PALO DURO CANYON

To access Palo Duro Canyon, you have to go a little south, take Interstate 27 and then Highway 217, a detour of about 50 miles. With its rock formations and caves, it is called by Texans "the grand canyon of Texas". The river stretches for 160 km. The dimensions are still smaller, the walls are only 200 m high but it is a nice walk. The road goes down in the hollow of the canyon, to follow a circuit of about twenty kilometers which follows in particular the bed of Palo Duro but one can also make strolls on foot or on horseback. The light is very beautiful at the end of the afternoon and highlights the red, yellow, blue rocks... The Indians found refuge in this canyon which would have been occupied 12 000 years before J.-C. They left it to take the trail of the Tears... It is here that the first Texan cattle-breeding was born with more than 100 000 animals. Every evening in the summer for more than 30 years, 80 actors perform the play Texas, which shows the courage and hardships of the first pioneers. On the spot you can stay in the camping. Every evening in the summer, a free live performance is offered in the park's amphitheater. With this natural setting, the show is really worth the detour, for young and old alike (unfortunately no photos are accepted). Don't miss this park often cited as the most beautiful state park in the country.