Fitness Hike - Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 10/25/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 3.20 Miles
Duration: N/A
Route - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Working with a friend to help get him back into hiking.
Roadrunner Loop was created for runners and hikers only - no mountain bikes or equestrians are allowed. The trail is in an irregular oval shape, is mostly dirt and level - very easy to traverse.
It parallels the RV and tent camping areas. There are some mesquite trees along the trail but for a good portion, the trail is in the open and there is no shade which in the Summer, can be brutal.
Numerous park birds can be seen as can deer, turkeys and javalinas.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water and toilets are available at the mid-way point by the camping area.
Water and shade is available at numerous campsites on the opposite side of the road parallelling the trail.
Park Mid-Section Burkett park to 5 Points Junction Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 10/20/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 8.20 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (ENE) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 4.6 miles
Return 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (ENE) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Temps start at 69, rain and wind then changed to partly cloudy and warmer ending temp at 80.
Had some rain at the beginning of the hike but not enough to do much as far as making the trails muddy. The trails are in pretty good shape and show some recent grooming by park personnel. Although I was the only person on the trails today, not many birds were out until I reached 5 Points Junction, then they re-appeared. I saw all the usual suspects as well as a couple of Orange Crowned Warblers, which are winter visitors here, and a pretty large Great Horned Owl which flew by.
Not much happened otherwise but it was still a good hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 10/14/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Out Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (E) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 6.8 miles
Return Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temp started at 72 ended at 85, some clouds then sunny, steady breeze, humid.
The trails are well maintained with the exception of Red Dam Loop. I would advise anyone who is not familiar with it, to avoid it until it can be groomed.
Not many birds out at first although they did make an appearance later in the hike. No animals or reptiles were seen. Quite a few Monarch Butterflies were out stopping to eat the blooming Bee Brush.
Quite a few hikers and mountain bikers were out as well. My allergies kicked in once again so although I enjoyed the hike, I'll be glad when the seasons make a change!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 10/6/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.70 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur > Lower Big Hill > service road > Scenic Loop > service road > Badlands > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 6.3 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > River Bend (N) >service road (ENE) > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp > South SLick Rock > service road (NW) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.4 miles
Temps start at 72 end at 88, humid and cloudy then sunny, steady breeze.
Been awhile since I hiked the North Shore trails! The trails have been groomed and are easy to traverse. There were quite a few doves, mockingbirds and scissortail flycatchers out as well as butterflies and a whole lot of GRASSHOPPERS!
There really wasn't much going on today, just a very slow hike with my allergies showing up in full force.
On a negative note - I was recently at Glacier National Park and hiked a few trails over a three day period. In three days, I only found one small scrap of paper on the trails. Today, as I hiked, I picked up a Walmart bag full of trash - broken glass, old cans, plastic water bottles, GU packets and plastic bag remnants. I know there were a lot more folks from all over the world who visited Glacier and were respectful enough to not trash up the park. I'm positive the trash I picked up today is from the "locals" who use the park and think nothing of tossing their garbage along the trails their using. Just doesn't make sense to me. Off my soapbox.
NOTES
ALWAYS check with park personnel either by calling or checking their fakebook page before planning to hike - hunting season is coming up and the park is closed to hikers/bikers on certain days.
Water is available in the campground/picnic area by Bell's Trailhead.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Ghost Camp. USE CAUTION IF USING THE TOILETS - snakes and bugs.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 9/23/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park 3.7 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Lanky Lackey (10 yds) > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Temps start at 75 end at 90, sunny with some clouds, steady South breeze.
Quite a few people out today enjoying the park. The trails have been groomed fairly recently and with the vegetation dying out somewhat, the trails are easy to see as well as easy to traverse. Quite a few birds out at the beginning of my hike but as time progressed, there were fewer flying or singing. Near the end of the hike I photographed a wasp riding a grasshopper. Don't know if it was successful in stinging the grasshopper as they disappeared into some grasses and I didn't want to disturb them. Photo attached.
Interesting event as I was driving into the park, a large Grey Fox crossed the road in front of me at a run - he was carrying a mouse or some other small mammal in his mouth. Of course by the time I stopped the car and grabbed my camera, he was already hidden in the scrub. I've seen quite a few foxes this year at the park and take it as a sign their population is growing.
All else about the same at the park.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett park to 5 Points Junction Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 9/2/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 8.20 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Out Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster> West Potts Creek > Armadillo (NW) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 4.5 miles
Return 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (E) > East Potts Creek > Burkett trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Temps start at 70 end at 85, slight then steady breeze, sunny, no clouds.
Labor Day weekend brought out a number of people to the park today. Everyone was polite and cheerful so all was well! Trails have been groomed in the recent past and were dry and easy to see.
Not much wildlife or birds out although I saw two white tail bucks at the start of the hike. A negative was the discovery of a dead adult racoon in the open area of 5 Points Junction. I didn't see any indication of a violent death so wonder if it died from old age or disease. I left it where it was and told park personnel as I was leaving the park in case they wanted to investigate.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and shade 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
User:
MikeHikes - 8/29/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.60 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.2 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky lackey > Nature Loop > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.7 miles
Temps in the low 80's, sunny with a few clouds, steady light northerly breeze.
Been awhile since I hiked! Trails are dry and easy to traverse. Quite a few birds out - the park is beginning to see some of the winter migrating birds come through. Nothing unusual to report so will make this very brief.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 8/6/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chapparal > Playground parking area 2.8 miles
Temps start at 78, end at 96. Sunny, a few wispy clouds, fairly steady West breeze.
Unusual number of people in the park today and on the trails; all mountain bikers except one equestrian. Trails are for the most part, groomed and easy to traverse. The major exception is on the northern portion of Tasajilla Flats where the grass has grown quite a bit.
No animals seen, even the birds were hunkered down. I did see a few lizards and one horned toad.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 7/30/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.30 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Out Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur tracks viewing area > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill > Dinosaur Trail > service road (WNW) 50m > Badlands > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 5.8 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > service road (ENE) 50m > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > North Scenic Loop > service road (ENE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.5 miles
Temps in the mid 70's at start and mid 90's at end, sunny with a few clouds, slight breeze.
Trails are dry and easy to traverse. Most are clear of vegetation but there are patches that need to be cleaned up. Not as many birds out today and I only saw a few lizards and one fawn. Don't know the reason for that. Very peaceful and very enjoyable hike but there just wasn't much going on so I'll close this report.
NOTES
Water and shade available at the campgrounds near Bell's Trailhead.
Shade and info kiosk available at Dinosaur tracks viewing area. NO WATER AT THIS TIME!!!!
Shade,info kiosk and bicycle repair station available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Ghost Camp. CAUTION is advised if you use the dry toilets (snakes and insects).
Park Mid-section Burkett Park to Cougar Lookout Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 7/16/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.70 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Out Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 yds) > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (ENE) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (NE) > Cougar Lookout 6.0 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > service road (WSW) > River Bend (SW) > 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (ENE) > East Potts Creek > Burkett trail > Burkett park 4.7 miles
Temps - 82 at start and 100 at end, sunny with intermittent light winds.
First hike in the park's mid-section since the severe wind storm of a month ago. Nothing on the trails now but easy to see where branches had fallen and were moved off. Trails are dry and easy to traverse. The North Concho River seen from Cougar Lookout still has water but the rocks in the river are easier to see which means the water level has dropped - not a good thing.
Saw two fawns at the start of the hike but no other animals; not many birds out either. Saw a few mountain bikers but that was it.
Not too long ago I found my first tick on my sock. Today I found my first tick stuck to my leg. I scrapped her off (checked and it was a female Lone Star tick), saw she still had her head so I terminated her. Squeezed blood out of the bite wound and cleaned it best I could. Will keep an eye on the wound but I'm not too concerned about infections right now. In all my years of hiking, I've been lucky in never having a tick bite but this year, my string of good luck regarding ticks has been broken.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets at Burkett park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
Water, shade and info kiosk at 5 Points Junction.
Shade, info kiosk and bicycle repair station available at Cougar Lookout.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett park
User:
MikeHikes - 7/9/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.90 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Return Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temps in the low 70's to start and low 80's at end, sunny, slight, steady breeze.
The park had been closed due to a severe wind storm that hit the park on June 23rd. Park personnel have cleared the trails so they are passable but there are still some mesquite debris, i.e., sticks with thorns, on the trails. Mountain bikers need to be aware of this.
Due to the storm and the rain, some of the loose soil has washed off exposing more rocks on the sloped portion of the trails and a little more soil now covers the rocks at the bottom of the trails. Overall the trails are easy to traverse.
I see the same birds and a few animals but no snakes or lizards.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett Park and Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 6/12/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.00 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.4 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 yds) > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky Lackey > Nature Loop > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Temps start at 75 end at 93, sunny with a few clouds, steady light Southerly breeze.
An earlier than usual hike this morning. Trails were dry and for the most part, easy to traverse. Red Dam Loop and parts of Winding Snake need grooming but were easy to hike on. Just be on the look out for snakes!
Numerous birds were seen. A few such as the Painted Bunting and Vermilion Flycatcher were, a few short years ago, rarely seen. Now, it's unusual if I don't see a few on my hikes. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is another bird I'm seeing more of as well.
While on Tasajilla Flats, I saw a grey fox but he saw me first so I only got a few photos as he took off (photo attached).
Cottontail rabbits, white tail deer and a few lizards were spotted as well. No snakes seen but I know they're out there.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and shade available at the campsites alongside Roadrunner Loop.
Toilets available at the half way point of Roadrunner Loop.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Outlook and Return
User:
MikeHikes - 6/8/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Out Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Outlook 5.7 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (NE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.5 miles
Temps in the low 70's to start and mid 80's at end. Very high, hazy clouds and a slight Southerly breeze.
Trails are dry, easy to see and traverse. At some point, park personnel had cut back the vast majority of the vegetation from the trails. The lack of rain and the heat is keeping new growth at bay.
Quite a few birds out - Painted Buntings, some kind of hawk and a Yellow Billed Cuckoo were spotted as well as all the usual suspects. Saw my first Horned Toad of the year (photo attached). What surprised me was he didn't move as I approached, I stepped over him before he moved off the trail to some nearby greenery.
Took my shoes off to clear out some of the arrowhead weeds and a tick crawled off my sock; easy to spot and remove. In all my time hiking the park, this is the first time I'd seen one and I hope it's the last. I know a person who had a very severe reaction to Lyme Disease and I want no part of that!
I was the only person on the trails, enjoying the sounds of the wind and the birds as I hiked; it was a very pleasant.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk are available at Bell's Trailhead - water is at the campsites
Shade and info kiosk available at the Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area on Dinosaur Trail. Water is available for horses but NO WATER FOR HUMANS.
Shade, info kiosk and bicycle repair station available at Cougar Outlook.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Ghost Camp.
USE CAUTION due to insects and snakes in the toilet area.
THIS IS THE ONLY POTABLE WATER LOCATION on this hike.
Park Mid-Section Burkett park to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 6/3/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Burkett park> Winding Snake (20 yds) > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground (NW) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction 4.5 miles
Leg 2 - 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (NE) > Cougar Lookout > service road (WNW) > River Bend (S) > 5 Points Junction 2.6 miles
Leg 3 - 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (ENE)> East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.4 miles
Temps in the 70's, humid, overcast and a light, steady Easterly breeze.
Leisurely hike today. There were lots of birds out especially the Painted Buntings - I saw five different ones at various locations; to me, this was a large number! Cottontail rabbits, deer and a solitary javalina were also spotted.
All in all, the trails were, for the most part, clear of vegetation with the exception of Playground Trail which had some sections in need of grooming.
All the trails were visible but the overhanging vegetation is a safety concern due to the danger of stepping on a rattlesnake. I saw a 2-3 foot non-rattlesnake stretched on a trail but was able to get it to move without incident.
As always, it was enjoyable and I can't wait for the next hike!
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 5/28/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.1 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 feet) > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky lackey (W) > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (E) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 ft) > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky Lackey (S) > Nature Loop > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.7 miles
Temps in the low to mid 80's, partly cloudy and steady Northerly wind.
Memorial day weekend crowds enjoying the park today so there were quite a few people on the trails - everyone pleasant and cheerful so no problems. Lots of birds out at first - saw Painted Buntings, Vermillion Flycatchers, Kingbirds, and all the usual crowd. After noon they all took a siesta. Still no raptors though.
Saw my first "real" snake today - about five feet in front of me getting ready to cross the trail; it was some type of coachwhip and was brownish, very long (guesstimate about four feet long) and thick. As I was raising the camera, it did a 180 and disappeared quickly. Still no rattlers sighted this year but I did talk to an equestrian who told me she saw three rattlers last week when she was riding in the park.
Trails have been worked on and are very easy to traverse, you'll still get some weeds in your shoes but it's not too bad. Bee brush is once again in bloom - 3rd time this year - and scents the air with vanilla perfume!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at the Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground Parking Area to Burkett Park and Roadrunner Loop
User:
MikeHikes - 5/16/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.20 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Winding Snake (20 yards) > Suzanne's Trail (W) > Lanky lackey > Nature Loop > Tasajilla Flats > Playground parking area 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Temp 72 to start, 88 at end. Overcast then sunny, humid and strong WSW wind.
Park personnel have been busy ! Most of the trails have been mowed although Red Dam Loop still needs a trim. The trails are much easier to traverse. While you still have to watch for snakes, now it is easier to do. Speaking of which, a park attendant told me a HUGE rattler had been killed recently - still haven't seen any this year.
I saw a fairly large number of Nighthawks flying around. Lots of other birds including a Vermillion Flycatcher, a Painted Bunting, lots of sparrows, Mockingbirds, et al. For some reason I haven't seen many raptors.
A good hike nonetheless!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and toilets available at the mid-way point of Roadrunner Loop.
Water and shade available at numerous campsites running alongside Roadrunner Loop.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 5/7/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
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.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 4/26/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.10 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Chaparral > Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lankey Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.2 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.7 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.2 miles
Temp in the low 70's, sunny, STRONG northerly winds.
Good hike today with quite a few animals spotted - javalina, cottontail rabbit, Jack Rabbit, white tail deer, and a Mexican ground squirrel. The winds were VERY strong and kept a lot of the birds out of the air - when I saw birds, they never flew more than a few feet away.
Trails were dry, some had been groomed but a lot of them have become covered with vegetation; especially some type of knee high, or taller, weeds with a very sharp, pointed head that has a tendency to jab you when you walk through a patch. The Talley Valley trail is in need of some repairs due to erosion as well as the vegetation so caution is advised if you hike it.
Bee brush is once again blooming and scent the air. I was surprised at the relatively low number of cactus flowers in bloom. The ones in bloom have numerous bees and other insects acting as pollinators.
The Boy Scout bridge on Burkett Trail has signs posted advising caution due to bee activity - first time I've seen this type of sign. I didn't notice any bees but the wind may have kept them at bay.
All in all, a good hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett Park Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 4/15/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.90 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 3.0 miles
Leg 2 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temps 70 to start, 76 at end. Overcast, humid and steady South wind.
Lots of people in the park today - RV's in almost all the spots, kids on bikes, runners, hikers and bikers on the trails. Trails dry and easy to hike but vegetation covers them in spots. Saw my first cactus flower, as well as my first lizard, of the year on this hike.
Did the hike in sandals (Teva Hurricane XLT) and had no problems. The vast majority of the trails are rocky so I usually get about 400-500 miles out of a pair of sandals before the rocks feel like they are coming through the soles and the sandals are replaced. Surprisingly, I rarely have any problems with thorns, stickers or rocks while hiking. I like how my feet stay cool but acknowledge they get DIRTY!!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water and shade available at many campsites alongside the Roadrunner Loop. Toilets available at the mid-way point.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett park to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 4/7/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.80 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 25 minutes
Out Burkett park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (E) > Playground > Bell's Point > Playground > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Lookout 6.0 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > service road (WNW) > River Bend (S) > 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (E) > East Potts Creek > Burkett trail > Burkett park 4.8 miles
Temps 55 to start and 70 at end, sunny with wispy clouds and strong SW winds.
A windy hike today! Trails are dry and easy to traverse, some vegetation has encroached on the trails but they are still easy to see. Watch for snakes!
Saw a Grey Fox on Flintstone trail but no photo. LOTS of wildflowers have bloomed and the Bee Brush continues to put forth lots of small white flowers which perfumed the air with the scent of vanilla.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
South Shore Roadrunner Loop Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/6/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 1.60 Miles
Duration: 45 minutes
Route Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area 1.6 miles
Temp in low 70's, sunny and light breeze.
Fitness hike on a portion of the Loop. Saw a Vermillion Flycatcher, White Crowned Sparrows, Curved Bill Thrashers, Mockingbirds. No animal activity. The trail is mostly hard packed dirt with rocks. Portions are overgrown with grass and wild flowers but the trail is easy to find and traverse.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground Parking Area.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Lookout
User:
MikeHikes - 3/31/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 9.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours
Out Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Lookout 5.8 miles
Return Cougar Lookout > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (NW) > Scenic Loop > service road (WNW) > Rocky Creek > service road (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.7 miles
Temps started at 75 ended at 91, sunny, breezy.
Dinosaur Trail and portions of Badlands Trail need to be groomed - the grass and flowers are covering portions of the trails. While that might not sound like much, the wildflowers attract bees. I was not stung but there were LOTS of bees buzzing around for quite awhile as I walked Dinosaur Trail. Additionally, rattlesnakes have been sighted - I have NOT seen one this year.
The hike itself was a good one - I saw lots of lots of yellow flowers and numerous butterflies as well as a Hummingbird Moth (photo attached). I was surprised when I saw numerous, but not all, Lace cactus blooming.
There were few birds out for some reason although I saw no raptors overhead - the wind was blowing pretty strong so maybe that's the reason.
Although this hike was uneventful, it was pleasant nonetheless.
NOTES
Water available at Bell's Trailhead - look in the campsites for a faucet. THERE IS NO WATER UNTIL YOU GET TO THE RIVER BEND GHOST CAMP ON THE RETURN LEG.
Info kiosk and shade available at the Dinosaur Tracks viewing area. NO WATER AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
Info kiosk and shade available at Cougar Lookout.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Ghost Camp. USE CAUTION AT THE TOILETS DUE TO INSECTS.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge Figure 8
User:
MikeHikes - 3/24/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 10.50 Miles
Duration: 4 hours, 5 minutes
Leg 1 - Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 2 - Burkett park > Burkett > East Potts Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.6 miles
Leg 3 - Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.3 miles
Temps start at 60's end in mid-70's, sunny, steady breeze with STRONG gusts.
Dry trails, easy to traverse. Some portions of Tasajilla Flats have been groomed recently. The grass continues to grow covering last year's controlled burns and the Bee Brush is finally producing small white flowers and vanilla scent. The agarita bushes, although a health green, have already lost their blooms so there is no smell from them.
Saw lots of birds including a Vermillion Flycatcher (photo attached) - the first one this year. I also saw a coyote laying on West Potts Creek trail but when he saw me raise my camera, he was off and running. A little while later on Winding Snake Trail near Burkett park, I saw a grey fox but when I saw him, he saw me at the same time and bolted into the brush. Oh well, no photos were taken but seeing them both on the same hike was nice!
Was told the rattlers are out but I didn't see any. Still, I recommend you always watch where you step as you enjoy the trails.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
North Shore West Annex
User:
MikeHikes - 3/16/2017
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.40 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Temps in the low 70's, sunny and strong breeze.
This section of the park is infrequently used by hikers and there isn't a "trail" listed on the park maps. The trail I took consist of an old dirt road and numerous cow paths running alongside, and to, the North Concho River.
If you choose to go, go to the North Entrance and park your vehicle at the restroom parking area by the entrance. On foot, leave the park and cross FM2288. You'll see an area where local youths (I assume) park and drink beer. At the fence there is a swing gate you'll go through and at that point, you are in the park again. The old dirt road is visible directly ahead and runs parallel to the North Concho River on your left.
You're able to hike in this area along cow paths and the dirt road for approx 3 miles until you come to the park boundary which is marked by a barb wire fence and a few signs. At that point, you will turn around and return along the same route or you can blaze a new one back to the starting point.
This area is used primarily by hunters so make sure you check in with park personnel to ensure there are no hunts scheduled. This area has the potential to either by very good or very blase. The river is a water source for many animals and birds as well as the longhorns. There are numerous trees in the area so the chance to see birds here that are not in other areas of the park are good IF you're lucky.
Be advised there are no facilities along the trail so bring your own water and food. The longhorns are numerous so give them a wide berth. In addition, on the South side of the river, some of the area is private property - respect the landowner's rights and don't trespass. I suggest you stay on the north side of the river.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at the North Shore entrance restrooms - where you should park.
STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to talk to park personnel before entering the area due to scheduled hunts.
If you have the time, do a recon using Google Earth to see what the area looks like.