of the rest of the vegetation. A few flowers are still in bloom (photo attached) and there are still lots of cactus tunas available for consumption.
Monarch butterflies are due to arrive soon on their migration to Mexico. A few birds are beginning to migrate but not in great numebrs yet. LOTS of fawns and younger javelinas and there seem to be more Roadrunners and rabbits out as well.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at Bell's Point.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 9/17/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.10 Miles
Duration: 5 hours
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.6 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.8 miles
Temp started at 64, ended at 84. Sunny with a slight 0-5mph SSW breeze.
Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. The cooler weather brough out a few more birds and I saw this Road runner on Tasajilla Flats at the beginning of the hike (photo attached). Rather regal as he watched me and had no apprehension of me being relatively close to him. Deer as well as javelinas were spotted as was a "first in a few years" sighting of a Verdin. The Verdin was difficult to see but I snapped one photo showing his yellowish-green head and red epaulate - not worth keeping the photo but good enough for an ID. A few mountain bikers and hikers were out as well. Otherwise, it was just a pleasant although fairly long hike.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, infoi kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Big Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 9/10/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.40 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 15 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 > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 4.2 miles
Temp started at 64, ended at 80. Sunny w/steady 10-15mph SW breeze.
Easy hike along dry and familiar trails. Not many deer were out but I saw three javelinas with one being especially watchful and tense (photo attached). Some birds were out including a LOggerhead Shrike. A few bee bushes are blooming again which is always pleasant. Purple Thistle and patches of sunflowers were also visible. It was simply a good hike.
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 short loop
User:
MikeHikes - 9/5/2025
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Burkett park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Point Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Overlook 5.5 miles
Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > service road (SSW) > Trailhead to Trailhead > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.6 miles
Temp started at 76, ended at 86. Overcast w/steady 10-15mph SW breeze. Slightly humid.
Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. A few spots had high vegetation but overall, the trails were good.
Deer, a few javelnias and a small group of six baby quail (photo attached) were seen. Unfortunately for my photograph, the quail were spotted when it was still fairly dark so the photo quality is not the best but it was good to see the young ones.
There wre not many birds out nor other animals although I saw a young coachwhip snake near Cougar Overlook and a few lizards.
Some folks were out but for the vast majority of time I had the trails to myself and only heard the wind and the white noise sound of traffic on the nearby farm to market road.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water, shjade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle reapir station available at Cougar Overlook.
South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett (Short Loop) + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 8/27/2025
[View Log Page]
Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 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 Trail > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles
Temp started at 74, ended at 92. Mostly sunny with some clouds, ligh SW breeze at 5-10mph.
East hike along recently groomed trails. Not much wildlife or birds were out today. I saw a 3-4 foot long coachwhip snake on Roadrunner Loop as well as a Horned Lizard a little later. Otherwise, it was just a pleasant hike in the park with lots of solitude and silence.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop. Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at three locations along Roadrunner Loop.