The Rugged And Remote Hiking Trail In Texas That Is Well-Worth The Effort
By Katie Lawrence|Published May 09, 2024
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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).
What do you do when you need to get away from it all? Personally, I love a good hike – like the Lower Comanche Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas. This challenging trek showcases the beautiful red rock landscape as you’ve never seen it before, and it’s definitely worth the effort.
I'm extremely introverted, so when I need to escape the constant stimulation of the modern world, a spa day or trip to the local park doesn't cut it. I need to truly get away from it all, and one of my favorite ways to do that is by tackling a remote hiking trail.
The Lower Comanche Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park checks all the boxes for me. It's rugged, just the right length (six miles), and difficult enough to provide a nice challenge without being near impossible for anyone whose fitness level isn't on par with professional athletes.
With an elevation gain of just under 800 feet, the trail takes the average hiker around 2.5 hours to complete. It leads through some of the most scenic (yet underrated) areas of PDC, with many hikers saying it's the best trail in the entire park.
As it is a rather steep and rocky route (especially in the beginning), high-quality footwear with a good grip is a must. You'll also want to bring lots of water (and maybe a few snacks to keep you going, too!).
The Lower Comanche Trail does connect with several other hikes, including the Rock Garden Trail, which, as its name suggests, features lots of unique rock formations. I love when the sun shines through the gigantic boulders and casts shadows on the canyon walls - it's truly a breathtaking sight!
It's important to note that the suggested route for the Lower Comanche Trail on AllTrails only includes the section leading up to its intersection with the Rock Garden Trail; the entire Lower Comanche Trail is roughly 4.5 miles each way. But whether you choose to stick to the path or create your own adventure, you're in for a serious treat.
On full display are the signature red rocks of the Palo Duro Canyon, interspersed with native vegetation and views of distant bluffs towering in all directions. Plus, this trail is one of the lesser-known hikes in the park, so there are few distractions to get in the way of your communion with nature.
Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Lower Comanche Trail, and be sure to sign up for AllTrails+ to gain access to special perks like 3D maps.
Have you ever hiked this remote trail in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Check out our previous article below for a handy-dandy list with every piece of essential hiking gear you’ll ever need. Happy adventuring!
