Fitness Friday: Hiking Palo Duro Canyon

As I mentioned before, Alie and I rented a car in Phoenix and drove our way back to Toledo (which is a lonnngggg drive!). We stopped in different cities along the way, hiking and eating our way back home. When doing some pre-trip research, Alie discovered Palo Duro Canyon, fondly referred to as “the Grand Canyon of Texas,” and knew she wanted to hike it. Now, I would pharmacy online with rx definitely consider myself fit & active, but I wouldn’t exactly say I’m “outdoorsy.” I do LOVE being outside, but I don’t love stomping through bugs and mud. Alie, on the other hand, loves hiking and climbing. When we arrived, I wanted to hike a 5 mile trail and she wanted an 11 mile trail, so we comprised and created our own 8 mile route using 3 trails.

If you’re ever stuck in the panhandle of Texas, I would definitely recommend visiting Palo Duro. The canyon is absolutely beautiful (these pictures don’t do it justice) and it was really cool being inside of the canyon. A few tips: wear hiking boots and not just tennis shoes (it can get really muddy), bring a huge water bottle, hit the bathrooms before, and have some snacks! (Quest bars are my favorite).

There are multiple types of trails: horseback riding, mountain biking, running and hiking, and a few of them are very family friendly. We got lucky because we arrived the day after a flash flood, so the flowers were blooming and the canyon was greener than it had been in years! The only downsides? Excess water and a million mosquitos. Overall we had a great time, and I would definitely visit again.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend & a great Father’s Day!

-M