Trails Information - North Unit
Choose your trail adventure!
- Horned Lizard
Whether you’re a mountain biker, equestrian, hiker or trail runner, San Angelo State Park has something for you. Our well-maintained trails offer scenic vistas and the opportunity to glimpse a portion of the official Texas State Longhorn Herd and American bison by guided tour. You’ll discover restored grasslands, interesting rock formations, hardwood river bottoms and amazing wildlife. So hit the trail!
Trails
All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. Hikers must yield to horseback riders; bike riders must yield to everyone.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailhead to Trailhead Route | 5.3 mi. (one-way) |
Easy | This user-friendly old road is an easy way to traverse the park if you want to bypass the other trails. |
| Shady Trail | 0.5 mi. (one-way) |
Easy | Perfect on a hot day, this trail meanders through pecan hardwood river bottoms. |
| Dinosaur Trail System | 2.2 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | This series of trails is split for equestrians and mountain bikers, with hikers allowed on both. It leads you to the fossilized creature tracks from the Permian Period, made 90 million years before the dinosaurs. Good for intermediate mountain bikers. |
| River Bend Trail System | 2.9 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | Split for equestrians and mountain bikers, with hikers allowed on both trails. Test your endurance on the longest trail system in the park. It includes varied terrain. |
| Flintstone Trail System | 1.9 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | This trail cruises along, stopping at both Five Points and Cougar Lookout for some nice rest areas and views. |
| North Scenic Loop | 0.4 mi. (one-way) |
Easy | Short and easy, this trail winds through shady trees and approaches the river for a beautiful view. |
| North and South Slick Rock Trails | 0.5 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate to Challenging | Hike or ride through some interesting rock formations in an area that a park volunteer, John Talley, believes looks like Moab, Utah. There’s a little bit of everything in this wonderful state park! |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burkett Trailhead | 31.4807° | -100.5244° | View of Burkett Trailhead | Pass north through the masonry gate to access the park's most popular trail area. |
| Bell's Point | 31.4872° | -100.5412° | View of Bell's Point | A view above Turkey Creek named in honor of Mr. Bell, a friend of San Angelo State Park. |
| Five Points | 31.4920° | -100.5439° | View from Five Points | Choose your own trail adventure at this major intersection where five trails merge. |
| Cougar Overlook | 31.5054° | -100.5372° | View from Cougar Overlook | Pause here for scenic views of the North Concho River. |
| Permian Tracks | 31.5309° | -100.5604° | View of the Permian Tracks | Contemplate the distant past and immense creatures that once roamed here at these fossilized Permian Period tracks. |
| Bell's Trailhead | 31.5290° | -100.5449° | View of Bell's Trailhead | This trailhead in the North Unit of the park provides access to many different trails. |
| River Bend Gate | 31.5148° | -100.5569° | View of River Bend Gate | Get the gate combo from park staff to access the River Bend Camping Area and trails to the north and south. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring a quart of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. If possible, avoid exploring alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Wear a helmet when mountain biking. Check with park HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on the trails.
- Hunters may be active during hunting season. Check with HQ for more information.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick and more likely to harm people.
- Take only memories and pictures. Please don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts.
- Watch for grazing longhorns. Give them plenty of space and do not approach these animals.
