South Island Trail starts 1.4 miles from Fielding Garr Ranch parking lot. Since the trail is gated at the ranch, you have to park there, and walk down the dirt road to the trailhead. It just adds 2.8 miles to the actual trail mileage. I walked all the way to the tip of the island it took me 3:40 hrs for a total of 9.5 miles round trip. There is NO shade and nowhere to really pull over and take a rest. However, the trail is extremely easy with 184 feet elevation gain. Trail is dry and dusty with lots of small rocks but if you have your boots on you'll be fine. Lake has receded quite a bit on this side of the island, but this is where we saw the most Buffalo roaming. Luckily there wasn't any on the trail. You also access the Sentry Loop Trail from 1/2 way down the trail if you want a more moderate hike. It takes you to a higher elevation gain. After you're done walking the trail make sure you stop in the ranch to see the the oldest working ranching operations in the Western United States and maybe go for a horseback ride. read more

See all