This Enchanting Hike Takes You Straight Through Texas' Very Own Grand Canyon
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 09, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
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.
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.
