North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to River Bend Campground Loop

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Lower Big Hill > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > South Slick Rock Trail > River Bend Campground     4.1 miles

Leg 2 -  River Bend ampground > Camp entrance road (W) > Badlands Trail (N) > service road (NE) > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead    2.9 miles

Temps started at 70, ended at 80.  Mostly hazy and overcast with a few breaks in the clouds.  Humid with slight SE breeze 0-5mph.

It has been a few months since I hiked the North Shore and it will be a few more months before I return.  In the fairly recent past, there have been rains that flooded parts of the North Shore section of the park; consequently, some of the trails had been closed.  With the announcement a few days ago that two of the main trails had been re-opened, I decided to hike them.  BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!  

The majority of the trails listed in Leg 1, to include Shady Trail (a popular trail) were overgrown with vegetation and in some cases, the growth was waist high or higher.  It is the growing season and with the abundant rains, the native grasses and weeds have flourished.  Unfortunately the park personnel have not had the time to maintain the trails so they are in a somewhat safe to trod condition.  By that I mean you have to tread carefully and always be concious of rattlesnakes on or near the trails.  Yes, rattlesnakes will lay in the grass alongside a trail or in the middle of the trail so I am always watching where I place my feet.  Additionally, I like to avoid stepping on other reptiles such as lizards and horned toads.

The trails on Leg 2 were in better condition but there were still numerous places where the vegetation needs to be clipped.  'Nuff said on that subject.

Animals spotted were Axis deer - a buck and three does right as I was driving into the park (photo attached).  Other deer as well as some birds and a few lizards were also seen.  Majority of the wildflowers in bloom were Mexican hats with a few buffalo gourd plants showing their colors.  The cactus blossoms were few and far between which was understandable since I was there in the morning and the blossoms that were on the cactus were still closed.  There were exceptions and they were colorful!

Overall, it was good to go to the North Shore to see how the trails looked but it was unfortunate the vast majority of trails I hiked, needed some serious maintenance.  At this point in time, I would NOT recommend hiking or biking the trails mentioned at the North Shore.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Bell's Trailhead.

Water, shade, and an info kiosk are available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area.

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