Milestones
- 9th U.S. state camped. SHOW ON MAP
- Part of my 3rd Annual “Bike-A-Palooza” (SEE the Whole Trip)
- This was my second time riding my bike in Palo Duro Canyon, but my first overnight stay. My first bike ride in the canyon was in 2022, with some risky decisions on my part. Are you surprised?
Inhabitants… Human and Bison
The first evidence of human habitation of the canyon dates back about 10,000–15,000 years, and it is believed to have been continuously inhabited to the present day. The first European explorers to discover the canyon were members of the Coronado expedition, who visited the canyon in 1541. Apache Indians lived in Palo Duro at the time, but they were later displaced by Comanche and Kiowa tribes, who had the advantage of owning horses brought over by the Spanish.
In 1876, Charles Goodnight and a wealthy Ulster Scot named John Adair established the JA Ranch in Palo Duro Canyon. Goodnight preserved a herd of native plains bison that year, which is said to survive to this day in Caprock Canyons State Park. Bison of this herd were introduced into the Yellowstone National Park in 1902 and into the larger zoos and ranches throughout the nation. This herd is interesting, not only as one of the largest private herds in the country but also because it is one of the few which originated from stock obtained from the great Southern herd of wild buffalo which formerly roamed over the plains of Texas.
Camping in the Canyon
I enjoyed a shaded campsite, with cool temperatures.
I thought it was quite nice… and very pretty.
While I was getting dinner ready, these fine fellows strolled by… not more than 15 feet away.
The next morning…. my friends were back. We had a special bond between us. A human-to-turkey-bond.
This is the turkey that got away!!!!
Bike Riding in the Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon is located in the Texas Panhandle near the city of Amarillo. As one of the largest canyons in the United States, it is roughly 25–40 miles long and has an average width of 6 miles, but reaches a width of 20 miles at places. Its depth is around 800-1000 feet. It has been named “The Grand Canyon of Texas” both for its size and for its dramatic geological features, including the multicolored layers of rock and steep mesa walls, which are similar to those in the Grand Canyon. In 1976, Palo Duro Canyon State Park was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
In the morning, I packed up my campsite and unloaded my bike for a ride that I was looking forward to enjoying.
Let me know if you want more contacts with wild turkeys like the ones at your Palo Duro campsite. My neighborhood is overrun by turkeys, with several flocks every year – sometimes flocks of 16-20 individuals. I would include photos but IDK how to do that on your blog.
Geology very interesting.
Your photos gave me a real sense of the canyon floor; dad and I were once at the rim/visitor center/gift shop and looked down into the canyon but I didn’t have a sense of its variety and beauty until I saw your pics.