Palo Duro Canyon (again)

[Melany]

I went back yesterday, and it was a perfect day for hikin' and shootin'

Temps were in the upper 60's, there was no wind (a PLUS up on the mesas) it was partly cloudy and "had" rained but there was none while I was there, and the crowds were not there - I saw 2 other hikers while I was there.

I hiked a trail I'd never been on, and found a new favorite spot! The best views are from this trail. Not many tourists bother with it, but it's a local favorite. Weird, because it's pretty easy to get to, and a nice/easy hike -- but the park lists it as "Difficult" because of the uneven ground, and some uphill trails. I didn't find it hard at all. I guess that's what scares a lot of people away, it did me for awhile.

I got a lot of great shots (IMO) throughout the afternoon, and stayed for the sunset. I even saw a FOX! Figures, I had the wrong lens on at that time though

This is a Trujillo Formation:

[Melany]

The mudstone of yellow, gray, and lavender make up the Tecovas Formation. This is the "middle level" layer in the canyon

[Jeff_Green]

This is the best that I could do. I snuck up on a little fella also, about 10 foot away, but by the time I got the camera up he ran far enough away to make it difficult!

[Melany]

Catarina Cave:

[Jeff_Green]

Guess I should comment and not just post my own picture?! :D Very nice images, Mel! Having a hard time picking which one I like the best... I'm leaning towards #1. I'll have to get with you to find out this trail you took.

[Melany]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

Guess I should comment and not just post my own picture?! :D Very nice images, Mel! Having a hard time picking which one I like the best... I'm leaning towards #1. I'll have to get with you to find out this trail you took.

I don't mind your photos -- you did better with your critter than I did with mine. From now on, I'll walk the trail with a longer lens, and change to wide angle to get a scenic view.


This is one of the bridges built by the CCC crew back in the 30s. Still in great shape!


Sitting on the edge of Sad Monkey Peak:

[Orogeny]

I like the last one best!

I must say that I have really enjoyed the recent posts about Palo Duro Canyon. I grew up in Amarillo and PDC has a very special place in my heart.

[Melany]

The CCC Trail

The only trail that goes from the the rim to the bottom of the canyon.
This is the same trail that the men working for the CCC used in the 30's to get from their camp on the rim down to the worksite at the bottom of the canyon.

Amazing! And a nice view too!!!



Oh! And my "feet" photo got Expored on Flickr today!