Exploring Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas
This epic adventure in Palo Duro Canyon State Park within the state of Texas was the first time we got to experience desert like terrain. With cacti, unique wildlife and vegetation to the area, it felt as if we were in a new world AND it was awesome.
OBSERVATION POINT
The first thing you get to experience when traveling into Palo Duro Canyon State park are the amazing views from the observation point near the visitor center. If you make it there on a clear day, miles upon miles are visible with the most epic canyon views outside the Grand Canyon in the US.
LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL
Although lighthouse trail is one of the most sought after trails at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, there are a ton of others to explore. Since we only had one day to go adventuring in the park itself, we decided to hit up one of the more heavily trafficked trail to see what all the jazz was about.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO TO PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK?
I feel like we picked the perfect weather to go explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It had just rained the previous day, so although the trails were a tad muddy, the temperature was a bit lower than normal.
We were in the area late April/Early May and the high for the day was 88 degrees. Knowing that it was going to get fairly warm in the afternoon, we hit the Lighthouse Trail early in the morning to avoid crowds and the warmer temps.
EPIC ROCK FORMATIONS AND BEAUTIFUL WILDFLOWERS
Throughout the hike you’ll see rock formations called Hoodoos along with quite a few different variations of wildflowers and desert climate vegetation. The colors of the rocks at Palo Duro Canyon State Park are super vibrant along with the patches of contrasting colors with the sporadically placed wildflowers. It is hard to be disappointed with any of the views throughout Palo Duro Canyon State Park!
LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL DIFFICULTY?
Honestly, most of this trail is pretty easy and level until you get towards the summit of the Lighthouse rock formations themselves. There are a few little elevation scrambles here and there which makes this NOT wheel chair or baby stroller friendly. We did see a couple folks taking their kiddo along with the baby stroller, so I am interested whether or not they made it the entire distance or not.
A MIRAGE, OR IS IT THAT FAR AWAY?
Throughout the trail we kept getting glimpses of the Lighthouse rock formations off into the distances, which can be a tad daunting. It felt as if we were never actually going to make it the Lighthouse, but rest assured, keep going forward and you WILL get there…eventually. Make no mistake, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is huge, but with the size comes great reward!
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK WORTH IT?
Not only is it worth it, but it feels like such an accomplishment after reaching the top of the towers. It is only a 6 mile out and back trail, but it definitely is a good workout getting to the top of the towers. The views are absolutely amazing and the brain is in overload trying to process in all the vast details from the surrounding area.
TAKE IT ALL IN
I recommend taking some lunch or at least some snack to enjoy while reaching the top. Sit down and enjoy the views from the hike you worked so hard to complete. That and everything you just hiked, you have to hike again. So rest up and enjoy the epic views from the other direction on the way back to the parking lot!
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Valentine Lake Recreation Complex
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Also be sure to check out Deanna’s food blog, The Harvest Skillet, when you get the chance! A lot of awesome and healthy recipes to use there!
Adventure On!
