North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Outlook and return

Out        Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Service Road > Scenic Loop > South Slick Rock Trail > Service Road > Cougar Outlook      3.2 miles
Return  Cougar Outlook > Service Road > River Bend Trail > Badlands Trail > Big Hill Road > Rocky Creek Trail > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead    4.2 miles  

This hike wanders through the North Shore portion of the park. The service roads used as a trail, or as a connector to a trail, are hard packed dirt and easy to traverse.  There are only a few areas of difficulty and those are at the Big Hill Road on the return portion and a small piece of the South Slick Rock trail on the outbound portion.  Otherwise, an easy hike!

At the time of the hike, some prickly pear cactus have blooms but the vast majority of cactus do not yet have their flowers.  Birds are active, many lizards were spotted and other flowers are blooming.

NOTE -

An info kiosk, shaded tables, dry toilet and water are available at the Upper Ghost Camp (River Bend campground).  The turn around point (Cougar Outlook) has an info kiosk and a shaded pavillion but no water - plan accordingly.