As if being the second-largest canyon in the country wasn’t reason enough to love Palo Duro Canyon, it’s given us another. The Lighthouse Trail in Texas leads to a rock formation that looks exactly like a miniature lighthouse. It’s one of the most unique hikes you’ll ever take!
As the second-largest canyon in America, Palo Duro Canyon is often heralded as a miniature Grand Canyon - and it doesn’t stop there.
Martina Birnbaum / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images The park is also home to another lookalike feature: a rock that bears an uncanny resemblance to a lighthouse.
In order to reach the trail, you’ll need to embark on the 5.8-mile Lighthouse Trail.
AllTrails/Doug Fravel Moderately challenging, the out-and-back trail is the most popular hike in the canyon, and for good reason.
The trail starts off relatively flat, then gradually gains elevation until reaching a peak of just over 500 feet.
tyrrbrown / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images You can see the lighthouse from the very beginning; it appears small from a distance, but once you get closer, you’ll be in awe.
Winding through the scrub brush characteristic of Texas’ Great Plains region, the hike showcases the ancient canyon in all its glory.
Fang Zheng / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images It’s a relatively straightforward trail with few opportunities to get lost, but just in case, know that the lighthouse will always be there to guide you.
Upon approaching the lighthouse - the trail leads you right to its base - you can’t help but allow your jaw to drop.
AllTrails/NONIE V Its sheer size is overwhelming in the best way possible, and instead of ushering sailors into shore, it serves as a shining beacon for hikers to flock towards.
Perhaps even more incredible than the lighthouse itself are the views that surround it.
AllTrails/Jeff Anderson The entire 120-mile-long canyon is laid out before your eyes, and it’s a breathtaking sight.
Visit AllTrails to learn more about The Lighthouse Trail in Texas.
Martina Birnbaum / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images
The park is also home to another lookalike feature: a rock that bears an uncanny resemblance to a lighthouse.
AllTrails/Doug Fravel
Moderately challenging, the out-and-back trail is the most popular hike in the canyon, and for good reason.
tyrrbrown / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
You can see the lighthouse from the very beginning; it appears small from a distance, but once you get closer, you’ll be in awe.
Fang Zheng / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
It’s a relatively straightforward trail with few opportunities to get lost, but just in case, know that the lighthouse will always be there to guide you.
AllTrails/NONIE V
Its sheer size is overwhelming in the best way possible, and instead of ushering sailors into shore, it serves as a shining beacon for hikers to flock towards.
AllTrails/Jeff Anderson
The entire 120-mile-long canyon is laid out before your eyes, and it’s a breathtaking sight.
Have you ever seen this miniature lighthouse? Are there any other lookalike attractions or natural features in Texas? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another, much lesser-known canyon in Texas worth visiting.
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Address: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
