North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Short Loop

Leg 1 - Bell's trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > North Slick Rock > South Slick Rock > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook       3.7 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > River Bend (N) > Badlands (N) > Upper Big Hill > Rocky Creek Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead   3.9 miles

Temp started at 80, ended at 92.  Sunny with steady 10-20mph SW breeze.

A leisurely hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails - much improved from my last visit.  Not many birds or animals out but there were a lot of grasshoppers and gnats buzzing about.  Wildflowers were not as visible as in the past with the exception of sunflowers which can be found at various places throughout the park.  Unfortunately with the continued dry and hot weather, some of the temporary watering holes have dried out but the ones maintained by the park are still there and I am sure used by the wildlife.

NOTES -

Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Bell's Trailhead.  Water and shade are available at the nearby campground.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Campground.

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.