North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back

Leg 1-  Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur (S) > Lower Big Hill > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Slick Rock > River Bend Campground > Upper Ghost Camp > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook      5.0 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > service road (W) > River Bend Trail (N) > Badlands > Service road (NE) > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead     4.2 miles

Temps started 59, ended at 85.  Sunny with steady 5-10mph SSW Breeze.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see trails.  It has been a few months since I hiked the North Shore due to the July 4th flood.  Trails are still closed (Shady Trail, North Scenic Loop and Lower Ghost Camp trails).  The rest of the trails are still there and hike-able.

Monarch Butterflies are beginning to migrate South for the winter.  I saw numerous single fliers as well as a few bunches mostly hanging around the pecan trees.

Biggest surprise was seeing a small herd of Axis Deer (photo attached) fairly close to the park entrance.  I've occasionally observed their ancestors for a few years when I would see them while hiking Shady Trail.  I was told the Axis Deer had escaped from a hunting ranch that is across the road from the park.

NOTES -

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

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

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.