Trails Information - South Unit
Trail descriptions and points of interest for the south unit of San Angelo State Park.
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 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 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 Trail | 3.0 mi. (round trip) |
Easy | This easy loop is near the campground and passes by the birdwatching blind. Hiking only. |
| Pott's Creek Trail System | 1.6 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | Pott’s Creek and West Pott’s Creek trails wind through the creek bed and then pop up on top of Armadillo Ridge for a nice view of the area. |
| Red Dam Loop | 0.8 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | Hike in from the Chaparral Trailhead or start at the Chaparral Group Shelter. This trail takes you up on top of a red dirt hill. |
| Playground Trail | 2.0 mi. (one-way) |
Challenging | This trail was named for all its twists, turns, ups and downs. It’s a fun mountain bike trail for experienced riders but also an adventurous hike. |
| Winding Snake Trail | 1.4 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. |
| Turkey Creek Trails | 2.0 mi. (one-way) |
Moderate | The Turkey Creek Trails are split into equestrian and mountain biking trails, but hikers are welcome on both. It’s a rocky route passing through the creek bed multiple times. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaparral Trailhead | 31.4683° | -100.5033° | View of Chaparral 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 |
| 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 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.
