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San Angelo State Park

Type: Trail

Length: 50.00 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(4.19)570

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.90)

Solitude:

(4.64)

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

First for the Season Ruby Crowned Kinglet.

This is one of the pair of Kinglets I saw today on Lanky Lackey. A fearless, very busy little bird that comes quite close to you. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This young javelina acted as if he wanted to follow me. Not wanting to meet the parent(s), I took his photo and then made noise to scare him away - it worked. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Hunting season is on-going at the Northern end of the park - this guy would be a nice trophy. He better stay here in the South Shore where he's safe. (Photo by MikeHikes)

These three feral hogs didn't see me on the trail until I deliberately made noise. Once they saw me, they trotted back into the bush. (Photo by MikeHikes)

An early morning view from the high point of Horny Toad Trail. The reservoir is less than 8% full but some water is a lot better than no water. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This is one of the numerous tiny toads encountered today. Note the ant by him for a good size comparison. I saw at least 30-40 hopping along the trail this morning. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This Roadrunner chattered to his partner and then stopped to look my way as if to ask what I was doing and how may he help me. A few quick snaps and he departed. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Recent rains helped the cactus produce a bumper crop of tunas. Park animals, birds and insects will be well fed! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This box tortoise is only the third or fourth I've spotted at the park. He was very nonchalant as I took his photo and when I finished, continued his slow walk to a place unknown to me. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Numerous wasps and bees were already at the water trough when this Roadrunner decided to get a drink as well. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Not many photos taken except for this colorful West Texas sunrise. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The park is not scenic but has numerous trails to hike or mountain bike. There are always lots of prickly pear cactus and mesquite trees present as well. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Only showing last 12 photos. View All Photos

Log Entries

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 11/25/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.70 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 3.2 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.5 miles

Temp started at 50, ended at 55. Sunny, light SW breeze changed to NW 10-15mph wind.

An easy hike along dew dampened trails that were easy to see and traverse. A few strands of Gayfeather flowers were seen as well as a large number of Bee Bush shrubs! Quite a few deer were out as well as two hawks, a javelina and a pair of Ruby Crowned Kinglets (photo attached) - the first ones I've seen this Winter. It was a quiet, enjoyable hike overall.

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. NOTE TO EQUESTRIANS - the horse trough is still dry but water is available via a hose at the fountain.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop
By MikeHikes on 11/15/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 8.00 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (Long) > Cougar Overlook 3.0 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (NNE) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 5.0 miles

Temp started at 44, ended at 68. Sunny, infrequent 0-5mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along damp to muddy trails. Trails are easy to see and traverse but there are spots where, due to the recent heavy rains, the topsoil is gone and the trail is very rocky. Yet in other spots, the trail is smooth with the additional topsoil was on top of the rocks! Just be aware that the same trail can have different characteristics.

Not many animals spotted although I was surprised to see this very young javelina (photo attached). He came out of the underbrush and did not hesitate to walk towards me. I had no desire to meet his parent so I made noise and the javelina ran into the brush and disappeared. Hopefully he had merely wandered away from his parent and was not an orphan.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park. Horse trough is still dry.

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

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

South Shore - Playground to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 11/6/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.90 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > Tasajilla Flats> Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.8 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.2 miles

Temps started at 44, ended at 77. Sunny with 0-5mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along familiar trails. Hunting was on-going from Burkett Park North so those trails were closed. Deer, javelinas and numerous birds were spotted. There were no other people on the trails so it was anice and relaxing hike.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair staion available at Playground Parking Arera.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park. NOTE - on this day the water trough was empty and looked ready to be cleaned.

Water and shade available at numerous campsites along Roadrunner Loop. Three places have toilets, water and info kiosks.

South Shore - Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 10/16/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 3.10 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area

Temp started at 57, ended at 64. Sunny with a steady ENE wind at 10-15mph.

A simple, easy exercise hike along Roadrunner Trail Loop. Nothing of import to report, just had to get out and stretch my legs. No photos for this trip.

NOTES -

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

Water and shade available at campsites along Roadrunner Loop. There are three stations along the trail that provide water, shade, info kiosk and toilets.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook - Short Lazy 8 Route
By MikeHikes on 10/2/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.40 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > Lower Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook 3.2 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Ghost Camp Shortcut > Lower Ghost Camp > Upper Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > dirt road parallel to Lower Big Hill > Rocky Creek Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 3.2 miles

Temps started at 58, ended at 80. Sunny with intermittent 0-5mph breeze.

The Monarchs are migrating! The park is on their migration path and as the temperatures warmed up, the Monarchs were very visible as they rested on the pecan trees and fed on the gayfeather flowers that are in bloom. The river still has water in it but the water is no longer flowing into the reservoir. Hopefully, we will get more rain and get the water flowing again.

Near Cougar Overlook on the return leg, I encountered three good sized feral hogs (photo attached). They began to walk toward me on Javelina Trail but when I made a noise they immediately broke contact and went back into the bush.

Not many birds were out but I spotted Curved Billed Thrashers, Scissortails, Cardinals and a few others.

All in all, an easy and very pleasant hike.

NOTES -

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/27/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.30 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.2 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.2 miles

Temps started at 59, ended at 85. Sunny with 0-5mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry or dew dampened trails. A female javelina and two little ones were spotted along Winding Snake Trail, bird activity was all the usual suspects - Mockers, Sparrows, turkey vultures and Loggerhead Shrikes. A single tiny toad was almost stepped on along Horny Toad Trail.

A note to dog owners who bring their dogs to the park - it's great that you pick up your dog's scat so other animals or trail users do not get into it BUT after bagging your pet's scat TAKE THE GREEN PLASTIC BAG CONTAINING YOUR DOG'S SHIT AND PUT IT IN A TRASH CAN - ESPECIALLY IF THE BURKETT PARK TRAILHEAD TRASH CAN IS LESS THAN 50 YARDS FROM WHERE YOU LEFT SAID BAG OF SHIT ON THE WINDING SNAKE TRAIL.

NOTES -

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

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

Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets are available at three locations along Roadrunner Loop. Water and shade available at numerous campsites along the same trail.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/20/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 8.10 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction 4.3 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Flintstone > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (S) > Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.8 miles

Temps started at 74, ended at 86. Overcast for Leg 1, sunny for Leg 2. SSW breeze at 0-5mph.

Easy hike along dry trails. Nothing of note except the large number of toads on the West Potts Creek Trail! I saw about 30-40 of them and have attached a photo to show the size - they are tiny! I assume the recent rains caused the toad eggs to hatch at the same time but it's possible the large group of tiny toads I saw in the same area are siblings. In either case, they need to hop away from the trail or they will be crushed by shoes or tires.

NOTES -

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/16/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.80 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad Trailhead > 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 3.1 miles

Temp started at 68, ended at 86. Sunny and light breeze from SW at 0-5 mph.

Easy hike along dew dampened trails. Not much damage from the rains of a few weeks ago. Bee bush is already blooming and it's vanilla scent was in the air. Saw a few more birds out including a Loggerhead Shrike. At the end of the hike, a pair of roadrunners chattered and made their presence known. One in particular watched me as I hiked (photo attached).

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.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/8/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.60 Miles Duration: 5 hours

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 6.2 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina > connector (NE) > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.4 miles

Temp started at 60, eneded at 82. Clear and sunny with a 0-5mph intermittent NE breeze.

We had some heavy rains last week that have made a mark on the park! O.C. Fisher was at .8% capacity (NOT a typo) and is now at 7.7% capacity almost 10 times the amount of water as before! The North Concho River is still flowing into the lake and the river basin is full of fish including a large amount of gar. Unfortunately, there are some rought spots where flood debris has made a mess of the trails but for the most part, the trails although muddy, are passable and in fairly good shape. Because the rain waters followed the trails, the trails have been eroded somewhat. Caution is advised if hiking!

NOTES -

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

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

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

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

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook to 5 Points Junction and Back
By MikeHikes on 8/30/2024
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.90 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead > service road to Cougar Overlook > Cougar Overlook 3.2 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 1.3 miles

Leg 3 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > service road to Armadillo Pavillion (NE) > Potts CReek (NE) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.4 miles

Temp started at 77, ended at 91. Sunny, slightly humid with a light 5-10mph SW breeze.

All trails were dry with a few patches of mud from a brief downpour received two days earlier. Deer, a fox, a couple of roadrunners and a tortoise (photo attached) were spotted today. I also saw a few Queen butterflies and the purple thistle is coming out in places - Fall is approaching although the current temperatures are not indicative of it.

Not many birds were out today but the park is having a spurt of "green" becauise of the recent rains. More rain is predicted and that is always a good thing in West Texas.

NOTES -

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

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

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

Only showing last 10 log entries. View All Log Entries