North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Loop

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Lower Big Hill Trail > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > service road (W) > Badlands > River Bend Trail > service road (NNE) > Cougar Overlook     6.6 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javelina Trail > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp Trail (N) > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead      3.5 miles

Temp started at 59, ended at 65. VERY STRONG AND STEADY SW wind 15-25mph with STRONGER Gusts. Sunny, a few wispy clouds.

A windy but enjoyable hike today.  I saw a large number of deer as I drove in and when I started to hike, I saw this Great Horned Owl (photo attached).  He watched me momentarily and decided to go back to sleep.  The sunlight and where he perched made excellent camouflage.

There were a few more deer spotted but that was it.  The winds were extremely strong and constant, dust flew through the air as well.

One surprise was seeing two agarita bushes in full bloom!  The yellow flowers may have had a scent but the wind kept me from smelling it.  Veru unusual that there were only two but they were all I saw today.

NOTES -

Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Bell's Trailhead.  Water and shade available in the nearby campground.

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

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Campground.