Burkett Trail to Roller Coaster

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildflowers

This route is a mixed bag of flats, ridgelines, hills, and creekbeds. It offers sweeping views of the state park and is often empty in the early mornings. Pit toilets and a water fountain are available at trailhead parking.

Super hot during the summer with little shade. Only water is at trailhead. There's also a horse trough that is good for dogs to jump in and cool off in.

From the trailhead parking, hop over the cattleguard to the Burkett Trail and start your watch. Descend, and follow the beaten path through the flats. You should see creek bed along the right side and a fence on your left. When it opens back up a little, take the split on your right (either way is ok, but easiest to go right on the Potts Creek Trail for your first attempt). After the bridge, you'll continue straight through the intersection with a brown pole nearby with yellow paint. Continue on through the winding singletrack.

When you come upon a descent into a creek bed (just shy of 1.0 mile into West Pott's Trail), go down and to the right and then follow the ascent back and to the left. Keep on the winding singletrack until you begin to hit a noticeable hill that marks the beginning of Roller Coaster Trail. You'll want to hug the left side of the hill until you pop up on a short ridgeline. About less than 0.25 miles, there will be another split. Stay left/straight to continue on the left side of the hill.

Shortly after the split, you'll start to descend again to a rolling singletrack. Stay on the meandering path until you hit the old road. You should have to go through a gate or go over a cattleguard (easier) to the WS and LL Connector. Crossing the road marks the back-end of your 5K and the beginning of a great hill workout. Snake through the switchbacks and you'll have sweeping views of the entire Burkett area. You should be able to see the trailhead parking ahead and on your left for bits of the switchbacks.

Javelina, white tail deer, horned frogs, armadillos, prickly pear cactus.