Driving south from Amarillo for 15 miles and then due east for 10 miles, you journey through flat, dry treeless tableland dotted by ranches and farms. There is little warning before the ground opens up and you are driving down into a glorious canyon.

Palo Duro State Park-Capitol Peak

Photograph by Mike Wilson, Palo Duro Canyon State Park.com

You have arrived at Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon system in the USA.  Called the Grand Canyon of Texas, this canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River eroding the Caprock Escarpment for one million years.  The geologic formations in the canyon are vibrant red. orange, yellow and purple formations and they expose sedimentary rocks from almost the beginning of time.

The canyon is divided up into ranches, but the 300,000 acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park opens up this colorful canyon to intrepid explorers, whether hikers, bikers, equestrians or birders.  Amenities include cabin rentals, tent sites and RV sites with water & electricity. There are hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails and a bird blind.  You may see white-tailed and mule deer, bobcats, Aoudad sheep, Palo Duro mice, wild turkeys, roadrunners, Horned lizards, Longhorn cattle, coyotes, beavers, bats, ring-tailed racoons, as well as more wildflowers, insects, snakes and birds than you could possibly remember.

The Lighthouse-Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Back-Packing Sites

Back-pack camping is permitted only in the area south of the turn-around. You must hike into the area for at least 30 minutes. Water is only available at the trail head. Fires are not permitted, although stoves with containerized fuel are permitted. You must carry out all that you carry in. Pets are permitted but must be kept on leash at all times.  FEE: $12 per four people.

Equestrian Primitive Camping Sites (10)

You may camp with your horses in the Equestrian Camping Area. Proof must be provided of Coggins Test within the past 12 months. There is a corral just south of the turn-around with established sites near it with table, fire ring, and water. A total of eight horses/people constitute a site. Restrooms/ showers are available within approximately 1/3 of a mile.  FEE: $12 per site.

Edge of the high plains plateau, Palo Duro Canyon

Photograph by John of American Southwest.net

Primitive Drive Up Tent Camping Sites (25)

There are two camping areas designated “primitive” (Cactus and Fortress Cliff). The areas have designated camping sites. Each has a table, a shade shelter, fire ring and water available in the area. They are no restroom nor shower facilities. You drive (1/2 to 2 miles) to an adjacent camp loop for restroom/shower facilities. A maximum of 8 people are permitted in each site.  FEE: $12 per site.

Electrical Sites

Mesquite and Sagebrush camp loops have a total of 47 sites with water and electricity (50 amp service). Each site has a table (some with shade shelters), fire ring, paved parking area,. There is a restroom with showers in the camping loop. A maximum of 8 people are permitted in each site. There is a maximum of THREE vehicular units permitted per site. FEE: $25 per site includes up to 2 vehicular units. Any 3rd vehicular unit is billed at the additional rate of $2 per day.

Hackberry camp loop has 32 sites with 30 amp electrical service and water. Fee: $22

Spanish Skirts Formation-Timber Creek Canyon

Photograph by Mike Wilson, Palo Duro Canyon State Park.com

Cabins

There are two CCC vintage cabins (Lighthouse and Goodnight) and a more modern cabin (Sorenson), all perched on the canyon rim. Each cabin consists of two rooms plus restroom and shower and have modern heating and cooling. Lighthouse Cabin has a day bed. Goodnight and Sorenson cabins have full size bunk beds. All three cabins have queen size beds. There is a table and charcoal grill located just outside. Cooking inside is not allowed. Bed linens and towels are provided. A maximum of 4 persons are permitted per cabin. No pets are allowed.  Cabins are non smoking. Lighthouse and Goodnight FEE: $110 per night plus tax and entrance fees. Sorenson has a deck from which the canyon may be viewed. FEE: $125 per night plus tax and entrance fees.

There are four Cow Camp Cabins (rustic, basic) with two bunk beds and a table and  chairs. No towels or linens are provided and restroom/showers are across the road). One cabin is wheelchair accessible. FEE: $60

Activities

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Events (check with park ranger when checking in)

• Lunch with the Longhorns Jun 01-Jun 30, 2011 130-2 PM
• Life of a Comanche Woman Jun 10, 2011 8-9 PM
• Bird Walk and Talk Jun 11, 2011 830-10 AM
• Family Nature Hike Jun 15, 2011 930-1030 AM
• Night Hike Jun 16, 2011 830-930 PM

TEXAS! Outdoor Musical Drama, with a cast of more than 60 players, takes place in the outdoor amphitheater every Tuesday through Sunday night from 830 pm to 1030 pm, from June 4 to August 20! Enjoy the show under the stars of the Texas sky. You may also choose to add on a steak dinner. Get information and tickets here.’

Fourth Annual Rider on the Rim Trail Ride and Auction
September 24, 2011

Father’s Day is June 19, this year. As always, I wonder what to give my husband from our sons. If I leave it up to the boys, my husband will be lucky to get a card. Luckily, I discovered a discount coupon site, Savings.com, and they have discount coupons for everything, including travel.

My husband and I love to travel. So, I went out to Savings.com and started researching travel to the areas we frequent. The more I looked, the more I realized that this was not a standard travel site. As I explored the intrepid area of the travel section, I found that intrepid travel is a different type of travel that features group led excursions, from 3 days in San Francisco to a 21 trek through the National Parks. Intrepid group adventures are designed for travelers of all ages and they have excursions all over the world.

The cost of the excursion depends on the traveler’s trip style. With a Basix trip style, you may expect traveling close to the land with few extras. The original trip style is a classic intrepid adventurer. Comfort trip style provides the type of travel with more inclusions, meals and creature comforts.

I plan on spending the next day or so, looking over the intrepid sites and doing research on the excursions. This is going to be the best Father’s Day ever!