San Angelo State Park Photos

As can be seen, this old can served a useful purpose to a small snake. The snake used the sharp edge of one hole so it could shed it's old skin. No bones found in the can so the snake was able to slither out successfully. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Although the word "Night" is part of the Common Nighthawks' name, they can be found swooping through the air catching insects during the day - beautiful birds! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Prickly pear cactus are starting to bloom and this one is the best example. In a few weeks there should be many, many more! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This view is from Roller Coaster Trail as I look to the North. The houses to the left of the juniper bush are in the Highland Ridge Housing Area which abuts the park. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Lots of dragonflies out near the pond on Winding Snake. Don't know what his proper name is but when he is flying, his wings look like box kites! (Photo by MikeHikes)

The lace cactus are blooming and the bees are busy! Take the time to observe and appreciate all the beauty in the park and don't worry about how fast you can hike, bike or ride the trails! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Be advised the longhorns wander within some hiking areas of the park - they are NOT PETS and can be protective when calves are around. Respect them, leave them alone and they will leave you alone. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I sighted my first Horned Toad of 2014 while on Dinosaur Trail. PLEASE be aware of the park's small residents! It would be very easy to accidentally step on, or roll your bike's tire over, one of these guys and if you did, you know how you'd feel :-( (Photo by MikeHikes)

With the recent moisture, I won't call it "rain", some flowers are blooming. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Saw this Lace cactus on Armadillo Ridge Trail. Was one of a colony of two blooming cacti. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Burkett Park has a parking area, dry toilets, water for humans and horses and a covered picnic table with a few more picnic tables down the road. Good place to begin many hikes in the South Shore. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Just a few of the longhorns at the park. Observe but don't annoy - they are best left alone, especially when calves are present. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This road runs East and connects with another service road which takes you back to Burkett Park. Be advised the road is not consistently groomed and can be overgrown with waist high weeds. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Playground Trail along the edge of the plateau is rocky and narrow in some places. Scenic views on this route!! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Lots of rock and some easy climbing. When you follow the trail, keep your eyes open to the left for a path that goes to the plateau - you should take it. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This is near the beginning of the East Potts Creek trail. Lots of mesquites; an easy to hike trail until you get near the end where it connects to Armadillo Trail. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This is one of the abandoned picnic shelters encountered along Winding Snake Trail. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Lanky Lackey Trail has lots of small rocks on the trail. It can be a little tricky if you don't watch your footing. (Photo by MikeHikes)

At the end of the Nature Loop Trail, look to the right. There is an active beehive inside the sign so avoid this if at all possible. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Lots of trees and prickly pear cactus. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Most of this trail is hard packed dirt although there are patches of caliche and other exposed rock. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This trail begins at the Playground parking area. It is mostly dirt and connects to various trails that head West and North. (Photo by MikeHikes)

As can be seen, not all the trails are dirt, there are lots of small rocks on some trails. (Photo by MikeHikes)

River Bend, Turkey Creek and Flintstone trails converge at this point. Water, info kiosk and shade is available for horses, bikers and hikers. (Photo by MikeHikes)