The Geologic Story of Palo Duro CanyonMatthews, William Henry
Science
The Geologic Story of Palo Duro Canyon
Matthews, William Henry
Geology -- Texas -- Palo Duro State Park; Palo Duro State Park (Tex.)
A loop marks the end of Park Road 5 and the conclusion of the scenic
drive. Located in this area are a number of fine camping areas, picnic
grounds, the old stone cottages called the “Cow Cabins,” and rest rooms
with shower facilities (fig. 36).
[Illustration: Fig. 32. The “dome” on Capitol Peak is a well-known
canyon landmark. Composed of the Tecovas and Quartermaster
Formations, the profile of Capitol Peak is referred to as the
Sleeping Indian. (The “Indian’s” head can be seen in the right
background.)]
[Illustration: Fig. 33. Fortress Cliff is a prominent feature on the
eastern rim of the canyon. Seen here are the precipitous cliffs
developed in the Ogallala caliche (p. 26) and the sandstones and
shales of the Trujillo Formation.]
[Illustration: Fig. 34. The Rock Garden is a jumbled mass of
Trujillo sandstone boulders that mark the site of an ancient
landslide.]
_Hiking._—
There are a number of established trails for the visitor who is
interested in hiking. The more popular trails include those to the
Spanish Skirts and Catarina Cave (p. 37), the Devil’s Tombstone, the
Lighthouse (p. 39), and the Devil’s Slide (p. 40). Park rangers will be
glad to provide more complete information about these and other trails
within the canyon.
_Horseback riding._—
Saddle horses can be rented at the stables located east of the road near
the Pioneer Amphitheatre. There are a number of trail rides that can be
taken on well-trained horses accustomed to the rugged terrain of the
canyon. Additional information may be obtained from the attendants at
the stable.
_Camping and picnicking._—
An ample number of well-developed camping and picnic areas are scattered
throughout the canyon. Most are located adjacent to or a short distance
from Park Road 5; they are equipped with outdoor fireplaces and tables.
Running water, rest rooms, and showers are provided in certain areas.
Campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis, and there is
a 10-day limit on overnight camping. Detailed information on camping
regulations and camping areas is available from a park ranger or at the
Entrance Station.
_Photography._—
Palo Duro Canyon offers many opportunities for both amateur and
professional photography. The multi-colored rock formations, erosional
land-forms, and plants and animals offer limitless possibilities to the
creative and imaginative photographer. Color shots are especially
effective, but a haze filter will be helpful when photographing distant
objects. Morning and afternoon are the best times for picture taking as
the mid-day sun is “flat” and lends little perspective to the canyon
scene.
[Illustration: Fig. 35. The Devil’s Slide in the south end of the
park is an eroded spur of Tecovas shales. Some of the “slides” made
by visitors are indicated by the arrow.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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