PALO DURO CANYON

To get to Palo Duro Canyon, you have to head a little further south, taking Interstate 27 and then Route 217, a detour of some 50 miles. With its rock formations and caves, it's called by Texans "the grand canyon of Texas". The river stretches for 160 km. The canyon's dimensions are smaller than Arizona's Grand Canyon, with walls only 200 m high, but it's a nice walk. The road descends into the hollow of the canyon, following a twenty-kilometer circuit that runs alongside the bed of the Palo Duro, but can also be explored on foot or horseback. The late afternoon light highlights the red, yellow and blue rocks... The Indians found refuge in this canyon, which is said to have been occupied 12,000 years B.C. It was here that the first Texan cattle farms saw the light of day, with over 100,000 head of cattle. Every evening in summer for over thirty years, 80 actors have performed the play Texas, which shows the courage and hardships of the early pioneers. On-site camping is available. Every summer evening, the park's amphitheater hosts a lively, free show. With its natural surroundings, the show is well worth the detour, for young and old alike (unfortunately, no photos are allowed). Don't miss this park, often cited as the most beautiful state park in the country.