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San Angelo State Park

Type: Trail

Length: 50.00 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(4.17)614

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.88)

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

One of the numerous deer spotted today. Not a buck but a vigilant observer nonetheless. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The vast majority of his fellow Monarchs have already departed. Don't know why this one is still traveling but I wish him a safe journey to his wintering areas in Mexico. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The Moon looked larger as it set by the houses along the park's western perimeter. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This white tail was nonchalantly looking the other way until he suddenly saw me and sprinted away. A fast runner! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This Axis Deer buck has a few of his family in the photo, another six members are out of range. I imagine he is fair game during the sanctioned deer hunts - I wish him well! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This bird was cheerfully singing in the early morning sun. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The butterfly is finding one of the remaining flowers still loaded with pollen. Some other flowers are beginning to bloom while most have faded. (Photo by MikeHikes)

No apprehension or fear from him as I hiked and snapped a few photos. Seeing more Road runners out this year than last. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Of the three javelinas traveling together, this one was very watchful and alert. Notice the bristles standing up but there was no negative interaction. I snapped a few shots and was on my way.. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I see quite a few adult quail when they fly away from me while I'm hiking so seeing the young ones was unusual. Unfortunately, it was still fairly dark when the photo was snapped and I only captured three of the six I saw. (Photo by MikeHikes)

These clouds continued to build up but no rain while at the park.. Almost 45 minutes after I arrived home, it rained heavily for about thirty minutes. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Nothing like starting your hike with a glorious sunrise! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Only showing last 12 photos. View All Photos

Log Entries

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop
By MikeHikes on 12/11/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.00 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 points junction > River Bend > park service road (W) > park service road (N) > Cougar Overlook 5.7 miles

Leg 2 - Cougar Overlook > park service road (SW) > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.3 miles

Temps started at 36, ended at 64. Sunny with a light breeze then steady 10-15mph SW wind.

Easy hike along dry, easy to traverse trails. A few deer were spotted and a few birds but with the cold and increasing wind, no other animals or birds were seen. Nothing much to report except it was a very pleasant hike and no photos taken.

NOTES -

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

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 parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 12/5/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.70 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 45 minutes

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

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles

Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area.

Temsp started at 36, ended at 54. Overcast with 5-10mph WSW breeze.

An easy hike along dry and easy to traverse trails. Cold at first but gradually warmed up. LOTS and LOTS of deer spotted - especially 6 and 8 point bucks. No doubt they sought refuge from the recent hunt of a few days ago. Not many birds spotted although I saw a red tailed hawk at a distance and quite a few quail. Overall it was a good hike to enjoy nature while it was cold outside.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle reapir 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 11/22/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.80 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 45 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 Trail > Horny Toad Trailhead > Playground parking area 3.5 miles

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

Temp started at 46, ended at 64. Sunny with 0-5mph NNE breeze.

Easy hike along damp, slightly muddy trails. Deer hunting is on-going at the North Shore of the park which means 2/3 of the park is closed to hiking/biking.

Not much activity from the park residents for the majority of the hike. There were a lot more people using the park today (Saturday) in part due to a break in the inclement weather we've had as well as the inclement weather we'll soon receive. A couple of mountain bikers were out but there were quite a few hikers and trail runners I shared the trails with today.

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 campsites along the Roadrunner Loop plus there are three places that have water, info kiosk and toilets.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park and back
By MikeHikes on 11/6/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.30 Miles Duration: N/A

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Tally Valley > Horny Toad > 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

Temp started at 46, ended at 74. Sunny with light, intermittant SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry and easy to see trails. Nothing unusual about today's hike. I saw deer and javelinas, birds and a few raptors in the air, few to no insects and no reptiles.

As of this date, the trails North of Burkett Park remained closed due to hunting.

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.

South Shore - Playground Parking Area to Burkett Park Loop + Roarunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 10/22/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.50 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 45 minutes

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

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.7 miles

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

Temp started at 43, ended at 83. Sunny with intermittent SW 0-5mph breeze.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. Due to the temperature, this was my first of the season sweatshirt + shorts + shoes hike. The sweatshirt came off when I reached Burkett Park but had most assuredly needed for Leg 1 of the hike.

The Monarch Butterflies became more numerous but nor in flocks as the hike progressed and the day warmed. Lots of single then small groups of butterflies flew overhead - all heading South. Javelinas as well as white tail deer (photo attached) were seen and numerous birds such as Mockers, Scissortail Flycatchers and a horde of wood peckers were spotted at various times.

All in all a cold start but quickly warmed up 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 availabe at numerous camsites along Roadrunner. Info kiosks, water and toilets are available at three locations along Roadrunner Loop.

North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook and Back
By MikeHikes on 10/16/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.20 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

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.

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Loop + Roadrunner Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/30/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 9.50 Miles Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 3.3 miles

Leg 2 - Burkett Park > WS to LL Connector > Lanky Lackey > Nature Trail > Horny Toad > Talley Valley > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.2 miles

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

Temps started at 60, ended at 83. Sunny with a slight 0-3mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dew dampened to dry trails. There wasn't much going on but it was good to go out and stretch my legs listening to the birds sing (photo attached). Only a few deer were spotted, nothing really to report.

NOTES -

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

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

Water and shade available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop. Three areas have water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available on Roadrunner.

Park Mid-section - Burkett Park to 5 Points Junction Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/23/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.70 Miles Duration: N/A

Leg 1 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Point Junction 3.5 miles

Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Potts Creek (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 4.2 miles

Temp started at 79, ended at 88. Sunny, steady SW breeze at 10-15mph.

An east hike along dry and familiar trails. A few spots have vegetation growing but not enough to completely cover the trails - caution is still advised so you don't step on a park resident. Some of the desiduous trees are beginning to lose their leaves but he predominant mesquites are still very green as are most of the rest of the vegetation. A few flowers are still in bloom (photo attached) and there are still lots of cactus tunas available for consumption.

Monarch butterflies are due to arrive soon on their migration to Mexico. A few birds are beginning to migrate but not in great numebrs yet. LOTS of fawns and younger javelinas and there seem to be more Roadrunners and rabbits out as well.

NOTES -

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

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
By MikeHikes on 9/17/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 10.10 Miles Duration: 5 hours

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

Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Roller Coaster > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park 3.7 miles

Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.8 miles

Temp started at 64, ended at 84. Sunny with a slight 0-5mph SSW breeze.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. The cooler weather brough out a few more birds and I saw this Road runner on Tasajilla Flats at the beginning of the hike (photo attached). Rather regal as he watched me and had no apprehension of me being relatively close to him. Deer as well as javelinas were spotted as was a "first in a few years" sighting of a Verdin. The Verdin was difficult to see but I snapped one photo showing his yellowish-green head and red epaulate - not worth keeping the photo but good enough for an ID. A few mountain bikers and hikers were out as well. Otherwise, it was just a pleasant although fairly long hike.

NOTES -

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

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

South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Big Loop
By MikeHikes on 9/10/2025
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 7.40 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 15 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 4.2 miles

Temp started at 64, ended at 80. Sunny w/steady 10-15mph SW breeze.

Easy hike along dry and familiar trails. Not many deer were out but I saw three javelinas with one being especially watchful and tense (photo attached). Some birds were out including a LOggerhead Shrike. A few bee bushes are blooming again which is always pleasant. Purple Thistle and patches of sunflowers were also visible. It was simply a good 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.

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