Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Free Range at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

CAMPSITE #91 ~ MESQUITE CAMP AREA.

Palo Duro Canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” and is one of my favorite Texas State Parks. I have visited this park several times, and as you see in the image of our campsite at sunset, the scenery is simply breathtaking. Plenty of room to call your own.

When you arrive to the park, make sure you stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn about the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon of 1874, which resulted in the murder of over 1500 horses. A very sad but true event, and it is said that the horses’ spirits still run in the canyon.

Do Not Enter by Visitor's Center
Sign next to the Visitor’s Center.

Whether or not this story is just folklore, all I know is that one night, around 2:00 am, Mr. Padilly and I were both awoken by what sounded like a large (and I mean LARGE) pack of coyotes.

At the time we started hearing the yelps and howls in the distance, we were unaware that each other were awake. These sounds quickly became louder and louder until the sound [they] could  literally be heard behind our camper, and then quickly faded again into the distance.

It was one of those moments that when it was over, you turn to the person you are with, and in an attempt to make sure you are not going crazy, ask, “Did you just hear that?”

TRAVEL PHOTOS, TRIVIA & TIPS:

Hiking and climbing are the big draw to Palo Duro Canyon, and regardless of what time of year you go, bring LOTS of water (for Fido too)! The temperatures can get well above 100°, which happened to us twice on the Lighthouse Trail.

Lighthouse Trail Marker

Lighthouse Trail Palo Duro Canyon
Along the Lighthouse Trail

We stayed in the Mesquite Camp Area on this trip, which is at the very back of the park, but oddly we found the WiFi better there than near the front (if that matters to you).Mesquite Camping Area

Another View of our Campsite 91
Our Campsite – #91

Don’t have an RV or tent? Not to worry! They have the cutest rock cabins built by the CCC. Make sure you check them out regardless if you plan to stay in one!

CCC Cabiin #2 Palo Duro Canyon
This CCC Cabin #2 can be rented.
Another View of CCC Cabin at Palo Duro State Park
Another view of a CCC Cabin.
A word about Dogs

Many visitors bring their dogs, but take caution with Fido. I have seen many exhausted dogs (big and small) along the trail. Case in point: I ended up having to carry my 10 lb. Schnoxie, Miss Roxie, after she sat down on the trail and refused to move. I had to carry her the second half of the trail to the Lighthouse and back; it was no fun!

Waiting with Roxie on Lighthouse Trail
The reason I did not make it to the Lighthouse. 😉

Oddly enough my WiFi was working as I sat with Miss Roxie, with Google Maps marking my spot.

On Lighthouse Trail With Roxie

One of our daughters did made it to the Lighthouse. She climbed to the top on as I sat back to care for my dog, so I wasn’t able to join her. 😉

Don’t have a dog to bring along? Then bring your horse! They are welcome too, and the best part is they will carry you!

Almost to the Lighthouse
Almost to the Lighthouse at Palo Duro Canyon
The Lighthouse at Palo Duro Canyon
Reward for reaching the Lighthouse

Hiking up to the cave on the Juniper/Cliffside Trail is worth the effort. This trail is right along one of the park roads, so the hike isn’t too long, just all uphill.

Juniper Cliffside Trail Cave
Hiking to the Cave on Juniper/Cliffside Trail

You can discover more on Palo Duro by clicking HERE!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Happy Trails,
Mrs. Padilly

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