Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Lower Big Hill > service road (S then NW) > Badlands > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 5.8 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > North Scenic Loop > service road (ENE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.3 miles
Temps 70 to start and 87 at end, sunny, no clouds with steady South wind.
A good hike that would have been better if the trails had been groomed. The vegetation is covering major portions of Dinosaur Trail resulting in a slower pace as I had to constantly be aware of where the trail was and watch for snakes. The vegetation is so dense on Lower Big Hill Trail I recommend you stay off unless you are familiar with the trail and have to use it - use Upper Big Hill instead.
Saw two snakes today - one about 8-10 inches long, very thin and dark grey/black in color. The second was a 2-3 foot water snake in a pond - unknown what type.
The sun was shining, there was a steady breeze to keep pesty bugs off, the wildflowers were blooming, bugs pollinating and bird singing with quite a few lizards sunning - it was a very good hike!
NOTES
Water and shade available at Bell's Trailhead - water in the campground/picnic areas.
Shade and info kiosk available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area - NO WATER AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
Shade, info kiosk and a Bicycle Repair Station (!) available at Cougar Lookout. The repair station is legit and contains attached tools and an air pump.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Ghost Camp. CAUTION WHEN USING THE TOILETS DUE TO INSECTS/SNAKES.
