Cabin in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. photo from: http://www.afltriptalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSCN0569-Palo-Duro-Canyon-TX.jpg
A lot of people drive through the Panhandle section of Texas on I-40, see only empty, flat land and they can’t wait to get to New Mexico or those first hills in Oklahoma. One of the old jokes is that this part of Texas is so flat, you could stand on a beer can and see the North Pole from there. Town names like Levelland and Plainview don’t help dispel that myth either, but I’m here to tell you that one of Texas’ most beautiful natural areas is right there, smack dab in the middle of the flat!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park. photo from: http://www.palodurocanyon.com/
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is what I’m referring to. It features topography, scenery, and out of this world beauty like you would not expect to see in Texas! It’s almost reminiscent of all those movies the late great John Ford shot in Monument Valley, Arizona. The canyon is reached from I-40 in Amarillo by turning south on I-27 until you reach Canyon, TX then heading east on 217 until you reach the park.
Palo Duro Canyon Cabin. photo from: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon/fees-facilities/cabins
Cabins are available for rent, although demand is high and supply is low, but they offer one of the best, most natural ways to visit this beautiful landmark. The cabins were built by the CCC in the 1930’s out of native materials and truly blend into the landscape and are very unobtrusive. All come with electricity and water, but 4 are fairly primitive and have restrooms nearby as well as no A/C. From these awesome cabins you can venture out into the park to hike, bike, photo, and climb to your heart’s content. A small deviation south of track is all you need to break the monotony of the Interstate and add some natural adventure to your travels! If you prefer to stay in your RV, hookups and campgrounds are available in Canyon, TX at the turnoff for the park.
What is your favorite Texas State Park? Leave us a comment below, we’d love to hear from you. As always, before youhit the road..hit PPLmotorhomes.com for all your RV’ing needs!