Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook

Singing for a Mate
Perched high in the tree, this Cactus Wren was very vocal in his singing for a mate.
User: MikeHikes - 5/2/2015

Location: San Angelo State Park

Rating: 4point5stars
Difficulty: 1star  Solitude: 3stars
Miles Hiked: 11.30 Miles  Elapsed Time: 5 hours, 30 minutes

Comments:

Out      Burkett Park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Turkey Creek > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Overlook       5.9 miles

Return  Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > Playground > Armadillo > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park     5.4 miles

Temps in the low 70's, sunny and breezy.  As the day progressed, the temps increased to the low 80's by the time we finished.

A relaxing hike along the western trails and a return along the eastern trails.  MANY flowers in bloom and I saw the first cactus flowers of the year on the Playground Trail south of Bell's Point!

Numerous mountain bikers, hikers and two trail runners were encountered - all meets were conducted courteously by both parties.  It was very unusual to see soo many people on the trails. Birds continue to sing their mating songs and with the numerous flowers blooming and filling the air with their scent --- it was a very pleasant day with a noteable exception.

Unfortunately, and I hope it was by accident, two good sized lizards were smashed by mountain bikers at different locations; one was still alive but suffering so I had to decapitate him with my knife; the ants were already feasting on the head and body by the time I had cleaned and stowed my blade. 

Please be aware of where you place your feet or roll your tires - watch out for the park's small inhabitants, enjoy the scenery and don't worry so much about how fast you finish your ride or hike.

NOTES

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

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction (intersection of northern end of Turkey Creek and southern end of River Bend trails).  If you follow my route, you will return to 5 Points after you leave Cougar Overlook along Flintstone Trail.

Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Overlook.

Water and shade available at Bell's Point (near the northern end of Playground Trail).



Log Photos
Singing for a Mate
Area around San Angelo State Park