Beautiful hike through a beautiful canyon. The sights are amazing and the Lighthouse will take your breath away. Just watch out for the bicycles.
The Lighthouse Trail is a must-do hike if you visit Palo Duro Canyon. For those who make the hike all the way to the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sight of the Lighthouse formation as well an amazing vista of the north canyon. Though the park describes the trail as "moderate" in difficulty, the trail is pretty easy for a person in average shape. The last part of the trail -- the final ascent up to the Lighthouse and the table formation on which it sits -- is a bit steep, but don't let that stop you. There is a shaded picnic table at which to rest before you climb the last bit and a bench to rest upon after you make the steep climb up. Start out early in the day to avoid the heat and other hikers.
You will have good time if you manage your water and shade well. Nothing is more important safety. It can get really tough under severe hear in this place. We carried 1 gallon of water per person and a umbrella; both are very important. That day it was 110 F outside and our mouths were drying out every 0.2 miles. Had to hydrate quite a bit.Views are stunning. I had the best time of my life here. The red color mountains are a great visual treats and look great in photos.
This trip is around 6 miles round trip, but the view is amazing. Most of the trail is an easy hike until you reach the base of the lighthouse, which is fairly steep. I would recommend starting early and allow for about half a day for the hike. You will be treated with some of the most amazing scenery you have ever seen along the hike. You can also ride your mount bike on the trail or ride a horse. If you go in the summer, take lots of water and start early in the day. If you are travelling on I-40 or through Amarillo or Canyon, this is worth the stop and bring your camera.
My husband and I hiked this trail and loved it. It is an easy trail for most of the way, but the last 1/4 mile, however, is pretty much a vertical climb. And when I say vertical, I mean using your hands to climb boulders to reach the Lighthouse. This part would be very difficult for older people or very young children. If you're able to climb it I think it is worth it. The view at the top is amazing! It is a long walk to the Lighthouse, so bring water. I would highly recommend this trail for avid hikers and anyone who wants some great photos.
We loved this hike! I believe it was about 3 miles round-trip? Perfect for a Spring day. If you pass through Amarillo, consider visiting the state park in Canyon, Tx, just a few minutes South of Amarillo. See lots of photos and a full review on my blog. Here's the link to copy and paste: https://kineticheart.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/palo-duro-canyon-lighthouse-trail/
Easy stroll to the lighthouse rock with my 70 odd year old mother and uncle, and my two tweens. It is a beautiful trail, very easy to walk and yielding such beautiful sights. I took many pictures, however, I am not sure that any will show the true colors of the rocks and the different strata - makes you want to take up painting.
No words can describe this! The trail was easy to maneuver and well traveled. There was some spots that we had to climb with lose dirt but it was worth it. It was exciting to see the different formations and landscape along the way.
My husband is hiker and biker. He loved this trail and the views were breathtaking. Wants to go back and do more trails
6 mi RT in and out trail. . Trail exposed so take 2+ ltr/water PP and avoid hike if storms/lightening forecast. Trailhead is 15 min from VC near 3rd Water Crossing.