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.
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.
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).
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!
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!
Oddly enough my WiFi was working as I sat with Miss Roxie, with Google Maps marking my spot.
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!
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.
You can discover more on Palo Duro by clicking HERE!
Happy Trails,
Mrs. Padilly
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