We’d long heard the claim that Palo Duro Canyon is the Grand Canyon of Texas. Turns out, that’s a fair claim. While the Grand Canyon is certainly larger, this gorgeous canyon is more colorful with an array of reds, browns, greens and whites. Standing at the scenic outlook (above) took my breath away. Another distinction is the ability to easily drive to, and camp in, the canyon floor of Palo Duro.
We’ve hiked many of the trails at Palo Duro. We felt a sense of awe, recognizing the trails we walked had been carved thousands of years ago by native tribes who sheltered in this canyon, finding abundant water and game. As we hiked along the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River (long name!), we thought of those who must have lowered buckets over the deep banks into the clear water. Southern Plains bison roamed this canyon, affording food and hides for clothing and homes. The canyon itself offers protection from the worst storms, though we certainly experienced high winds on the canyon floor.
The red rock of the canyon is punctuated with glimmering white veins of satin spar gypsum which formed more than 250 million years ago when ancient seawater evaporated and left minerals behind in the underground cracks. As it solidified, it left these beautiful accents in contrast to the deep canyon red walls which are called the Quartermaster Formation or the Permian red beds.
Another interesting phenomenon of Palo Dura are the percolation pipes which look like tubes in the canyon walls. These were formed as water carved its way through the rock walls. These pipes create caves. This massive cave began as a percolation pipe. We imagined a native family safe within its walls, calling it home.
In September of 1874, Army troops forced the native people to leave this canyon during the Battle of Palo Duro. This land later became the ranch land of Charles Goodnight and his partner John Adair, forming the J.A. Ranch. We hiked by a cowboy’s dugout.
Today we leave Texas. We’ve loved the 4 1/2 months of our visit, covering approximately 5,500 miles within this magnificent state, reaching the Gulf Coast, experiencing the famed hill country, exploring San Antonio, Big Bend National park, four state parks and three Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds. We’ve enjoyed a friendly, helpful, respectful, faith-friendly culture here. We’ll miss you, Texas, and we plan to return!
Next on our adventure is Taos, New Mexico. Hope you’ll come along for the ride!
Love the blog and pics! Thank you!
Thank you, Anne. Hopefully we’ll be there next week. Your detail and photos sure make me hope so. Enjoy New Mexico. We’ve been here for about a week and a half. Happy and safe traveling.
Thanks for continuing to share your experiences! It’s been fun to follow your travels.
So fun to see you reading our blog, Mike. I hope all is well with you and your family.
These are amazing photos and history lessons. It baffles me, how some folks don’t believe in Noah and the flood, when the history has literally been written into the canyons, leaving its proof that our earth was covered in water at one time. God is so good and His promises remain steady and true!