South Shore - Playground Parking Lot to Burkett Park Loop

Texans seem to have a love-hate relationship with the mesquite tree. Love the wood for the products made from it and for the flavor imparted in pit cooked BBQ but hate it for the tree's voracious thirst.

User: MikeHikes - 9/25/2026

Location: San Angelo State Park

Rating: 4stars

Difficulty: halfstar

Solitude:

Miles Hiked: 7.20 Miles Elapsed Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Comments:

Leg 1 - Playground parking lot > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 4.0 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking lot 3.2 miles

Temp started at 75, ended at 85. Sunny with high, hazy clouds. Steady 5-10mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry and familiar trails. Animals spotted were a cotton rat, javelina and deer. Birds were a Loggerhead Shrike, Turkey Vultures, Scissortail, Mockers and a pair of Curve Billed Thrashers. The weather was pleasant, the breeze refreshing and cool and the Sun was warm but not scorching - a pleasant hike.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station at Playground parking lot.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park. NOTE - The water is running but still has a funky taste - bring your own!

Log Photos

Resilient

Area around San Angelo State Park