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San Angelo State Park

Type: Trail

Length: 50.00 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(4.18)589

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.89)

Solitude:

(4.63)

ADA Accessible: N/A

Bikes Allowed: Yes

Dogs Allowed: N/A

Interpretive Guide: N/A

City: San Angelo

County: Tom Green

More Information: More Info

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Photos

Almost all the prickly pear blooms had insects of one type or another visiting them. (Photo by MikeHikes)

First time I've seen this kind of bird and I saw a pair of them! As I continued to hike, I saw other Lark Buntings in the trees. Very striking bird! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This piece of the trail is indicative of numerous trails in the park now that Spring has arrived. Clusters of blue, purple and yellow flowers as well as the bright green leaves of the mesquite trees are all over the park. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Not print worthy but easy to see that it is a male Vermilion Flycatcher - a very active and colorful bird. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The turkey vultures were relaxing by a water trough and appeared to be simply waiting for something to happen. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This male White Crowned Sparrow found a somewhat desiccated seed pod to eat. The red really popped and caught my eye when he jumped into the small tree. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I haven't seen one of these birds in some time. Nice to see him again! (Photo by MikeHikes)

A Caracara was flying some distance away when I took the photo. Upon closer inspection it appears he has a piece of meat with fur in his beak. (Photo by MikeHikes)

It seems early to me (mid-Feb) but more bushes have flowers. The scent of an agarita blossom is like mesquite smoked honey and dust; it was very pleasant to smell. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The near-Spring warm weather has prompted a few agarita bushes to produce flowers. A little early but very pleasant to look at. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Nice looking buck survived last month's hunt - good luck to him in the future. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The birds need water but the water fountain at Burkett Park is not working at this time (01-25-25). Ensure you have plenty before arriving! UPDATE - Water is back on as of 1 Feb 2025. (Photo by MikeHikes)

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Log Entries

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 5/11/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.80 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.5 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles

Temp started at 49, ended at 74. Sunny, steady NW winds at 5-10mph.

Easy hike along dry to dew-dampened trails. Some parts are overgrown with vegetation but they are still easy to traverse. Numerous cottontail rabbits and deer were out as were Nighthawks and the usual suspects of Mockingbirds, Scissortails and various kinds of Sparrows.

Lots of wildflowers and cactus blossoms are in bloom giving color to an otherwise drab scenery.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parkng rea.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burtkett Park.

Water and shade are available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop. There are three toilets and info kiosks along the Loop as well.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back
By MikeHikes on 4/25/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.30 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Overlook 6.0 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javalina > Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp (N) > South Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.3 miles

Temps started at 64, ended at 76. Overcast with a 0-5mph SW breeze. Humid.

Easy hike along dry or damp or muddy trails. Recent rains have helped produce an abundance of wildflowers throughout the park! The mesquite trees are full of lime green leaves and are producing golden fronds. Bee Bush is also blooming and perfume the air with their fragrance.

Today I saw the first Horned Lizard, i.e., "Horned Toad" of the year as well as the first sighting of a pair of Lark Buntings (photo attached). Numerous lizards were out as was a single fairly large feral hog that I inadvertently spooked while hiking. Fortunately, he ran away from me rather than toward me.

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 4/17/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.10 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles

Temp started at 65, ended at 85. Overcast then partially sunny with steady 5-10mph SW wind.

Easy hike along dry, easy to traverse, maintained trails. I saw two large groups of deer at the beginning of the hike but then no other animals were spotted. Birds were more numerous and I saw a group of Cedar Waxwings near the park entrance on Tasajilla Flats Trail. Scissortail Flycatchers were spotted in a half a dozen locations and Kingbirds were also spotted. Numerous flowers of yellow, blue and purple were scattered all along the park area. Bee bush is just beginning to blossom as well.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and abicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.

Water and shade are available at numerous campsites along Roadrunner Loop. There are three info kiosks and toilets along Roadrunner Loop as well.

South Shore - Playground Parking Area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 3/26/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.70 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg1 - Playground Parking Area > Chaparral > Tally Valley > Horny Toad (N) > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.3 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.6 miles

Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground Parking Area 2.8 miles

Temp started at 66, ended at 80. Heavy then lighter overcast. Wind from West at 5-10mph.

Easy hike along dry easy to traverse trails. Saw a couple of deer families and one cottontail rabbit. Birds were more numerous, singing for mates. I spotted this year's first Vermillion Flycatcher at a distance (photo attached). Not much was going on today, the hike was enjoyable though!

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground Parking Area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Armadillo to Cougar Overlook Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 3/22/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.50 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek (E) > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 4.5 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Flintstone Trail (N) > Cougar Overlook > service road (W) > River Bend (S) > 5 Points Junction 2.6 miles

Leg 3 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (E) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.4 miles

Temp started at 47, ended at 80. Sunny w/light 0-5mph SW breeze changing to 10-15mph West and NW winds.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. One white tail deer was spotted and some birds. LOTS of people on the trails today as it was a Saturday and nice weather, once it warmed up. Birds were singing for mates, a few were photographed but nothing spectacular (photo attached). Flowers are appearing, particularly small yellow flowers and small bunches of purple-ish flowers. The agaritas are still blooming as well. Overall a pleasant hike.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at Bell's Point.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.

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

South Shore - Playground to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 3/12/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.50 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking Area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.6 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking Area 2.9 miles

Leg 3 - Playground Parking Area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground Parking Area 3.0 miles

Temp started at 51 and ended at 81. Mostly sunny with haze then partly cloudy. Steady 10-15mph West wind increasing to 20-25mph while on Leg 3.

East hike on dry trails. Only animals spotted were a few deer in a few places. The birds are singing for mates and the agarita bushes are covered with yellow flowers releasing a heady scent. A few people were on the trails but it was not crowded by any stretch of the imagination.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playround Parking Area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water and shade available at various campsites around Roadrunner Loop and there are three stations where water, toilets and info kiosks can be found.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 3/7/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.30 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek Trail > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail > Flintstone> 5 Points Junction > River Bend Trail > service road (NW) > Cougar Overlook 4.6 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Flintstone (S) > 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (W) > West Potts Creek > Rollercoaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 5.7 miles

Temps started at 60, ended at 80. Fairly steady 5-10mph NW breeze. Sunny skies

Easy hike along dry easy to traverse trails. Only animnals seen were some deer at the park entrance. Birds - not many but I saw a Northern Flicker at some distance (photo attached) away and then he took off. Haven't seen flickers for a few years so seeing one was nice. One good thing is that the agarita bushes are blooming in more places and with the steady wind the scent of the blooms was more noticeable than before. A very heady aroma!

There are still spots of water here and there for the birds and animals but the ground is otherwise dry as we are in a severe drought with no relief in sight. This brings up something to consider if you hike the park - with the prolonged dryness the soil on the trails is, and will continue to be, dry and loose which means a twisted ankle if you are not careful. There are many places where the topsoil is thin to non-existent and depending on the trail, it is easy for your foot to slip on the loose soil.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at Bell's Point.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.

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

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Loop
By MikeHikes on 2/25/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.40 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > DInosaur Trail (S) > Lower Big Hill > North Scenic Loop > service road (W) > Badlands > park road (N) > Upper Ghost Camp Trail > service road (W) > River Bend (S) > service road (NE) > Cougar Overlook 6.2 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina > service road (N) > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Campground > South Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.2 miles

Temp started at 50 and damp, ended at 80 and dry. Sunny with a steady 5-10mph SSW wind.

Nice hike along trails that were easy to see and traverse. A few "rare" birds were seen - a Caracara (photo attached) last spotted 10-15 years ago, a pair of Killdeer which have been absent for a few years, a Kingfisher and others. Only animals spotted were some deer as I drove in.

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground Parking Area to Armadillo Ridge Loop
By MikeHikes on 2/15/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.60 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 2.8 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek Trail > West Potts Creek > Rollercoaster Trail 3.5 miles

Leg 3 - Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground Parking Area 3.3 miles

Temp started at 40, ended at 79. Sunny with steady 15-20 Westerly wind.

Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Only wildlife spotted was a herd of deer right at the park entrance otherwise, no animals were sighted. Bird activity was also at a minimum due to the high winds. I saw more agarita bushes with blooms and today, I watched a bee look for pollen (photo attached). There were more people and bikes on the trail than I normally encounter but it was not unexpected - today is Saturday and is also the last of the warm days before we are hit with another Arctic blast.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets are available at Burkett Park.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 2/8/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.40 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Horny Toad (N) > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.2 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.1 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadruner Loop > Playground parking area 3.1 miles

Temp started at 63, ended at 83. Sunny with a fairly constant 5-10mph Westerly breeze.

Easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Many more birds were spotted - a Loggerhead Shrike, Kestrel and a hawk were the raptors. Mockers, Phylluxia and numerous sparrows were also seen. Numerous deer, in herds of 6 to 20 as well as individual deer were also seen. What surprised me the most though was seeing two different agarita bushes with flowers (photo attached). The weather has been unseasonable warm but tonight another cold front will move through so I don't know if that will kill or merely stunt the growth. More folks using the trails which was expected with the warm, almost Spring-like weather.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park. THE WATER IS WORKING AGAIN FOR BOTH HUMANS AND EQUESTRIANS.

Water and shade are available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop and there are three places with toilets and info kiosks along the trail.

Only showing last 10 log entries. View All Log Entries