Out Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur > Lower Big Hill > service road (S) > Scenic Loop > service road (S then W) > Badlands > River Bend > 5 Points Junction 6.8 miles
Return 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (NE) > Javalina Trail > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (N then NE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 4.7 miles
Temps in the 60's to start and then upper 70's at th end, sunny and a very light breeze.
We had some serious rain on Friday and the run-off flowed into the North Concho River which in turn, fills the O.C. Fisher Reservoir. The river did nor flood as it had in May of this year but the water was flowing!
I also saw some floating spider webs but I didn't see any spiders. Turkeys, a couple of deer and lots of birds were seen. Surprisingly, I saw two pairs of hikers as well as a pair of mountain bikers - very unusual but it was Sunday so perhaps it is normal.
A good hike overall.
NOTES
Info kiosk available at Bell's Trailhead.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at Dinosaur Tracks area (approx 1.5 miles from Bell's Trailhead on Dinosaur Trail). This is the ONLY water on the North Shore trails - hydrate.
Water, shade and info kiosk at 5 Points Junction. LAST WATER if you follow my route.
Shade and info kiosk at Cougar Overlook - junction of FLintstone and Javalina trails.
Info kiosk, shade and dry toilets available at the River Bend ghost camp - located at the junction of Lower Ghost camp and South Slick Rock Trails.