The sun is just beginning to peek above the rim of the canyon when we take our first step onto Lighthouse Trail, the most popular hiking trail in Palo Duro Canyon.  Despite the unnaturally early start, the thermometer already registers a warning temperature in the low 90s, and with expected temperature reaching 110 before noon, we know that we can’t waste any time.   My ten year old son and I are the only hikers on the trail at this early hour, and despite the fact that we are both inexperienced hikers (and one of us has a history of whining while hiking), we are determined to conquer the six mile round trip hike.  We definitely have the heat and our inexperience working against us, but I am hoping that the Lighthouse Trail will be a good first trail for kids and first time hikers.

Directions, Details, and Other Determining Factors

The Hike: The Lighthouse is a hoodoo formation that is considered the geological signature of Palo Duro Canyon.  The hike takes you to the base of the formation, and winds through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the canyon.  Other formations along the way include Capitol Peak and the Spanish Skirts (made famous by a series of Georgia O’Keefe paintings).

Getting There:  To reach the trailhead, drive down Park Road 5 into the canyon.  You will pass the amphitheatre and the trading post.  After you cross the second low water crossing, look for a parking lot on your right and begin your hike here.

Distance: Officially 5.75 miles roundtrip, but it’s really a bit longer than that.  The hike is 2.8 miles on relatively flat and wide trails that leads to a wickedly steep, but short ascent to the Lighthouse viewing area.  A few more feet, and another short climb will take you to the ridge directly adjacent to the famed formation.

Other Details:  The trail is rated as easy, with an elevation of 930 feet.  It is not generally a solitary trail, but worth the hike to get up close to the Lighthouse.

Duration: Plan for 3-4 hours, although we finished in just under 2 hours and 45 minutes, and we are definitely not experience hikers.

Recommended for:  Children as young as five could easily complete this hike with some help from an adult for the steeper climbing parts.  I would not recommend it for preschoolers simple because of the length and the care needed for the ascent and descent.

What to Expect on the Hike?

The hike can be divided into three parts-the 2.8 mile hike to the ascent, the ascent to the viewing area, and the ascent to the ridge of the formation.  The 2.8 mile hike is an easy hike on a wide, packed dirt trail through beautiful canyons.  There is a gentle grade with a few mild hills, but this is mostly a leisurely climb.  Along the trail you will see many beautiful formations in the canyon, including your first glimpse of the Lighthouse formation at just after one mile.  The distance is marked in tenths of mile along the path, and benches are stationed periodically for rests.  There is not much, if any shade on the trail; unless you start early enough that the sun is still behind the canyon (before 9 am).

At 2.8 mile, you will reach a shaded picnic table that signals the second part of the trail-the ascent to the viewing area.  If you are carrying much weight in your pack, you might want to leave your packs here.  Any pack over about twenty pounds would be somewhat unwieldy, and even dangerous on the climb up.  Stay to the left of the picnic table to start the climb. This climb is very steep, with timber steps and boulders to use as footholds.  Expect to rest several times on the climb, but the steepest part of the climb is over very quickly.  At the top, you will reach a bench overlooking the Lighthouse, which is a perfect place to rest before the final climb.

If you want to reach the ridge of the lighthouse, there is another short climb, using the side of the canyon as a form of stairs.  The climb is steep, but very short-no resting necessary.  The views are outstanding and definitely worth the climb.

The return trip is exactly the same as the ascent, but in reverse.  The steep ascent in step two was somewhat slippery with gravel, so some caution must be used here. 

Special Considerations for Kids

The Lighthouse Trail is great for school aged kids and first time hikers, particularly because it is a wide and easy trail with enough interesting stops to keep their interests.  I think the hike could be completed with a baby in a carrier, as long as the baby is less than 20 pounds and the parent is sure footed on the steeper ascents.  If you want to see the Lighthouse formation with younger kids (or whiny older ones), you can hike to the lookout point at about 1.5 miles and get a good view without having to commit to the entire six mile trek.   Maybe they’ll be so inspired, they’ll want to keep going.

Scavenger Hunt to Use Along the Trail

Print this trifold scavenger hunt to use along the trail to keep the kids entertained.

Lighthouse Trail Guide Palo Duro Canyon