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

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Dinosaur Tracks Viewing Area > Dinosaur Trail (S) > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > service road (NE) > Cougar Overlook     6.0 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javalina > Ghost Camp > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp (N) > South Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead   3.3 miles

Temps started at 64, ended at 76.  Overcast with a 0-5mph SW breeze.  Humid.

Easy hike along dry or damp or muddy trails.  Recent rains have helped produce an abundance of wildflowers throughout the park!  The mesquite trees are full of lime green leaves and are producing golden fronds.  Bee Bush is also blooming and perfume the air with their fragrance.

Today I saw the first Horned Lizard, i.e., "Horned Toad" of the year as well as the first sighting of a pair of Lark Buntings (photo attached).  Numerous lizards were out as was a single fairly large feral hog that I inadvertently spooked while hiking.  Fortunately, he ran away from me rather than toward me.

NOTES  -

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

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

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

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