North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Ghost Camp Loop

Monarch Migrating
One of the Monarchs that were migrating South for the Winter. I saw a few clusters but not many.
User: MikeHikes - 10/10/2026

Location: San Angelo State Park

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: halfstar  Solitude: 2stars
Miles Hiked: 8.00 Miles  Elapsed Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Comments:

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Badlands > River Bend Trail > Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Campground    6.0 miles

Leg 2 -  River Bend Campground > Upper Ghost Camp (N) > South Slick Rock Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead   2.0 miles

Temps started at 59, ended at 83.  Sunny with light 0-5mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails (except Lower Ghost Camp in Leg 2).  Objective was to see Monarch Butterflies as they migrate South for the Winter (photo attached).  They were spotted individually as well as in small clusters in the pecan and mesquite trees. Unfortunately, not in the large numbers I had hoped to see.

Being Saturday, there were quite a few other trail users out looking for the Monarchs - nothing negative happened but solitude was not to be had.

Nonetheless, it was a pleasant hike.

NOTES -

Water and shade available near Bell's Trailhead as well as a bicycle repair station.  Info kiosk is gone.

Water, shade, info kiosk available at Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area.

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

 



Log Photos
Monarch Migrating
Area around San Angelo State Park