The Grand Canyon of Texas
The Canyon is 120 miles long, as much as 20 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet. Its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level. It is often claimed that Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States.
Early Spanish Explorers are believed to have discovered the area and dubbed the canyon "Palo Duro" which is Spanish for "hard wood" in reference to the abundant mesquite and juniper trees.
People have lived in the canyon for approximately 12,000 years. Early settlers were nomadic tribes that hunted mammoth, giant bison, and other large game animals. Later, Apache Indians lived in the canyon, but were soon replaced by Comanche and Kiowa tribes who resided in the area until 1874.
At that time, Col. Ranald Mackenzie was sent into the area to transport the Native Americans to Oklahoma. Col. Mackenzie and the 4th Cavalry were able to capture more than 1,400 horses belonging to the tribe. After keeping some of the best horses for themselves, the remainder were taken to nearby Tule Canyon and destroyed. Cut off from their only means of transportation, the Native Americans soon surrendered.
Once again, I took a ton of pictures and trying to pick the few to put on the blog is so difficult. This canyon is beautiful and full of lots of colors.
I have never thought of Texas as being particularly scenic, so it is with great wonder that I've been reading blogs for the past 2+ years showing me a different side of the state. It is gorgeous and the scenery is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWith so much beauty in the canyons, it really is difficult to pick the best photos. Plus, it's just one of those places where you have to be to get the real experience of that beauty.
ReplyDeleteNow you need to label them so when you look back down the road you won't think they are of the Grand Canyon.
ReplyDeleteWe're camped just of I-40 in Amarillo and woke up to 3 inches of snow and a wind chill of 19 degrees. Did you manage to avoid that being in the canyon.
ReplyDeletePretty, but where? North Texas? Are we going to be running into you guys again? We are not sure of our route yet but we will definitely be avoiding big cities. New Orleans was a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteLoved the park too. Hope you can find the little museum - its between Amarillo and and Palo Duro - my brain is certainly on overload. Or maybe its underloaded!
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