When in Palo Duro Canyon.

Hike Texas’ own Grand Canyon

Palo Duro wasn't the original plan, but it definitely made for its own adventures.

Let me explain. Palo Duro Canyon has been on my "list" for some time now, but I've had my heart set on Guadalupe Peak for over a year.

Something about hiking to the Top of Texas just has it's own calling.

This past May I was finally able to make my plans for Guadalupe Peak for the Memorial Day weekend; but alas when you want something bad enough, there are always hurtles.

So I dusted off my Teton Sports backpack, made my checklist, and quickly found that even though I camp quite a bit, my primitive backcountry supplies are nearly non-existent.

The Peak is just around an 8 hour hike, round trip. There is no water, electric, local provisions, and the climate isn't for the faint of heart. West Texas can be pretty brutal in the summer.

Now, Memorial Day Weekend was going to have unseasonably cool weather, and I wasn't about the let that opportunity pass me by.

So I'm staring at this thin checklist, and it begins to dawn on me that I might not have everything I need for a 3 day backcountry hike/camp. *clicks of a mouse surfing the web*, I look into some hotels; BOOKED. Ok. What's in Carlsbad, NM? A few hotels, but well above my spending limit.

Change of plans.

I call up my buddy, informing him of our particular dilemma, and I offer a solution: Palo Duro Canyon. I send him a few photos, and he's in!

7.5 hours, that was our RoadTrip!

We loaded up the truck, made our way north, and somewhere between Junction and Eden I found a site I couldn't pass up to shoot. Funny thing about this photo is, I pull over, grab my camera, set up on the roof of my truck and snap. An hour goes by and I begin to panic. Did I put in an SD card before I left the house? No... No I didn't.

Luckily, the camera is set to save one photo internally, and I have my shot.

Our first stop was a place in Abilene, called Pappy Slokum Brewery. It came highly recommend, and did not disappoint.

I was fortune enough to chat with the owner, and brew master, Jeff Bell, along side his talented fellow brewer, Travis. Two very cool guys who took the time to introduce myself, and my buddy Maverick, to the world of Pappy's.

Mav and I hung around for a while, had a few beers. I explained what I was doing and creating with RTD to both Jeff and Travis who were intrigued, and offered some support, and a few road beers.

I can't thank them enough for the support, and the beers. It was definitely a great start to a great RoadTrip.

Inside is the "pub" where you will find an awesome bartender, Suzy. Very friendly, and sweet. Behind her you will find multiple taps to try the various beers available.

Stop in, taste a few brews, and folks TIP YOUR BARTENDERS.

If you are in Abilene, TX one day, please stop by, try the local favorite, Local Yella. It was my favorite.

I will definitely be visiting again with a small film crew for RoadTrip Discovery TV.

Along the backside of the brewery was a local food truck called, The Toasted Traveler.

Owned and Operated by Maggie, this truck served up some delicious toasted sandwiches by a very friendly staff. My personal favorite was the Original Traveler. Check 'em out!

Now fed, and stocked on beer, Maverick and I made our way back on the road. The remainder of the trip was pretty typical. Road music. Jokes. Stories. You name it.

Now the closer we get to Amarillo, the more I began to wonder if the trip was worth the drive. Most of the area is flat, with some cool rock formations, but overall not a whole lot to see, but I left my mind open, and my eyes set for the hotel.

We finally check-in to 1Motel just off of Interstate 40, settle in, unpack, and make plans for dinner. Sushi was definitely on the menu that night, so we looked up a placed call, Rain Premier Sushi bar & Lounge; which was amazing. I was not expecting Amarillo sushi to be that good.

Back at the hotel, we crack open a few beers, and call it a night.

A 7am wake up call was how the next morning started. I head down to breakfast, which wasn't too bad; eggs, sausage and toast.

I pack up my day pack, the Gregory (INERTIA15 H2O), wait for my friend to get packed up, and we hit the road. Palo Duro Canyon is about a 20 min drive from the hotel, and yet I'm still wondering if this trip was worth it, and folks let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Palo Duro has be one of the most epic sights I've seen here in Texas.

Living in SouthEast Texas most of my life, I haven't seen this side of Texas. I was thrilled to explore every square mile of this place, and I think we did just about that. Maverick and I spent more time hiking than we did driving. We started at the CCC Trail near the visitor center, and ended our day with the Lighthouse Trail.

The stunning views, the rocky terrain, the silence... the beauty was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn't have asked for a better Memorial Day weekend.

Palo Duro, you did not disappoint.