Palo Duro - suggestions for families

[ahightower]

Hello all. We are going to Palo Dure Canyon this weekend, Thursday - Sunday. We've been to Caprock Canyon, but never Palo Duro. Renting a travel trailer, will be interesting to see if we enjoy that as we've only been tent camping before. It doesn't look like it will be so hot that we need the AC, but there does appear to be a burn ban so I guess we'll get a lot of use out of the kitchen. Anyway, I wonder if anyone is very familiar with this park and can recommend hiking trails for families with younger kids. We have three boys, ages 5, 6, and 7. They have tons of energy, but I don't want to overdo. And my wife is still not 100% recovered from an ankle sprain last month, so I don't want to be out more than a couple hours at a time. At Caprock, there are plenty of broad, smooth, very easy trails. Does Palo Duro have anything for novices like us? We will ask the park rangers for recommendations when we get there, but I thought I would bounce it off of y'all too. Looking forward to this trip, and will be sure to post some photos when we return. Thanks!

[Rox74]

I was young when we went there so I don't remember a lot about it. I do however remember the musical that they do. I think it is called Texas, if it's anywhere close to being as good as it was then.. you have to see it. Hope you have a great time!!

[ahightower]

I believe the musical begins next month, so we will just miss it...

[amadjuster]

The Lighthouse Trail is the most popular and is around 3 miles long. It is fairly easy and is somewhat rolling but not too bad until you get to the end and you have to go up a bunch of steps to gain altitude to the area where the formation is. It is a little much for kids under 9 or 10. There are all kinds of trails in the Canyon that will meet your needs and the people at the entrance, store, or at the campground will be a big help. The burn ban does not apply to a propane cook stove, and maybe a Coleman gas stove. I suggest you stay at the first campground that is just past the amphitheater and right before the first water crossing. That way you won't get caught in case of a big rain that tends to cause the crossings to flood. You can make a reservation on line and see the maps, etc. Go here for all of the information. http://www.palodurocanyon.com/

[ahightower]

Thanks so much for your reply. I'd read elsewhere that the Light House trail was a little steep towards the end. That may be too much for the boys, and for my wife's ankle. There appear to be plenty of shorter trails, but I couldn't get a really good feel for elevation/difficulty by looking at the map. We've made reservations but they're not site specific. I imagine we'll have plenty of selection when we arrive Thursday since everyone else will still be in school tomorrow (homeschooling has its advantages!) Appreciate the advice on the water crossing. I was actually planning to pick a spot before that there because of the playground nearby.

[amadjuster]

Most of the hicking trails are pretty level. There is one that starts out at the first water crossing and wanders down either in or by the creekbed. There is usually a little water in the creek and thre are minnows and frogs around so the kids will be occuppied. If you had no problems with the trails at Caprock Canyons, then you will get along fine at Palo Duro.

[DeLeon]

Let us know how it goes. We got some rain last night, so it will probably be wet down there..looks like its going to be a nice weekend though. Have Fun!!!