We made it to our first Texas State Park south of Amarillo at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Palo Duro means hard wood in reference to the Rocky Mountain Juniper trees found in the canyon.
Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and 600 feet deep. And we camped near the bottom of it so we can look out our windows and view the red claystone cliffs.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second longest canyon in the United States and it is called the Grand Canyon of Texas. Its walls are very colorful and rich in history.
We also observed some of the canyons wildlife. Wild turkeys frequent the campground in the morning around 10 when the sun is warming up the canyon.
On a drive around the park we saw several deer and were fortunate enough to watch two young bucks at play. Both mule deer and white tail deer call the canyon home.
The park is home to four Texas Longhorn steers. There is a pasture for them just across from the entrance to the park. We talked to the park ranger who feeds them. She was telling us that longhorns can live up to 30 years of age. The oldest in this park is Gravy at 20.
On our third day at the park we ventured into Amarillo, got the car washed and had to each lunch at the famous Big Texan Steakhouse.
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| home of the 72 oz. steak dinner |
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| the Big Texan has its own brewery |
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| if you can eat the 72 oz. steak with all the trimmings in one hour you get it free! If not you pay $72.00 and get a thank you for trying! |
We love Texas and its state parks. There are no trains, planes or highway noise to disturb your sleep at night. We go to sleep listening to the sounds of coyotes howling around the canyon.
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