Palo Duro Canyon in Canyon, Texas

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December 11th 2022

Published: March 11th 2023

It had been 19 years since we last visited awe-inspiring Palo Duro Canyon. Lois drove the RV down the often steep switchback road to the Juniper Campground, about 6 miles into the park. The first day we hiked the Riverside and Cliffside Juniper trails, which included a side trek to a large crevice up a boulder-strewn path. The next day we made the rigorous 6-mile hike up to the Lighthouse rock for... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 39, Displayed: 21

Milo

Still a distance from our campsite, but we caught a view of Milo from the trail.

Trail

We enjoyed the view around every turn of the trail.

Sunset

Beautiful sunset

Lighthouse Rock

Sketch at the beginning of the trail.

Hydrate

A reminder of the danger of hiking the desert floor. The day of our hike was overcast with a breeze. Perfect for this hike!

Lighthouse

That rock between Mike's fingers is our destination. We got this!

Lighthouse

Getting closer, we thought, still miles to go before we reached the top.

Narrow peak

Glad we did not have to climb this steep side of the mountain!

Trail

The trail is well maintained and so far easy to walk. Glad we had our walking poles for some of the washes and the hill near the lighthouse.

Erosion

The layers and erosion on the wall were beautiful.

Lighthouse view

Wash

The washes were all dry, but we saw evidence throughout the canyon of the power of the water in the washes from flash floods.

Final climb

The path gets narrow and more challenging just before the summit. Mike was thankful for our trail friend that coached him up and back down this section.

Lighthouse

We made it!

Close-up

Worth the hike to see this rock formation. Now for the trek back down.

Juniper Tree

Many juniper trees throughout the park. We also saw mesquite, cottonwood, willow, western soapberry, and hackberry trees. The canyon floor and walls were beautiful with the trees, grasses, and a few wildflowers.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery

Hard to miss with its bright yellow exterior.

72oz Challenge

The elevated table is for patrons wanting to try and consume the 72oz Steak Challenge. The challenge includes shrimp cocktail, backed potato, salad, roll with butter, and 72oz steak. You have to eat the entire meal in one hour.

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Palo Duro Canyon in Canyon, Texas

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