Hiking The Lighthouse

Lighthouses were historically built to guide ships, acting as beacons in the dark to help navigate treacherous waters and find safe entry points. Today, most lighthouses are obsolete, replaced by modern technology, yet their legacy continues to inspire. In Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, there’s a “lighthouse” of a different kind, which doesn’t shine any light. Or does it? I’ll explore this question along with providing tips on hiking the Lighthouse Trail and composing photographs of this natural wonder.

Discovering the Texas Canyons

As surprising as it may seem, Texas is home to the second-largest canyon system in the United States, trailing only the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This expansive Texas canyon system includes Caprock Canyons and Palo Duro Canyon. My hike to the iconic Lighthouse formation took place on a chilly October morning in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Hiking the Lighthouse Trail: Easy Yet Rewarding

The Lighthouse Trail is rated moderate, spanning approximately six miles round trip. However, I would personally rate it on the easy side of moderate, except for the final two-tenths of a mile, where a steep ascent adds a challenge.

For the first 2.7 miles, the trail is wide and mostly flat. There are mild uphill and downhill sections, but nothing strenuous. It’s the last two-tenths of a mile where you’ll face a steeper climb, justifying the moderate difficulty rating.

The Lighthouse: A Hoodoo and Its Name

The Lighthouse is actually a hoodoo, a type of natural rock formation. Upon my first visit, while I found it beautiful, I was underwhelmed by the unimaginative name. Sure, it resembles a lighthouse, but there are countless hoodoos that share this shape across the U.S. Why this one specifically?

Sunrise and the “Lighthouse Effect”

On the morning of my hike, I set out an hour before sunrise. The air was crisp at 43°F—ideal for hiking, knowing the day’s temperature would climb to the mid to high 70s. Expecting to see other early-bird hikers, I was surprised to find myself alone, likely due to the cold.

Headlamp on, my pace on a hike like this is around 3+ mph. I would make it to the Lighthouse well before sunrise. In the direction I was headed, I could hear a pack of coyotes howling in the distance.

As I hiked in the darkness, I began to reconsider my disappointment with the Lighthouse’s name. What if the naming wasn’t just about its shape? What if, at sunrise, the light interacted with the hoodoo in a way that made it resemble an actual lighthouse?

I decided to test this theory. Instead of reaching the Lighthouse at the break of dawn, I stopped short of my destination to photograph it from afar. And what a decision it was! As the sun began to rise, the first rays of light hit the top of the Lighthouse, leaving the rest of the canyon in shadow. It was as if the Lighthouse itself was emitting light—a brief but stunning “lighthouse effect.”

Photographing the “Lighthouse Effect”: Tips for Success

To capture this effect, timing is everything. I hiked in October, but the sun pattern may vary at different times of the year. My advice is to be in position before the sun rises. After passing the 1.4-mile marker, you’ll soon have a clear view of the Lighthouse, but don’t stop there. Continue to about two miles in (no marker) where you’ll find a picnic table with a sun cover on the right. Just a few yards past that, get off the trail to the left for optimal photo spots.

After capturing this beautiful morning scene, I continued on the trail, which offers plenty of additional photographic opportunities. Upon reaching the 2.7-mile marker, you’ll find a bike rack and picnic table, marking the beginning of the final, uphill stretch to the Lighthouse.

Reaching the Lighthouse: Views, Compositions, and Solitude

As you ascend, there are ample opportunities to capture stunning images of the Lighthouse from different angles. One great spot is a bench just before you reach the top, offering a nice view for photography, or simply a place to relax and soak in the beauty. By the time I arrived at the summit, the Lighthouse was fully bathed in morning light—a complete transformation from the shadowed scene earlier.

While at the top, a local hiker from Amarillo emerged. He told me he regularly hikes this trail as his morning exercise, often carrying a 45-pound backpack. He shared a story about witnessing a wedding party at the Lighthouse—what a unique setting for vows!

After he left, I had the entire area to myself, allowing me to explore and photograph the surroundings in peace. There’s nothing quite like having a spectacular natural site all to yourself.

Other Hiking Tips

1. You can get a great view of the Lighthouse at 1.5 miles into the hike, with the first 1.5 miles being on the easy side of moderate.
2. You’ll cross a creek (usually dry) about five times. If it rains heavily, be cautious as it may become an obstacle.
3. Palo Duro summers can be brutal, with temperatures soaring into triple digits. If visiting in summer, start early in the morning. On the plus side of a summer visit, don’t miss the acclaimed Texas Outdoor Musical performed in the canyon only during the summer months.

The Lighthouse Beyond Its Name

While the Lighthouse of Palo Duro Canyon may not emit light like its coastal counterparts, my experience suggests otherwise—at least for a brief moment each sunrise. If you catch it at the right time, it truly acts like a lighthouse, and this “lighthouse effect” adds a whole new layer of meaning to its name.

From hiking tips to photographic insights, my journey to the Lighthouse has changed my perspective on its name and enhanced my appreciation for this hidden gem in the Texas Panhandle. Whether you’re an early-morning hiker, a photographer, or just a lover of natural beauty, the Lighthouse of Palo Duro Canyon offers an experience you won’t soon forget.

Author: Tim Maxwell