North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout

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.