2/15/23 - Palo Duro Canyon - Where Jamaica And Texas Come Together

I would offer the predominant color of Palo Duro Canyon is red.

It’s an accessible red. The park trails wind past the coolest natural features of the place - from twisting creeks and juniper groves to hoodoos, towers, balanced stones, boulders, badlands, and layered striped high canyon walls.

The trails are open to bikers and hikers and hooves, whichever you prefer - though maybe not all at the same time.

As for me, I opted for wheels on the first day. I went for the big loop, some 26 miles worth of fun. Unfortunately, I wasn't riding my best. I bent my derailleur mid session when I bailed off a tricky section of lower Comanche. I was fine. My bike wasn't. But with a bit of trailside wrenching, I was able to pedal home. I left 13 miles hanging there. I hate leaving a trail unfinished.

The next day, I used my feet. A slower approach, sure, but a lot more interactive than pedal power. I did 11 miles, hiking out past the lighthouse rock. I was tempted to go off camber and find a way down to the dry wash below, but decided to stick to the beaten path. And what a great path! Im not often inspired to run when I can hike, but this landscape moved me. I'd love to coyote run it at sunset. Next time.

Throughout the day, high cirrus clouds were piling in from the west doing two things for me: They marked an incoming cold front, and they softened the light. It made the red vibrate beautifully.

“So what does Jamaica have to do with it?”

Given the geology of this place - with its penchant for red with white striped decor, I think Texas ought to adopt the Red Stripe Lager as it's park beer. Forgive me if someone has already thought of this, but after a long day of exploring the canyon, it would have been fitting and very well received to crack open an ice cold Red Stripe.

“Where Jamaica and Texas Come together.”

In fact, if they don’t, the camp store ought to stock some Red Stripes just for this purpose. You could make a killing on beer sales. Think about it, Texas…