Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Multi Trail Junction
User:
MikeHikes - 8/28/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.10 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge Trail > Playground Trail > Flintstone > Multi Trail Junction 3.3 miles
Return Turkey Creek > Armadillo Trail (West) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster Trail > park road > Burkett Park 3.8 miles
Today was a great day to hike! The bee brush is still in full bloom and scented the air, I saw lots of birds I normally don't see such as three roadrunners, black throated sparrows, orchard orioles, hummingbirds as well as the "usual suspects" plus I saw my first rattler for this year (photo attached) as well as a tree lizard.
The trails are still somewhat "rough" from the drenching rains we received in late May but they are passable, you just have to be cautious when going uphill and especially downhill.
Encountered one mountain biker at Bell's Point (marked on the park maps near the northern end of the Playground Trail) otherwise, the trails were mine.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point (about 2 miles from Burkett Park).
Water, shade, info kiosk available at the Multi Trail Junction - where Flintstone, Turkey Creek and River Bend trails converge.
South Shore Playground to Armadillo Ridge
User:
MikeHikes - 8/25/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Out Playground parking lot > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge 4.2 miles
Return Armadillo Ridge Trail (West) > West Potts Creek > Play Ground Trail > Lanky Lackey > Nature Loop > Tasajila Flats > Playground parking lot 5.3 miles
This hike was different from the one taken last week - I went a slightly different route by taking Red Dam Loop. The other major difference was the abundance of bee brush flowering and perfuming the air with the scent of vanilla.
Surprisingly, I saw four moutain bikers during the hike which is why I rated Solitude at 4.5. I'm sure seeing only four others on a four hour hike would be considered an extremely small number but at this park it is an unusually large number.
All in all, a very nice hike!!
NOTES
Water, shade, toilets and an info kiosk are available at the Playground parking lot.
Water, shade, dry toilets and an info kiosk is available at Burkett Park - at the northern end of Winding Snake Trail about 3 miles from the Playground on the route I took.
North Shore Extension Photo Op Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 8/22/2014
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Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
This park extension is on the West side of FM2288 directly across from the North Shore check-in station. There is no official trail but I followed the old dirt service road that parallels the North Concho River. Route out is three (3) miles which is the same route I took to return. Take a look at Google Earth for a better view but the old road basically goes West until you hit the park boundary by a farmstead which has donkeys.
I was on this route almost two weeks ago and wanted to see if I could find more wildlife if I hiked earlier so I arrived when the park opened and started walking. Definitely more birds were found - a great blue heron, ducks, Mississippi Kites, turkey vultures, cardinals, scissortails, etc. Not as many lizards and no snakes. I saw one feral housecat which took off when he saw me.
This is a very nice hike with shade, patches of water in the river bed and some longhorns wandering around. I got quite a few pictures and have included one of an adult MS Kite and two juvenile Kites.
NOTES
VERY IMPORTANT - The entrance to this portion of the park is not locked but you MUST check in at the South or North Shore gates and see if the area is open for hikers - hunting season starts soon and this part of the park will be closed to hikers. Be aware that I found quite a few crushed beer cans and spent shotgun shells so play it safe - make sure those irresponsible hunters who drink their breakfast, don't mistake you for their target.
Water and toilets are available at the North Shore gate check-in where you park. There are no facilities on the trail.
Park Mid Section Burkett Park to Cougar Outlook
User:
MikeHikes - 8/20/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 7.00 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Ridge Trail (West) > Turkey Creek Trail (North) > River Bend Trail > service road (East) > Cougar Outlook 4.3 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > service road (WSW) > asphalt service road (South) > dirt service road (WSW) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.7 miles
Basically this route consist of going out on the trails and returning via the service roads. I suggest using Google Earth to see the route as it is fairly easy to follow.
We've had a few days of much needed rain, which didn't do much except get the trails wet and full of sticky mud so I waited until the trails dried up a bit. Warm temps were tempered by fairly consistent winds today as I hiked.
Not much to see in the way of wildlife unless you count the longhorns - I ran into two groups of them; we acknowledge each other's presence and left it at that.
Saw one hiker at Burkett Park as I was leaving, otherwise I had the trails to myself for the entire hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water, shade and info kiosk are available at the northern end of Turkey Creek Trail where it joins the River Bend and Flintstone Trails - this is about 3.2 miles outward bound on this hike. I suggest you take the time to hydrate and refill all bottles because there is no other water available.
NO WATER, only shade and an info kiosk are available at Cougar Outlook.
South Shore Playground to Armadillo Ridge
User:
MikeHikes - 8/15/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 9.60 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Out Playground parking lot > Tasajilla Flats Trail > Horny Toad Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey Trail > Roller Coaster Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Ridge (East) > East Potts Creek Trail > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 6.8 miles
Return Burkett Park > Winding Snake Trail > Chaparral Trail > Playground Parking lot 2.8 miles
Walking along, listening to the birds, warm temps and constant light breeze, this hike was the epitome of a relaxing hike. Cottontail rabbits, lots of birds, lizards, a solitary frog and a roadrunner were some of the park's residents we encountered.
The trails are well marked and easy to traverse although there are a few areas where the rocks are more pronounced but all in all, an easy hike. If you go, please do not drop trash on the trails! If you pack it in, pack it out AND if you see trash, please pick it up.
NOTES
Water, toilets, info kiosk and some shade are available at the Playground parking area.
Water, dry toilets, info kiosk and shade are available at Burkett Park.
North Shore Park Extension Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 8/11/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 7.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
The portion of the park I hiked today is on the western side of FM2288 across from the North Shore park entrance. This trail does not have a name - rather, it is a hike along an old service road which is best seen using Google Earth.
The hike was a VERY enjoyable one today with warm temps, a light breeze and new terrain to see!! This portion of the park is know as one of the locations where the longhorns roam and for hunting.
The route is fairly easy to follow - you follow an old dirt, service road that runs alongside the North Concho River as you head West, the road ends and you can either retrace your original route or wander around a bit on the numerous cattle paths. I crossed the dry riverbed where the large power stanchions are and wandered back to the North Shore check in station along another dirt service road.
Lots of bird activity today - ducks, hawks, Mississippi Kites, orioles, canyon towhees and others. Lizards were numerous as well, some of them quite large. Longhorns grazed and watched as we trudged along enjoying the quiet solitude of the hike.
NOTES
Water, info kiosk and toilets are available at the North Shore check in station where I parked.
VERY, VERY, VERY IMPORTANT - if you decide to hike this route you MUST talk to the personnel at the South Shore check in station. Hunting goes on for various types of game to include doves, javalinas, turkey and deer. Because this area is rarely used by hikers (to the best of my knowledge no bikers or equestrians are allowed in this part of the park) the game is more numerous than the other sections and is quite popular with hunters.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Outlook
User:
MikeHikes - 8/7/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 7.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > old service road (South) > Scenic Loop > service road > North Slick Rock Trail > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > service road (East then South) > Cougar Outlook 3.3 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > service road (West) > River Bend Trail (North) > Badlands Trail > service road to Big Hill > service road to end (North) > fire road (South) to parking lot by Bell's Trailhead 4.5 miles
The route may look complicated but it really isn't! Take a look at Google Earth or the park map available for $3 at the South Shore check in station and you'll see what I mean.
This route was taken because of the heat and humidity. The wind was relatively low so I tried to stay in the open as much as possible to catch the breeze and it worked pretty well. Although gnats and biting flies were present, there weren't many so I won't complain about them.
One highlight of the hike was seeing the juvenile Scissortail Flycatchers without their signature tail feathers. The parents had their long tail feathers but the juveniles, while able to fly easily, did not yet possess them.
The other highlight was seeing not one, but TWO horned toads! This may seem trivial to some but there have been many hikes when I've seen no horned toads so seeing two of them in different places, was very nice! I got some good pictures of one toad (attached to this report) that seemed interested in what I was doing . He heard the click of the shutter and saw himself reflected in the lens so he climbed stalks of grass and scrub to get closer. After he decided he saw enough, off he went.
Unfortunately, I still find trash on the trails - most of the trash found on this hike was "newer" trash such as GU packets and water bottles. Finding two inner tubes stretched across a trail sign was not an accidental dropping.
If you pack it in, show some courtesy to the other hikers, bikers, equestrians and residents of the park, by packing your trash out. Thank you!!
NOTES
Bell's Trailhead is a parking area only - info kiosk is gone.
Water, shade, dry toilets and an info kiosk are available at the Upper Ghost Camp on the outward bound portion of the hike located at the southern end of the North Slick Rock Trail.
This is the only location on this route that has water so I recommend you hydrate and refill all water carriers here.
Shade and an info kiosk are available at Cougar Outlook.
South Shore Playground to Armadillo Ridge
User:
MikeHikes - 7/31/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 8.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Playground parking lot > Tasajilla Flats Trail > Nature Trail> Lanky Lackey Trail > Roller Coaster Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Ridge Trail (East) > East Potts Creek Trail > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 6.2 miles
Return Burkett Park > Winding Snake Trail > Chaparral Trail > Playground parking lot 2.6 miles
Overcast day with a light north wind and some cooler temps made for a good hike. The trails are becoming somewhat overgrwon with vegetation due to recent rains and humid air. Some of the trails have been cleared but the weeds continue to grow! Caution is advised to watch for snakes and other reptiles.
When I was nearly finished with the hike, I saw one bicyclist at the end of Chaparral Trail - solitude was nice!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk, and toilets are available at the Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett park.
Park Mid Section Burkett to Bell's Point
User:
MikeHikes - 7/28/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 6.60 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > park road (West) > Roller Coaster Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Ridge Trail (East) > Playground Trail > Bell's Point 3.7 miles
Return Bell's Point > dirt service road (WSW) > Turkey Creek Trail (South) > Armadillo Ridge Trail (East) > East Potts Creek Trail > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.9 miles
An easy hike through the middle section of the park. Hot temps, little wind but no bugs! It has been awhile since I hiked so I took it fairly easy and just meandered through the trails. I took a shortcut when I left Bell's Point on an old, dirt service road that went WSW for awhile until I came to the Turkey Creek Trail that crossed the road.
Not much to report - the hike was pleasant and I saw one hiker on a park road at the beginning of the hike but nobody on the trails.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade are available at Bell's Point which is shown on the park maps.
Park Mid Section Burkett to Cougar Overlook Figure Eight
User:
MikeHikes - 7/12/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Out Burkett Park > park road (West) > Roller Coaster Trail > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Trail > Turkey Creek Trail > River Bend Trail > service road (East) > Cougar Overlook 4.7 miles
Return Cougar Overlook > Flintstone Trail > Playground Trail > Armadillo Trail > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 4.5 miles
If you have a map or use Google Earth and follow the route I took, you'll see why I call this a Figure Eight.
Warm temps, sunny, and a fairly constant breeze made today's hike a very nice one indeed! When I hiked this same trail on 6/19/2014 there was a very noticeable scent of vanilla in the air from one of the blooming bushes, unfortunately, the scent has all but disappeared.
On the positive side though, there were no gnats!! I assume the drier air and steady breeze had something to do with that one. As always, pick up any trash you find, take your time and enjoy the trails!
NOTES
Water, toilets, info kiosk and shade are available at Burkett Park.
Water, infor kiosk and shade are available at the Multitrail Junction where Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone Trails intersect. You will come to this spot twice if you follow my route.
Water and shade are available at Bell's Point which is near the northern end of the Playground Trail and is shown on the trail maps.
Shade and info kiosk are available at Cougar Outlook (the mid-way point).
South Shore Burkett Park to MultiTrail Junction
User:
MikeHikes - 7/6/2014
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Solitude:
Distance: 5.60 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Trail (East) > Playground Trail > Flintstone Trail > MultiTrail Junction 3.2 miles
Return Service Road (East) > asphalt\gravel\dirt service road (SSW) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.4 miles
An easy outing today as I wandered North to the multitrail junction where the Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone Trails converge. My return route was along some old, unused service roads I hadn't been on for some time. The entire route is easily seen with a park map. I saw a dozen whitetail deer as I was on the Playground Trail near Bell's Point, otherwise, an uneventful hike but nonetheless, an enjoyable one!
NOTES
Water, info kiosk, shade are available at the Multitrail Junction.
Water, info kiosk, shade and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade are available at Bell's Point (on Playground Trail as you head North and prior to the Flintstone Trail junction).
South Shore Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 6/29/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 3.20 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Route Playground Parking Lot > Tasajilla Flats Trail > Nature Trail > service road (East) then old boat ramp road (paved) which goes SE > Chaparral Trail > Playground Parking Lot
Just a short hike around the South Shore of the park. Thanks to "Lone Star" for the appropriate title!
NOTES
Water, info kiosk, and bathroom available at Playground parking lot.
The service road we took goes to the Isabel Harte Day Use Area - be advised there is an active bee hive in the Isabel Harte sign on the south side of the road. We stayed as far away as possible and the bees did not bother us.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Outlook
User:
MikeHikes - 6/23/2014
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Solitude:
Distance: 8.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill > Badlands Trail > River Bend Trail > service road (East) > Cougar Outlook 5.4 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > service roads (North) > North Scenic Loop > service roads (NNE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 2.8 miles
Best way to understand and trace my route is to look at Google Earth satellite view or a trail map - it is easy to follow !!!
A very nice hike that takes you along the edge's of the North Shore's boundaries. Due to recent severe winds, tree branches were downed and although the majority of the trails are clear and passable, there are bits of tree debris, to include mesquite branches with thorns attached, still on the trail, so caution is advised. I had to stop a few times and pull mesquite branches off the soles of my hiking sandals - the thorns were embedded in the soles!
The day was overcast, high humidity with temps mid to upper 80's to start and gradually increasing to low 90's by the time the hike was complete. Inconsistent winds allowed the ever present gnats to swarm but there weren't too many mosquitoes.
Saw a large (about 4 foot long) non poisonous snake on the trail, I believe it was a rat snake, as well as numerous lizards and birds. The most interesting birds spotted were two juvenile Great Horned Owls (picture attached) on Dinosaur Trail and a male Painted Bunting on the Badlands Trail.
NOTES
The info kiosk at Bell's Trailhead has been destroyed by the high winds - unknown if/when it will be repaired or replaced.
Water, shade and an info kiosk are available at Dinosaur Trail rest stop (outward bound) and the Upper Ghost Camp (on the return leg) which also has dry toilets.
Park Mid Section Burkett to Cougar Overlook Figure Eight
User:
MikeHikes - 6/19/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.00 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > park road (West) > Roller Coaster Trail > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Trail > Turkey Creek Trail > River Bend Trail > service road (East) > Cougar Overlook 4.6 miles
Return Cougar Overlook > Flintstone Trail > Playground Trail > Armadillo Trail > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 4.4 miles
If you have a map or use Google Earth and follow the route I took, you'll see why I call this a Figure Eight.
A very nicely scented hike today ! The bee balm bushes are beginning to flower and the vanilla scent is in the air. The gnats were also out and were bothersome when in valleys or areas where the breeze did not hit me. Otherwise, a very enjoyable hike.
One thing that I noticed is the trails have become "rockier" than they were in the past. A few weeks back we had a very heavy rainfall which washed a lot of soil from the trails exposing the rocks or bedrock underneath. Last week, severe winds hit the area and knocked down quite a few branches in the park and probably also blew away some more topsoil from the trails.
I have bumped the difficulty scale up a half point because of this. There are a few trails that you have to be more cautious on - Armadillo Trail, Roller Coaster, parts of Flintstone and Playground. Of course, you should always be careful when you hike but you really need to pay more attention when you are on these trails.
I saw a snake today but couldn't get a photo. It was a rather large snake and was as green as a prickly pear palm. I caught a glimpse of him as he slithered away as I approached.
NOTES -
Toilets, info kiosk, shade and water are at Burkett Park.
Water, shade and info kiosk at the Multi Trail Junction where Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone Trails meet. If you follow my route you will arrive at this junction on your way out and on your return.
Water and shade are also available at Bell's Point which is on the Playground Trail and is shown on park maps.
South Shore Playground to Burkett Park
User:
MikeHikes - 6/15/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Playground parking lot > Chaparral Trail > Winding Snake Trail > Burkett Park 2.8 miles
Return Burkett Park > service road > Lanky Lackey Trail > Nature Loop Trail > Tasajillo Flats Trail > Playground parking lot 3.2 miles
A few days ago, there were severe, northerly winds that hit the park and San Angelo - the downtown portion of the city was hit by two small F0 tornadoes! The park had some wind damage, primarily broken branches from mesquite trees and info kiosk roofs torn off. On the trails I hiked today, the downed branches had been moved off the trails and the trails were passable.
It was very warm and humid with some cooling winds. For some reason, there were lots of lizards running around as well as quite a few turkey vultures which were chased by red winged blackbirds in some cases. Amusing to watch as the blackbirds dived at the vulture until the vulture flew away.
NOTES
Water, info kiosks (minus roofs) and toilets available at the Playground parking lot and Burkett Park.
Although the fallen tree limbs have been removed from the trails, there are still some smaller branches and mesquite thorns on the trails - keep an eye open for them and if you can, clear the trail whenever possible. I was doing quite a bit of clean up on this hike!
I suggest prior to visiting the park, you should check the park's facebook page for the latest info - for example, the West Potts Creek Trail will be closed on June 17-18 for bridge repairs.
North Shore Big Square hike
User:
MikeHikes - 6/10/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 9.90 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill Trail > Badlands Trail > River Bend Trail > Multi Trail Junction 5.5 miles
Return Flintstone Trail > Javalina Trail > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > Upper Ghost Camp Trail > South Slick Rock Trail > service road >North Scenic Loop > service road > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 4.4 miles
This route encompasses the outer trails along the North Shore. The vast majority of the trail is dirt although there are a few places where it is rocky, in particular the Upper Big Hill trail which has a steep incline as well as rock and the South Slick Rock trail which has a steep decline and loose rock/dirt. Although there are quite a few trails listed, all the trails are easy to see and connect to one another. The laminated park map available for $3 at the South Shore station or Google Earth are the best ways to view my route.
Temps started in the lower 70's and rose to the mid-80's during the hike, a light northerly wind kept the majority of bugs off but when I went into areas of no wind, the gnats were a force to be reckoned with! I'm sure our recent rains helped increase the gnat's activity and although I don't like gnats, I'll tolerate them if it means we get more rain.
LOTS of lizards out and about as well as birds. Saw a group of four Great Blue Herons near Shady Trail when I was outward bound and one Great Blue on my return leg. The extra water in the creek area has been a boon to the wildlife!
A tip of the hat to the park staff who maintain the trails! Even after the rains, the trails are easy to traverse and in a few cases, I could see where park personnel had already repaired rain damaged sections.
Keep up the good work!!
NOTES
Info kiosk at Bell's Trailhead, no water.
Water, shade and info kiosk are available at the Dinosaur Trail rest area, the Multi Trail junction (where Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone Trails meet - my half way point) and at the Upper Ghost Camp area which is also called River Bend Camp Area on a few signs in the park. This last area also has dry toilets available.
Ground bees are active so be aware of them! I saw a small group at the southern end of the Shady Trail in the service road. They didn't bother me and I didn't bother them.
South Shore Playground to Nature Trail
User:
MikeHikes - 6/8/2014
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Distance: 2.40 Miles
Duration: 1 hour
Out Playground parking lot > Tasajillo Flats Trail > Nature Trail 1.5 miles
Return Nature Trail > Horny Toad Trail > Tasajillo Flays Trail > Playground parking lot .9 miles
After another much welcomed rain, I took a short hike to see how the trails looked - they are in very good shape and no problems were encountered. With the rains we've had lately, the grasses are growing, along Nature Trail in particular, which means you have to be a little more cautious in watching for snakes and other trail hazards.
Not much else to say except to watch for fellow trail users, both human and otherwise!
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Multi-Trail Junction and Back
User:
MikeHikes - 6/5/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 6.60 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Trail > Playground Trail > Flintstone Trail > Multi-Trail Junction 3.0 miles
Return Turkey Creek Trail > Armadillo Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Roller Coaster Trail > Park Road > Burkett Park 3.6 miles
After the recent rains, this is the first opportunity I've had to walk a lot of the trails. In a nutshell, if the trail was somewhat rocky, it is now very rocky, if the trail was rocky, it is now extremely rocky. The rain washed a lot of the loose dirt from the trails, thereby exposing the rocky caliche or bedrock underneath. The mostly hard packed dirt trails, have some gourges cut through them exposing rocks, tree roots, etc. Bottom line - the trails are still very easy to find but you have to take more time hiking them to avoid injuries.
On the plus side, the rain has triggered plant and flower growth through the park, lots of new cactus blooms, fragrant "bee balm" bushes that smell like vanilla are releasing their perfume and other blooming flowers are keeping the bees and other insects busy.
NOTES -
1. Water, shade and info kiosk available at Burkett Park and at the Multi-Trail Junction which is my name for the area where Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone trails meet. All trails are easily seen using Google Erath or the map on this website.
2. As of this writing, some ground bee activity has been noticed on Burkett Trail and reported to the park rangers - unknown what action, if any, they will take. I am not a bee expert so I treat all bees as if they will swarm and sting. There have been stories in the local news a year or so ago about two people who were killed after disturbing ground bee hives.
Be alert, look at the scenery, stay safe and enjoy the hike!
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Cougar Outlook via service roads
User:
MikeHikes - 5/28/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 5.40 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > dirt/gravel/asphalt service road > Cougar Outlook 2.7 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > asphalt/gravel/dirt service road > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.7 miles
Had a long weekend of much needed, record setting rains - a little over 7 inches in less than four days!! The trails at the park were too muddy to hike so I used the service roads to get in a stroll. LOTS of birds and bugs and the cactus are blooming - saw my first orange cactus blossoms of the year.
Not much else to say except I was told by park personnel some of the trails have been damaged and will need repairs but there are numerous trails and service roads which are usable so I will continue to enjoy the park.
NOTES -
Water, dry toilets and an info kiosk at Burkett Park - no other water available on the route. Cougar Outlook has an info kiosk but that's it.
Suggest you call the park before heading out and check on the trail availability. Was told the North Shore trails have not been checked yet - the North Shore is the area where the majority of the water poured into the park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Cougar Outlook
User:
MikeHikes - 5/22/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 7.40 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > old dirt/gravel/asphalt raod > River Bend Trail (ENE) > old service road (East) > Cougar Outlook 2.7 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > Flintstone Trail (SSW) > Turkey Creek Trail > Armadillo Trail (West) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster Trail > park road (NNE) > Burkett Park 4.7 miles
Easy to hike route - most of the outward route is on an old park road that is no longer used. Return is along established trails that connect to one another and are easy to find on a map or on the ground.
It was humid, windy and overcast. I watched a grey fox as he hunted and got a few good pictures - this is the second fox I've seen in all my years hiking at the park - a year or so ago, I saw a red fox for two or three seconds as he bounded away from me. This time, the wind was blowing toward me so he couldn't get my scent and when he noticed me standing perfectly still, he walked closer to investigate. Once he caught a whiff, he took off.
A leisurely hike, not many bugs, temps were tolerable and I watched a grey fox - a very good hike indeed!!
South Shore Playground Parking Lot to Burkett Park
User:
MikeHikes - 5/19/2014
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Rating:
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Solitude:
Distance: 6.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Out Playground Parking Lot > Chaparral Trail > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral Trail > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 3.4 miles
Return Burkett Park > Park road to Lanky Lackey Trail > Nature Trail > Horny Toad Trail > Tasajillo Flats Trail > Playground Parking Lot 2.7 miles
Warm and breezy day, lots of wind to keep the bugs off and keep the heat from being an issue. Trails are easy to follow and connect to one another with the exception of -
(1) Burkett Park to Lanky Lackey - take the park road West for about 1/10 of a mile, look for the Lanky Lackey signpost on the left side of the road; the signpost for Roller Coaster Trail is on the right side of the road.
(2) Lanky Lackey to Nature Trail - When you exit Lanky Lackey, directly across the road is the signpost for Nature Loop, I did not take that route but instead, walked West on the park road about 100 yards until I saw the signpost for Nature Trail. Nature Trail is a shorter trail that does not include the Nature Loop. It is easy to see and hike.
NOTES -
Perhaps you will note the time taken on the hike - I spent an inordinate amount of time picking up trash; I had one bag full by the time I arrived at the end of Chaparral Trail on my outward bound leg. On the return route, I had another bag 1/2 full.
With the strong West Texas wind, I'm aware some trash was blown in BUT I know the empty GU packets and plastic water bottles tossed by the trail, were not blown in but deliberately dropped by inconsiderate park users.
PLEASE - be considerate and remember why you enjoy using the park. If you bring it IN, take it OUT when you leave!
South Shore Big Figure Eight Route
User:
MikeHikes - 5/15/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 12.30 Miles
Duration: 5 hours, 45 minutes
Out Playground Parking Lot > Tasajillo Flats Trail > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey Trail > park road to Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > (East) Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Trail > Playground Trail > Flintstone Trail > Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone Trails Converge 6.3 miles
Return Turkey Creek Trail > Armadillo Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Roller Coaster Trail > park road to Burkett Park > Winding Snake Trail > Chaparral Trail > Playground parking Lot 6.0 miles
A perfect day! Temps in the mid 70's to start, sunny and a fairly consistent west wind, made this a very long but enjoyable hike. One feature of the San Angelo State Park that I really like - the trails are easy to follow and on this route, all connect with the exception of the area near Burkett Park when you get on an asphalt park road to reach the parking area.
I called this a "figure eight" route because if you follow on the map, the outward and return trips converge at Burkett Park. This came in handy because Burkett Park has water for humans and horses as well as a trash can where trash found on the trails can be deposited.
Most of the trails are somewhat rocky due to the caliche soil but there are stretches of softer, hard packed soil with few rocks. Please take a look at my earlier log entries for trail details and/or use Google Earth - you can clearly see the trails and how easy they are to follow. There aren't many trail signs but if you get a laminated park map at the South Shore gatehouse ($3) or a free paper trail map (not as good but usable), you realize you can't get lost in the park.
NOTES
(1) An info kiosk and water is available at Burkett Park and at the junction of Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone trails (turn around point). Dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.
(2) Please pick up any trash you encounter!! There is a trash can at Burkett Park as well as at the Playground parking Lot. I have walked these trails for years and continue to find cans, glass bottles, pieces of broken glass, plastic bottles and GU packets. I do not understand why some people have no problem whatsoever in leaving their empty food and water containers, and other trash, along the trails.
BE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON - If you carry it into the park, take it out of the park when you leave.
South Shore Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 5/10/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.10 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Out Playground Parking lot> Tasajilla Flats> Nature Loop> Lanky Lackey> Burkett Park 3.5 miles
Return Burkett Park> Winding Snake> Chaparral Trail> Playground Parking Lot 2.6 miles
See a detailed route description in my log entry of 4/3/14 titled "South Shore Outer Loop"
Temps were in the low 80's, a sunny sky with a good breeze, nice and quiet so you could hear all the birds, more cactus are in bloom, watching lizards scamper and birds flying - a perfect day to visit, and hike, the park!
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Outlook and return
User:
MikeHikes - 5/3/2014
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.40 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Service Road > Scenic Loop > South Slick Rock Trail > Service Road > Cougar Outlook 3.2 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > Service Road > River Bend Trail > Badlands Trail > Big Hill Road > Rocky Creek Trail > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 4.2 miles
This hike wanders through the North Shore portion of the park. The service roads used as a trail, or as a connector to a trail, are hard packed dirt and easy to traverse. There are only a few areas of difficulty and those are at the Big Hill Road on the return portion and a small piece of the South Slick Rock trail on the outbound portion. Otherwise, an easy hike!
At the time of the hike, some prickly pear cactus have blooms but the vast majority of cactus do not yet have their flowers. Birds are active, many lizards were spotted and other flowers are blooming.
NOTE -
An info kiosk, shaded tables, dry toilet and water are available at the Upper Ghost Camp (River Bend campground). The turn around point (Cougar Outlook) has an info kiosk and a shaded pavillion but no water - plan accordingly.