South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 5/28/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.1 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 feet) > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky lackey (W) > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (E) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 ft) > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky Lackey (S) > Nature Loop > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.7 miles
Temps in the low to mid 80's, partly cloudy and steady Northerly wind.
Memorial day weekend crowds enjoying the park today so there were quite a few people on the trails - everyone pleasant and cheerful so no problems. Lots of birds out at first - saw Painted Buntings, Vermillion Flycatchers, Kingbirds, and all the usual crowd. After noon they all took a siesta. Still no raptors though.
Saw my first "real" snake today - about five feet in front of me getting ready to cross the trail; it was some type of coachwhip and was brownish, very long (guesstimate about four feet long) and thick. As I was raising the camera, it did a 180 and disappeared quickly. Still no rattlers sighted this year but I did talk to an equestrian who told me she saw three rattlers last week when she was riding in the park.
Trails have been worked on and are very easy to traverse, you'll still get some weeds in your shoes but it's not too bad. Bee brush is once again in bloom - 3rd time this year - and scents the air with vanilla perfume!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at the Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground Parking Area to Burkett Park and Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 5/16/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 yards) > Suzanne's Trail (W) > Lanky lackey > Nature Loop > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Temp 72 to start, 88 at end. Overcast then sunny, humid and strong WSW wind.
Park personnel have been busy ! Most of the trails have been mowed although Red Dam Loop still needs a trim. The trails are much easier to traverse. While you still have to watch for snakes, now it is easier to do. Speaking of which, a park attendant told me a HUGE rattler had been killed recently - still haven't seen any this year.
I saw a fairly large number of Nighthawks flying around. Lots of other birds including a Vermillion Flycatcher, a Painted Bunting, lots of sparrows, Mockingbirds, et al. For some reason I haven't seen many raptors.
A good hike nonetheless!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and toilets available at the mid-way point of Roadrunner Loop.
Water and shade available at numerous campsites running alongside Roadrunner Loop.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 5/7/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Lower Big Hill > service road (S then NW) > Badlands > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 5.8 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > North Scenic Loop > service road (ENE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.3 miles
Temps 70 to start and 87 at end, sunny, no clouds with steady South wind.
A good hike that would have been better if the trails had been groomed. The vegetation is covering major portions of Dinosaur Trail resulting in a slower pace as I had to constantly be aware of where the trail was and watch for snakes. The vegetation is so dense on Lower Big Hill Trail I recommend you stay off unless you are familiar with the trail and have to use it - use Upper Big Hill instead.
Saw two snakes today - one about 8-10 inches long, very thin and dark grey/black in color. The second was a 2-3 foot water snake in a pond - unknown what type.
The sun was shining, there was a steady breeze to keep pesty bugs off, the wildflowers were blooming, bugs pollinating and bird singing with quite a few lizards sunning - it was a very good hike!
NOTES
Water and shade available at Bell's Trailhead - water in the campground/picnic areas.
Shade and info kiosk available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area - NO WATER AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
Shade, info kiosk and a Bicycle Repair Station (!) available at Cougar Lookout. The repair station is legit and contains attached tools and an air pump.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Ghost Camp. CAUTION WHEN USING THE TOILETS DUE TO INSECTS/SNAKES.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 4/26/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lankey Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.2 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.2 miles
Temp in the low 70's, sunny, STRONG northerly winds.
Good hike today with quite a few animals spotted - javalina, cottontail rabbit, Jack Rabbit, white tail deer, and a Mexican ground squirrel. The winds were VERY strong and kept a lot of the birds out of the air - when I saw birds, they never flew more than a few feet away.
Trails were dry, some had been groomed but a lot of them have become covered with vegetation; especially some type of knee high, or taller, weeds with a very sharp, pointed head that has a tendency to jab you when you walk through a patch. The Talley Valley trail is in need of some repairs due to erosion as well as the vegetation so caution is advised if you hike it.
Bee brush is once again blooming and scent the air. I was surprised at the relatively low number of cactus flowers in bloom. The ones in bloom have numerous bees and other insects acting as pollinators.
The Boy Scout bridge on Burkett Trail has signs posted advising caution due to bee activity - first time I've seen this type of sign. I didn't notice any bees but the wind may have kept them at bay.
All in all, a good hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett Park Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 4/15/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.90 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Leg 2 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temps 70 to start, 76 at end. Overcast, humid and steady South wind.
Lots of people in the park today - RV's in almost all the spots, kids on bikes, runners, hikers and bikers on the trails. Trails dry and easy to hike but vegetation covers them in spots. Saw my first cactus flower, as well as my first lizard, of the year on this hike.
Did the hike in sandals (Teva Hurricane XLT) and had no problems. The vast majority of the trails are rocky so I usually get about 400-500 miles out of a pair of sandals before the rocks feel like they are coming through the soles and the sandals are replaced. Surprisingly, I rarely have any problems with thorns, stickers or rocks while hiking. I like how my feet stay cool but acknowledge they get DIRTY!!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water and shade available at many campsites alongside the Roadrunner Loop. Toilets available at the mid-way point.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett park to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 4/7/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.80 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 25 minutes
Out Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (E) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Lookout 6.0 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > service road (WNW) > River Bend (S) > 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (E) > East Potts Creek > Burkett trail > Burkett park 4.8 miles
Temps 55 to start and 70 at end, sunny with wispy clouds and strong SW winds.
A windy hike today! Trails are dry and easy to traverse, some vegetation has encroached on the trails but they are still easy to see. Watch for snakes!
Saw a Grey Fox on Flintstone trail but no photo. LOTS of wildflowers have bloomed and the Bee Brush continues to put forth lots of small white flowers which perfumed the air with the scent of vanilla.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
South Shore Roadrunner Loop Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/6/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 1.60 Miles
Duration: 45 minutes
Route Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 1.6 miles
Temp in low 70's, sunny and light breeze.
Fitness hike on a portion of the Loop. Saw a Vermillion Flycatcher, White Crowned Sparrows, Curved Bill Thrashers, Mockingbirds. No animal activity. The trail is mostly hard packed dirt with rocks. Portions are overgrown with grass and wild flowers but the trail is easy to find and traverse.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground Parking Area.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 3/31/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 5.8 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (NW) > Scenic Loop > service road (WNW) > Rocky Creek > service road (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.7 miles
Temps started at 75 ended at 91, sunny, breezy.
Dinosaur Trail and portions of Badlands Trail need to be groomed - the grass and flowers are covering portions of the trails. While that might not sound like much, the wildflowers attract bees. I was not stung but there were LOTS of bees buzzing around for quite awhile as I walked Dinosaur Trail. Additionally, rattlesnakes have been sighted - I have NOT seen one this year.
The hike itself was a good one - I saw lots of lots of yellow flowers and numerous butterflies as well as a Hummingbird Moth (photo attached). I was surprised when I saw numerous, but not all, Lace cactus blooming.
There were few birds out for some reason although I saw no raptors overhead - the wind was blowing pretty strong so maybe that's the reason.
Although this hike was uneventful, it was pleasant nonetheless.
NOTES
Water available at Bell's Trailhead - look in the campsites for a faucet. THERE IS NO WATER UNTIL YOU GET TO THE RIVER BEND GHOST CAMP ON THE RETURN LEG.
Info kiosk and shade available at the Dinosaur Tracks viewing area. NO WATER AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
Info kiosk and shade available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Ghost Camp. USE CAUTION AT THE TOILETS DUE TO INSECTS.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 3/24/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 5 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temps start at 60's end in mid-70's, sunny, steady breeze with STRONG gusts.
Dry trails, easy to traverse. Some portions of Tasajilla Flats have been groomed recently. The grass continues to grow covering last year's controlled burns and the Bee Brush is finally producing small white flowers and vanilla scent. The agarita bushes, although a health green, have already lost their blooms so there is no smell from them.
Saw lots of birds including a Vermillion Flycatcher (photo attached) - the first one this year. I also saw a coyote laying on West Potts Creek trail but when he saw me raise my camera, he was off and running. A little while later on Winding Snake Trail near Burkett park, I saw a grey fox but when I saw him, he saw me at the same time and bolted into the brush. Oh well, no photos were taken but seeing them both on the same hike was nice!
Was told the rattlers are out but I didn't see any. Still, I recommend you always watch where you step as you enjoy the trails.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
North Shore West Annex
User:
MikeHikes - 3/16/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.40 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Temps in the low 70's, sunny and strong breeze.
This section of the park is infrequently used by hikers and there isn't a "trail" listed on the park maps. The trail I took consist of an old dirt road and numerous cow paths running alongside, and to, the North Concho River.
If you choose to go, go to the North Entrance and park your vehicle at the restroom parking area by the entrance. On foot, leave the park and cross FM2288. You'll see an area where local youths (I assume) park and drink beer. At the fence there is a swing gate you'll go through and at that point, you are in the park again. The old dirt road is visible directly ahead and runs parallel to the North Concho River on your left.
You're able to hike in this area along cow paths and the dirt road for approx 3 miles until you come to the park boundary which is marked by a barb wire fence and a few signs. At that point, you will turn around and return along the same route or you can blaze a new one back to the starting point.
This area is used primarily by hunters so make sure you check in with park personnel to ensure there are no hunts scheduled. This area has the potential to either by very good or very blase. The river is a water source for many animals and birds as well as the longhorns. There are numerous trees in the area so the chance to see birds here that are not in other areas of the park are good IF you're lucky.
Be advised there are no facilities along the trail so bring your own water and food. The longhorns are numerous so give them a wide berth. In addition, on the South side of the river, some of the area is private property - respect the landowner's rights and don't trespass. I suggest you stay on the north side of the river.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at the North Shore entrance restrooms - where you should park.
STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to talk to park personnel before entering the area due to scheduled hunts.
If you have the time, do a recon using Google Earth to see what the area looks like.
Park Mid-section Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction
User:
MikeHikes - 3/8/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.90 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Out Burkett park > Burkett > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (N) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 3.6 miles
Return 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 4.3 miles
Temps in the low 60's, overcast and light breeze.
Dry trails that are easy to traverse. Lots of birds out but nothing unusual except for the number of American Kestrels I'm seeing. I've seen more already than I normally do in a year.
The majority of the trails are a mixture of dirt and rock; because of the dry weather, the soil seems loose so watch your footing.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade 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 - 2/28/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 11.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky Lackey > Nature Loop > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.8 miles
Temps in the 70's, sunny with high thin clouds, steady breeze.
Dry trails very easy to traverse, parts of Tasajilla Flats has recently been groomed. Lots of "shrub birds" out signing for mates. Saw my first group of Meadowlarks near the parking area! Grass and other ground cover plants are coming up all over the park and the numerous Bee Brush plants have greens leaves but no smell yet. Even more agarita bushes are blooming and scenting the air.
There were hikers and a few mountain bikers enjoying the warm weather and the trails. Not much else going on - it was a nice hike!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park - THE WATER IS FLOWING AGAIN!
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 2/24/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.70 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail > Lower Big Hill > service road (S) > North Scenic Loop > service road (S then W) > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Lookout 6.1 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > North Slick Rock > service road (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.6 miles
Temps start at 60 end at 66, sunny, steady North breeze.
Dry trails, very easy to follow. LOTS of birds out including Killdeer, Western Bluebirds (photo attached), Kestrels, Loggerhead Shrikes, Black thoated sparrows, turkeys, Great Blue Herons. Butterflies are also becoming more numerous as they look for the few flowers and blooming agaritas to gather sustenance.
The longhorns are in this section of the park and there are a few calves with them - keep your distance, don't startle them and they'll leave you alone.
NOTES
Water is available in the campground at Bell's Trailhead.
Shade and info kiosk (damaged) are available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing area. WATER HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AT THIS TIME.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Ghost Camp. THIS IS THE ONLY WATER AVAILABLE ON THIS ROUTE.
Use caution when using the dry toilets.
Park Mid-section Burkett Park to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 2/21/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 8.20 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett park > Suzanne's trail > Roller Coaster> West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 5.2 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > serice roads (WSW) > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.0 miles
Temp 60 at start, 79 at end, steady WNW breeze, sunny.
Very leisurely hike along mostly dry trails. The intoxicating smell of blooming agarita bush was in the air! To me it smells like dust, mesquite smoke and honey - I wish they sold it in a can!
Trails are easy to traverse as the vegetation has not yet grown. LOTS of Black Throated Sparrows and White Crowned Sparrows are out. Many of the birds are singing as they look for mates. Not much else to report but all in all, it was a very pleasant hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett park.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Point Junction.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Lookout
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett park
User:
MikeHikes - 2/17/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.90 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.4 miles
Return Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area (plus cleanup on two trails) 4.5 miles
Temp at the beginning of the hike was 50, at the end of the hike 59, sunny and strong breeze.
A leisurely hike on damp trails. I picked up trash while hiking and after my main hike ended, I revisited a couple of trails to gather more trash the recent fires have uncovered. Most of the trash is old bottles and cans - unfortunately, there was quite a bit of broken glass as well.
Talley Valley has some severe erosion in parts so caution is advised. The trail has a slight incline in spots so with all the rocks in the trail and the recent rains we've had, the soil is a little loose and could contribute to a fall.
Not many birds out today - I did see a couple of raptors flying around so that may be the reason.
The majority of the trails are still in good shape and the vegetation has not yet started to grow so they are easy to see. Snake warnings are already out although I have not seen any.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett Park to Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 2/10/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats> Nature Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.8 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parkng area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Temps in the low 60's to start and mid-70's to end, Strong West wind, and sunny.
Leisurely hike along dry, hard packed dirt and rock trails. Not too many birds out today, perhaps because of the wind. Picked up two bags of trash and found a couple of piles of cans I'll get on another day.
Not much else to say except pick up any trash you find and make sure you don't leave any yourself.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playgraound parking area.
Water, shade, info kioska nd dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at multiple campsites alongside Roadrunner Loop. At the mid-point of the Loop there is a toilet as well.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 2/6/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 11.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Trail > East Potts Creek > Burkett trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky Lackey > Nature Loop > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.8 miles
Temps started at 60 and ended at 75, overcast but became sunny, steady West wind.
Walked along some trails I haven't been on since the controlled burn of a few months ago. LOTS of the vegetation has been burned and the trails, with a few exceptions, are in much better condition, are easy to locate and traverse. The fires also made visible trash from the past when the present day trails were part of the lake bed - I picked up two bags full within the first hour of hiking. Frustrating BUT once it's picked up, it's GONE!
There were numerous birds out and about, even though it's early Feb, it seems Spring is just around the corner.
Saw a pair of grey foxes walking along the Winding Snake trail and took a few photos (attached). When the fox saw me it didn't panic but took a detour into the brush very calmly.
Saw a couple of hikers and a few mountain bikers otherwise, it was just me walking, listening to the birds signing and the wind blowing. A very enjoyable day.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Lower Ghost Camp
User:
MikeHikes - 2/2/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.60 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur > Dinosaur Track Area > Dinosaur > Upper Big Hill > Badlands> River Bend > Lower Ghost Camp 4.2 miles
Return Lower Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > North Scenic Loop > service road (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 2.4 miles
Temps in the low 50's, sunny with wispy clouds, steady North wind.
A month or so ago, controlled fires burned some of the vegetation and cleared the trails. Trails are dry and fairly hard packed now. LOTS of birds out especially Cardinals and Woodpeckers. Not much else going on but it was a good hike nonetheless.
NOTES
Water available at the campground by Bell's Trailhead.
Water, shade and info kiosk at Dinosaur Track Viewing area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Ghost Camp. CAUTION - dry toilets are old and rarely used, be careful if you have to sit on one!!
Dry trails
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett + Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 1/30/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.90 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.8 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles
Temps in the low to mid 70's, sunny and a steady breeze.
Nice hike today along dry trails. Walked the entire Tasajilla Flats trail and in the first and fourth sections, it had been burned. A lot of the dead brush is gone and the trail is very visible.
All of the trails are visible and easy to hike. Not many birds out today but I did see a few. I was warned by a guy driving his pick-up to be on the look out for snakes. I asked if he saw any and he said no, but this is West Texas so they'll be out. Didn't understand the logic but I did appreciate the sincere concern. Stay safe!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and shade available at many points along Roadrunner Loop and there is a toilet in the camping areas adjacent to the trail near the mid-point.
Park Mid-Section Burkett park to 5 Points Junction
User:
MikeHikes - 1/27/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 8.10 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Out Burkett park > Burkett trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (NE) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (N) > Flintstone > 5 Point Junction 3.4 miles
Return 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 4.7 miles
Temps in the low 40's, overcast and steady NE breeze.
Trails were dry and relatively clear of vegetation. Saw some birds, a porcupine and a white tailed deer but no humans. Not much going on except the peace and quiet of walking the trails.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett Park
User:
MikeHikes - 1/22/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Playground parking area > Tasajillo Flats > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lankey Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.5 miles
Return Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temps in the lid-50's, sunny and windy.
Good hike today along areas that have been recently burned. The smell of burned vegetation was present but not overpowering. Found trash as usual but that was to be expected after a burn clears the brush. I saw a blue grey gnatcatcher and a pair of Kestrels as well as the usual birds. Also saw a couple of white tail deer.
The trails are hard packed and the fire has cleaned a lot of the overgrown brush and vegetation away. Still some on the trails but they are much easier to hike now.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 1/21/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 1.70 Miles
Duration: 1 hour
Route Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop (W) > Playground parking area
Temps in the low 60's, partly cloudy and steady breeze.
Simple hike/fitness walk going out to the road by the bison viewing area, turning around and retracing my steps. Trail still damp and there were a few birds out..
South Shore Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 1/20/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 3.20 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Route Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area
Temps in the low 60's, mostly sunny with whispy clouds and variable winds.
First entry for 2017. Starting with 1572 miles hiked and 204 log entries.
The loop is designated "hikers only". The trail is easy to traverse and can be done by anyone who can walk. It has one or two very slight inclines but for the most part is level. There are a few areas where rocks and/or grass is prevalent but the majority of the trail is packed dirt. After a rain, it will be muddy.
You are walking alongside roads and camping areas at the South Shore - you can't get lost! Birds are usually plentiful and today I saw quite a few "common birds" nothing unusual.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at the Playground parking area.
Water, shade and toilets available at the camping area near the half way point.
Water and shade available at numerous camp sites along the roads.
South Shore Playground parking area to Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 12/26/2016
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 0.75 Mile
Duration: 30 minutes
End 2016 with total miles hiked = 1572; miles hiked this year = 482.
Route Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop (E) > Playground parking area.
Temps in the low 70's, sunny and slight breeze.
The trail is mostly dirt with some rocks and level. Saw some quail as well as a few other birds. Not much to report because I had to quit due to an injury.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.