Trails Information - South Unit
Choose your trail adventure at San Angelo State Park.
- Javelina
Whether you’re a mountain biker, equestrian, hiker or trail runner, San Angelo State Park has something for you. Our trails offer scenic vistas and the opportunity to see the gateway to West Texas landscapes. You’ll discover restored grasslands, interesting rock formations, hardwood river bottoms and amazing wildlife. So hit the trail!
We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; email us to reserve the chair for your visit.
Trails
All trails hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. On multiuse trails, bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to horseback riders.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadrunner Loop | 3.0 mi. (round trip) |
Easy | This easy loop is near the campground and passes by the birdwatching blind and bison and longhorn viewing area. Hiking only. |
| Red Dam Loop | 0.8 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | This trail takes you through old lake bottom to the top of an old earthen dam. Look out on either side for views of O.C. Fisher Lake and where the rolling plains have taken over. |
| Talley Valley Trail | 0.6 mi. (one-way) | Moderate | This is a popular trail for hikers and bikers alike. this trail will take you from ridgetops to lush valley bottoms. Hike in from Red Arroyo Trailhead via Chaparral or Horny Toad trails. |
| Tasajillo Flats Trail | 1.5 mi. (one-way) | Moderate | Named after the Tasajillo or "pencil cactus," this trail will take you through the rolling hills of the park. See a variety of species of plants, wildlife and landscape. Hop on from the Red Arroyo Trailhead or the south unit gatehouse. |
| Winding Snake Trail | 1.6 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | This is a popular trail for beginning and intermediate mountain bikers. |
| Roller Coaster Trail | 1.0 mi. (one-way) |
Challenging | Not for the faint of heart, this twisting trail of ups and downs is appropriately named. Enjoy on a mountain bike or on foot. |
| Pott's Creek Loop | 1.8 mi. | Moderate | Wind through the creek bed and pop up to the top of Armadillo Ridge for a nice view of the area. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bison & Longhorn Viewing Area | 31.4629° | -100.5028° | No photo available. | The best area to view the bison and longhorn herds that call San Angelo home! |
| Red Arroyo Trailhead | 31.4683° | -100.5033° | View of Red Arroyo Trailhead | The main trailhead in the South Unit of the park to access several trails. |
| 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 |
| Highland Range Overlook | 31.4827° | -100.5309° | No photo available. | Drive to the end of the road and catch a view of the vast plains of San Angelo. Perfect for viewing the evening sunset! |
| Armadillo Ridge | 31.4798° | -100.5384° | No photo available. | Take a break and enjoy the views from up top of the ridge. |
| Bell's Point | 31.4872° | -100.5412° | View from 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. |
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 headquarters 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 headquarters 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.
- Stay on trail and respect park boundaries!
