North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Outlook

Small but Deadly
This rattler is small but still very potent so I gave him a wide berth when I passed him on the trail - he didn't move or rattle as I passed.
User: MikeHikes - 5/31/2018

Location: San Angelo State Park

Rating: 4point5stars
Difficulty: 1star  Solitude: 5stars
Miles Hiked: 10.00 Miles  Elapsed Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Comments:

Out      Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Outlook       6.1 miles

Return  Cougar Outlook > Javalina > service road (NE) > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp >South Slick Rock > service road (N) > Scenic Loop > service road (NE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead     3.9 miles

Temp started at 80, ended at 98.  Sunny with a steady breeze.

There were quite a few bees buzzing about with all the flowers and shrubs blooming.  All trails were dry and easy to see HOWEVER with the somewhat recent rains, vegetation covered the trails in places.  This is significant because today was "Reptile Day".  I spotted numerous lizards, two Horned Toads, three rattlesnakes and three coachwhip snakes.  All were on, or very close to, the trail; the rattlers and the Horned Toads were sitting/laying directly on the trail. 

Consequently, I was not watching much besides where I placed my feet so didn't really see much of the other wildlife at the park. 

NOTES

Water is available at the campground by Bell's Trailhead.

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

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

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at the River Bend Ghost Camp.  Use caution if you use the toilets due to insects and snakes.



Log Photos
Small but Deadly
Area around San Angelo State Park
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