Above is one of the iconic scenes you are likely to run into during a visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park just South of Amarillo and East of the aptly named Canyon, Texas.
Unfortunately, the image above this is something you are also likely to run into during a visit to this park. I have heard folks refer to this as the "Grand Canyon of Texas". While there are some similarities, I'm afraid the main ones are that the infrastructure is in bad need of upgrades and repair, and the park is being "loved to death" by so many travelers.
Still, let's take a look around at what you might see during a visit.
In this picture, we have just gotten into the park, and I'm taking a picture over the fence that separates the parking area for the Visitor Center from some of the cabins you can rent on the premises. Just thought the tree and the clouds made for an interesting shot.
Whereas this shot is a closeup of one of the blooms in the field next to the fence above. One of the better shots I've taken IMNSHO.
In this picture, you are looking out at the canyon from one of the overlooks near the Visitor Center.
Turning to look down the canyon, you can see some more bluffs and exposed features.
Which you can compare to a look at the canyon from just outside the Visitor Center.
While turning a bit more to my right, you can see the rest of the Visitor Center including a few signs and flags. Oh, and those vending machines in the background? Broken. Like I said, the park needs some work.
Directly across from the Visitor Center is this feature with a sign at the bottom warning you that the rocks here are likely to cave on you. You'll notice that some of them appear to have done so fairly recently.
In a protected area behind the Visitor Center is this nice picnic bench that includes a stunning view to take in while you enjoy a snack.
One more look at the canyon, and then it's time to drive down the winding road that leads to the bottom of the canyon where most of the camping and trails can be found.
From the bottom of the canyon looking up, you get a better view of some of the layers that comprise the sides of the canyon.
There's also a general store/cafe here which has water and what they claim are the best hamburgers anywhere. I can imagine after a long day hike on one of the trails folks might be inclined to agree with them.
In the distance, from the parking lot of the store/cafe, you could see some of the overcast sky trying to turn to rain.
However, most of it appeared to be evaporating before reaching the ground.
Clearing skies meant that it was possible to get some stunning images of the scenery.
And the 83x of the Nikon P900 I used for this shoot meant I could see a group that had just finished climbing one of those features. Congrats folks!
On some of the hillsides you could see jumbled rock features where time and erosion were likely going to lead to some interesting balanced rocks and other formations.
Driving further down the canyon revealed wide, open plains with red rocks and buttes.
Not far from here we hit a place where you could turn around, or continue on "Alternate Route 5". I highly recommend the second option as that stretch of road is much less crowded, and gives you some different views of the features in the canyon.
As an example of a feature where a trail leads off from Alt Route 5 for some fun hiking.
A slightly different view showing some more of the massive rocks to the left of the main summit.
Had turned to head back to the car as it was clouding up again, when I was surprised to see these two planes flying so low and fairly close together.
Another set of striking features to think about climbing some day. The striping and coloration here really DID remind me of the Grand Canyon.
A bit further down the road was another trailhead, and this set of eroded red rocks.
A closer look at one of the caves that was forming in the rocks gave some idea of what the goal of the hiking here might be.
Drove a little further, and then had to stop and get this picture of the changing light from the clouds passing overhead. Impressive!
Of course some of the features are just as impressive from one side...
as they are from the other.
And one more feature I wanted to share with you before wrapping up this photo tour. I hope you enjoyed getting a peak at some of what is at Palo Duro Canyon State Park!
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