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San Angelo State Park

Type: Trail

Length: 50.00 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(4.21)529

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.92)

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

This is the view from the River Bend Campground looking at a portion of the North Concho River. A few weeks ago, this was completely dry but last weeks rain shower helped quite a bit. Still need FEET of rain to eradicate the drought. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Been a few years since I last saw a porcupine at the park and this one seemed very mobile. I watched him go from one side of the watering hole to the other before he disappeared in the woods. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This guy was between 5-6 inches long and slithered rather quickly off the trail as I photographed him. (Photo by MikeHikes)

No good photos of today's hike except right at the beginning when the Sun rose. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Otherwise known as a Horny Toad. Was sitting along the side of the Horny Toad trail near the beginning of the hike. I haven't seen as many of these guys as in the past and attribute it to the drought and heat. (Photo by MikeHikes)

More of the prickly pear tunas have ripened or soon will. This grasshopper found one and is enjoying the fruit inside. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Even though drought and high temperatures prevail, the deer continue to have fawns. This is one of four I saw today as I came into the park. All four looked healthy as did their mothers. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This is the August "Blue Moon" or so I am told. (Photo by MikeHikes)

There was an adult also swimming in the area but this juvenile moved closer and the mother stayed away. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The prickly pear tunas and a few wildflowers provide some color in contrast to the browns and greens of the vegetation. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The beginning of another day in San Angelo! (Photo by MikeHikes)

The sunflowers are scattered at various places in the park. The bugs certainly enjoy visiting them. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Only showing last 12 photos. View All Photos

Log Entries

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Big Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/20/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.50 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 Trail > service road (ENE) > Cougar Overlook 6.3 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp Trail (N) > South Slick Rock > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.2 miles

Temps stared at 72, ended at 92. Sunny with steady 10-15mph SSW breeze.

Easy hike along dry to muddy in spots trails that were relatively easy to traverse. Vegetation has grown and in a few places, the vegetation is fairly high.

There were rains last week and it shows (photo attached)! The North Concho River has more water in it but it is NOT flowing so there are still dry patches between watering holes. The water near Shady Trail is definitely up from a few weeks ago and I watched a beaver glide along as well as numerous large fish and turtles. Other areas along the trails that had been dry now have watering holes and ponds. Unfortunately, they will probably dry up sooner than later as there is no rain predicted for the near future. Of note was the appearane of a VERY large feral hog soon after I started hiking on Dinosaur Trail. He saw me at a distance and took off running across the open field so although there was no danger to me, it was disheartening to see the hog in the first place.

NOTES -

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

Water, shade and an 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 are available at the River Bend Campground.

South Shore - Burkett Park to Armadillo Ridge and Isabel Harte Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/11/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.30 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > service road (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.9 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake> Isabel Harte park road (W) > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.4 miles

Temp started at 67, lightrain to downpour before lifitng, cloudy and temp rose to 80 at end.

A rain shorted hike along muddy then drier trails. At first, it was a sporadic, light drizzle but then on Armadillo Ridge, the rain became a steady downpour so I had to return to Burkett Park. Once I arrived at the park, the rains had stopped but the clouds remained. I decided to continue South and when I arrived at the Isabel Harte area, the clouds looked threatening again so I headed back to Burkett. Made it back safely and as I was driving out of the park, saw a small group of turkeys and a pair of Roadrunners. At the park exit, I spotted another Roadrunner! No photos taken on the hike.

NOTES -

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

North Shore - Short Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/4/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.10 Miles Duration: 3 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 4.5 miles

Leg 2 - service road (NE) > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp (N) > South Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 2.6 miles

Temp started at 77, ended at 95. Sunny with steady 5-10mph SSW breeze.

Trails were dry, easy to see and traverse but there were a few areas on Dinosaur Trail that could use some grooming due to high vegetation.

I stopped at Shady Trail's watering hole before hiking and saw a porcupine (photo attached), a raccoon and a beaver. Also saw a gar which was the first time I saw one in this area. Rain has not fallen in a long time and I hope we get some to replenish the watering hole otherwise there will be a serious dying off of fish and turtles.

A few of the cattle tanks and horse troughs are still around so when I see one that needs water, I fill it if the water is still on. The drought continues!

NOTES -

Water and shade available at nearby campsites by Bell's Trailhead.

Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Bell's Trailhead.

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Loop + Roadrunner
By MikeHikes on 8/28/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.50 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes

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

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.4 miles

Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.3 miles

Temp started at 76, ended at 94. Sunny with light SE breeze at 1-5mph. Slightly humid.

Trails were slightly damp at first then dry, easy to see and traverse. All trails have been recently groomed. Lots of white tail deer were out with fawns. A few birds were spotted including a Loggerhead Shrike, Kingbirds and various Sparrows. Reptiles included a very small ring-collared snake that was maybe 5-6 inches in length (photo attached) as well as numerous lizards. I had the park to myself and only saw a single car parked next to mine. Not much to say other than it was a very relaxing hike.

NOTES -

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

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

Water and shade available at various campsites parallel to Roadrunner Loop and there are three toilet and info kiosk areas along the route.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Point Junction Figure 8 Loop
By MikeHikes on 8/24/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 8.30 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek > Playground Trail > Bells Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 4.5 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (E) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.8 miles

Temp started at 73, ended at 92. Sunny with 0-5mph SW intermittent breeze. Slightly humid.

All trails were damp to dry, easy to see and traverse. Animals spotted were a pair of Jack Rabbits, a lone javelina, and a few deer. Reptiles were a ring-collared snake and a 3-4 foot long coachwhip. Not many birds were seen although I did see a hawk flying around looking for a meal. Nothing unusual or exciting, just a nice hike along very familiar trails.

NOTES -

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

Water, shade and an info kiosk available at Bell's Point. IMPORTANT - the water is available now, a few weeks ago, it wasn't.

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park (Short Loop) + Roadrunner
By MikeHikes on 8/19/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.40 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey> WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.3 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

Temp started at 77, ended at 97. Sunny with fairly steady 5-10mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. Most of the trails have been recently groomed whch made hiking even easier. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to photograph besides the small Horned Lizard (photo attached). No animals were observed and the bird life was extremely scarce as well. The unrelenting heat and drought continues and I'm sure that is the major reason why the park residents are remaining as still as possible. For me, there were a larger than normal amount of other park visitors today (Saturday) but is was relatively nice out when I was there so I understand why it happened.

NOTES -

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

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

Water and shade are available at campsites along Roadrunner Loop and there are three toilet and info kiosks available at various points.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Figure 8 Loop
By MikeHikes on 8/12/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.50 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 - Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Rocky Creek > Lower Big Hill > North Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > lower Ghost Camp (S) > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook 3.5 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > service road (W) > River Bend (N) > Badlands > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead 4.0 miles

Temp started at 83, ended at 96. Sunny, slightly humid with 10-20mph southerly wind.

Easy hike along dry trails. Not much animal activity although I saw a beaver at Shady Trail and a little later, saw three multi-point bucks on the opposite side of the river and quite far away. A few birds were spotted as well. More and more of the prickly pear tunas have turned red and some of the ripe fruit has fallen to the ground (photo attached).

Nothing else of interest happened.

NOTES -

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

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

Info kiosk, shade and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction and Beyond Loop
By MikeHikes on 8/7/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 8.10 Miles Duration: 4 hours

Leg 1 - Burkett park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge > Playground By-Pass > service road to FM2288 > Turkey Creek (N) > 5 Points Junction 4.5 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > River Bend (N) > Trailhead to Trailhead trail (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles

Temp started at 82, ended at 96. Sunny with a sporadic then steady, 10mph Southerly breeze.

Easy hike along trails that were dry, easy to see and traverse. Due to the on-going drought and the higher than normal heat, some of the mostly rocky trails have loose soil so caution is advised when you traverse them. Wildlife was only spotted when I entered the park - three does and four fawns (photo attached) and a little later, a pair of Jack Rabbits. Otherwise, the birds and even lizards were scarce - the drought and high temperatures have done a real number on the park inhabitants. Regardless of that, walking the trails was peaceful and made the trip to the park worthwhile.

NOTES -

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 8/3/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.40 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 3.4 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lankey Lackey > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.8 miles

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

Temps started at 80, ended at 95. Sunny with light SW breeze.

A nice hike along recently groomed trails that were dry, easy to see and traverse. There wasn't much to see besides the "Blue Moon" setting (photo attached). Not many birds were out but I saw a female javelina and two smaller "reds" that were the size of a large football. All three of them took off like a shot once they knew I was on the trail. Otherwise, it was a nice leisurely hike.

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.

Water and shade are available at campsites along the Roadrunner Loop. At three separate locations along the trail there are toilets and info kiosks.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Ghost Camp Loop
By MikeHikes on 7/28/2023
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.60 Miles Duration: 4 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 > Lower Ghost Camp > UpperGhost Camp > River Bend Campground 5.9 miles

Leg 2 - River Bend Campground > Upper Ghost Camp (N) > North Slick Rock > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 1.7 miles

Temps started at 74, ended at 94. Sunny with 1-5mph SW breeze.

All trails looked pretty good although there were a few places that could use a trim . I saw a mature and a juvenile beaver swimming at the watering hole by Shady Trail (photo attached). Unfortunately, they didn't swim close to one another so I could not get a good shot to show how different in size they were.

All else the same.

NOTES -

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

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

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

Only showing last 10 log entries. View All Log Entries