The most well-known rock formation in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and no doubt the entire canyon, is a large hoodoo popularly called 'The Lighthouse', but officially named Lighthouse Peak. Why it was named this is obvious the first time one sees it because it does indeed closely resemble a lighthouse.

Unfortunately for the less motivated among us, The Lighthouse cannot be seen from the road but requires a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) hike along a 3 mile (5 km) trail to get the first view of it, still well off in the distance. Fortunately for those who attempt the trail, it is relatively easy for all but the last 100 feet (33 meters) or so, which is a steep ascent requiring the climbing of numerous steps for the last leg of the 3 miles.

Finding myself uncharacteristically motivated one morning, I did the trail, all 6 miles (10 km) round trip of it, and one should believe the signs that say to take along water, don't do the trail in midday heat, or if you have any physical problems. Even an easy trail such as this one takes its toll on a person since nearly all of the Lighthouse Trail is in direct sunlight. It was still in the cool of the morning when I started, midmorning by the time I reached the formation, gasping for breath and with my old heart pounding, and it was only 77°F (25°C) on my arrival back at the trailhead at midday and I'm very glad it wasn't any hotter because even at that moderate temperature my shirt was soaked with sweat and I had gone through a liter of water.

Shown here are some of the photos I took along my hike of the Lighthouse Trail.