Lighthouse Trail

Palo Duro is the second largest canyon in the United States (after Grand Canyon, of course). There really isn’t any comparison, but it is gorgeous here. Plus, campgrounds are at the bottom of the canyon versus just looking in at the top or taking hours to hike to the bottom.

The most popular hike (and John’s favorite) is Lighthouse Trail. During the summer they say it can get up to 120 F in the canyon so there are many warnings about drinking a lot of water and thermometers are located throughout the park. People die from walking this trail. Well, it was only 48 F when we hiked so water wasn’t an issue. BTW, November is a great time to visit this park with fewer people and great temperatures for hiking.

The rocks suggest different shapes. This is supposed to be an Indian with a blanket around him.

This is Tugboat Rock.

I don’t think this one has a name, but I liked it!

Castle Rock. 

This is the namesake for the trail. The Lighthouse is a National Natural Landmark. The only problem is that is looks really cool from a distance. By the end of the trail you are at the bottom of the hill from it and really can’t see it at all.  Still, a very good hike.