If you’ve ever wanted to explore a state park trail without guessing what you’re getting into — or you want a legit “outdoor” workout when you’re stuck indoors — this is exactly what these videos are for.
I’m starting this 360° trail indexing project in my home park: San Angelo State Park. The first upload is Burkett Trail, filmed on a sunny day, running south to north from the south side of the park. Texas Parks & Wildlife lists Burkett Trailhead as a major access point and describes it as the gateway to one of the park’s most popular trail areas. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Watch the 360° Burkett Trail video
Video:
This is a helmet-mounted GoPro MAX 360 walk so you can look around naturally (mouse/phone/VR headset). It’s not a cinematic hype reel — it’s the real trail, step by step.
The “VR treadmill” use-case (this matters)
A lot of people think VR is just for games. Not here.
These 360 trail walks can be used on a treadmill (or even just walking in place) while wearing a VR headset. It’s a simple way to make indoor cardio feel less like punishment and more like “I’m actually somewhere.”
If you try the treadmill version:
- Start slow
- Use handrails if needed
- Keep the area clear
- If you get dizzy, stop — don’t be a hero
VR headset option (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4ppRN73
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Route overview: Burkett Trail → toward Potts Creek connections
On this walk I started from the South Unit side and moved south → north, filming the trail as it flows into the larger network. The park’s trail system includes connection routes that link areas of the park, and the Trailhead-to-Trailhead Route is specifically described as connecting the south and north ends. AllTrails.com
Burkett also ties into routes that lead you toward Potts Creek Trail, which is part of the same broader trail network used by hikers and riders. Hiking Project+1
Training load: 50 lb Wolf Tactical vest (custom plates)
I filmed this one wearing my Wolf Tactical weighted vest with custom 50 lb plates. #WolfTactical
If you’re curious about the math behind weighted walking (and why your smartwatch usually undercounts it), use these:
- Rucking Calorie Calculator: https://rucking.pro/rucking-calorie-calculator/
- Rucking Weight Loss Calculator: https://rucking.pro/rucking-weight-loss-calculator/
And if you want the app:
- Rucking App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator
Why I’m doing this project
Most trail content is either:
- A highlight reel, or
- A shaky phone clip with no context
This project is the opposite: one trail at a time, indexed in 360°, so people can:
- Preview trails before a trip
- Explore parks from home
- Train indoors with VR + treadmill
- Enjoy the outdoors even with mobility limitations
Gear used
- Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4h5Yb0N
- GoPro Max 2 (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3L3ZGB2
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
What trail should I film next?
If you’re local to San Angelo or you’ve got a trail you want indexed in 360°, send the trail name and the direction you prefer (clockwise/counterclockwise, trailhead-to-trailhead, etc.). I’ll keep building this library until the whole park is covered.
