Lauren Ducommun

During the summer we were able to book two nights at an old C.C.C. cabin at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. While the only availability was during the month of September, it ended up being the perfect time to go! The weather had just cooled off, so it was neither too hot nor too chilly. As this was a six hour drive away from the DFW area, we made a fun road trip out of it!

Below is the old stone Cow Camp cabin that we stayed in, built in the 1930s. While we had to drive to the bathrooms, it was nice to have a place with a mini fridge, microwave, air conditioning along with a table and beds. It was a welcome site after camping during a storm the night before.

The drive down into Palo Duro Canyon was breathtaking. We completed a junior ranger activity at the Visitor Center where we also enjoyed the views and little museum.

During the day, we would take little trips from our cabin and drive to various hiking trails. My kids enjoyed the CCC Trail, and the Soapberry Spur trail to see a 19th-century cowboy Dugout. We also took the Cliffside Trail and hiked up to a small cave, and went on a loop at the beggining of the Lighthouse Trail. I would love to come back sometime to hike up to the Lighthouse, as it is about 6 miles round trip, and we didn’t have the time.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park was one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in the United States. I would add it to my top places to visit — including Yosemite — as it is quite the experience!