Most of us have heard of Palo Duro Canyon, but not everyone knows that it's the second largest canyon in the entire country. There are several different trails throughout the park, varying in both length and difficulty, but none compare to the Lighthouse Trail. Keep reading to see the beautiful scenery awaiting you on this unforgettable journey through the forgotten lands of Texas.
By far the most popular hike in the park, this trail leads to the iconic rock formation known as "The Lighthouse."
You can see it here in the distance, bearing an uncanny resemblance to its namesake. The geological phenomenon appears on many souvenirs in the park's gift shop, and a sculpture of it is even in front of a nearby school - just two examples that prove just how much people love this natural wonder - and you can see it firsthand!
The hike will take you about two hours (It's 2.72 miles each way), so be sure to arm yourself with plenty of water. I'd go with anywhere between a quart and a gallon per person - you definitely don't want to get caught in the heat with nothing to drink.
Starting off relatively flat, the trail leads you across several creek beds before reaching the base of Capital Peak. If your trip falls after a decent rain, you might actually see some flowing water!
Climbing up to the Lighthouse will prove to be an arduous task, but trust us when we say it's well worth the struggle. You'll climb up plenty of stairs, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire canyon will absolutely take your breath away.
Make sure to take advantage of this photo-op! It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To access the trail, head down Park Road 5 past the amphitheater and trading post. Parking is located on the right after the second low water crossing.
Have y'all ever seen a view quite like this? It's almost like you can see the entire world spread out in front of you. Absolutely captivating.
Click here to read more about the trail. For general information about Palo Duro Canyon State Park, click here.
Love hiking in Texas? Here are more incredible trails that let you experience the Lone Star State in an unforgettable way.
Have you ever hiked the Lighthouse Trail? We'd love to hear your stories!
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