Palo Duro State Park, Texas: my last stop before returning to NM! (May 3rd through 5th)

 

Visiting Palo Duro State Park and its canyons was unquestionably the very best part of my month-long sojourn into Texas. I unwittingly saved the best for last, as it were!

I was so glad to finally feel my health and energy restored, as great hiking awaited! 

First of all, I was completely amazed that such a magnificent natural wonder was "hidden" amidst the otherwise flat, boring plains of western Texas. As I drove toward the Park, I was convinced that Google Maps had to be wrong. I only saw miles of flat prairie, far as my eye could see, with a bare smattering of farmlands and houses throughout. How would it be possible that SUCH different terrain could somehow appear in all this boring flatness?

I would soon find out! My GPS was accurate, indeed... as, late afternoon on the 3rd, I suddenly came upon a long line of cars, barely crawling along, about a mile shy of the Park's actual entrance. Holy moly!  Yosemite transfers itself to Texas?!?! It took about half an hour to get to the kiosk and check in with the rangers... apparently, there was a wedding going on that day and hence the enormous backup (also being Saturday, and a popular weekend to be there, as springtime is the best time to come.) 

I was therefore happy to be able to at least get in a quick 3 mile RT hike inside the park... it had magnificent, introductory views of the vast canyons, and led down to an amazing outdoor theater, where loud speakers-- of such phenomenal quality I had been convinced--on my way down--that live music was happening there--were playing gorgeous, ethereal choral music. 

Wild flowers were blooming everywhere; the temperature was a mild 78 degrees; it was a steep downward trek and I was pleased that the return trip was not arduous at all. It was a terrific beginning to my stay! 



The fabulous view that greeted me after I arrived and before starting my 3 mile downward trek. 


The view of the surrounding hills from my campsite


This cute fella came to visit me, strutting unconcernedly through my site!


flowers encountered on my hike


The happy, hungry bee!


Wish there would have been an event happening... but sadly, none the weekend I was there. Hope to return one day and see some show or other in this incredible outdoor theater...what a backdrop, eh?!?



Out of the hundred or so photos I took, I painstakingly whittled this series down to twenty-something...truly a difficult task  This amazing canyon hike --one on Sunday the 4th-- was to the iconic point of Lighthouse Rock... 9 miles round trip through some of the most beautiful terrain I have ever seen.  I regretted not having more time in Palo Duro State Park, and definitely plan to return one day to spend more time and enjoy more hikes. 






















































Sunrise on my third and last day, Monday the 5th... before the down pour of rain that followed. I had to frantically pack up my tent and all else before everything got totally soaked! I succeeded only in part, forfeiting my last day of intended camping. Instead, I hightailed it for Albuquerque, driving the 300 miles or so back to the town. So long, Texas...but only for now! My visit to the lovely state was truly wonderful, and I shall definitely return! 












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