Spring Break in Amarillo: Why You Don’t Need Mountains When You Have the Canyon
My nine-year-old daughter recently said something that stuck with me: "Who needs mountains when we have a Canyon?" She was exactly right.
Over the Presidents’ Day holiday, we made the quick 15-minute drive from Amarillo to Palo Duro Canyon for some one-on-one time. Our goal for the day was to hike the Lighthouse Trail; the high temp that day was 77, not bad for a winter day. I must say the view was absolutely breathtaking.
Hiking the Lighthouse Trail
If you have ever been to the Incline in Colorado, you know how intimidating a climb can look. As we looked at the final stretch of the trail, it seemed a bit daunting. But like most things in life, the hike to the top looked more intimidating than it actually was.
Along the way, we saw groups of friends enjoying the trail, a handful of deer, and plenty of cactus. While the winter landscape is a bit more rugged, reaching the summit made every bit of the hike worth it. The view from the top is a reminder of how much beauty we have right here in our own backyard.
Tips for a Successful Family Hike
With Spring Break right around the corner, many Amarillo families are looking for local getaways. If you are planning to head down into the canyon, here is what I recommend bringing along:
Water and Snacks: Must-haves. Even when it is cool outside, the canyon sun can be intense.
Gum: It sounds simple, but having gum can be really helpful with the pressure change going into the Canyon.
Take the Breaks: Don’t be afraid to rest. There is no prize for finishing the fastest. Take the time to breathe and soak in the scenery. (Our hike took about 4 hours round trip, the average is about 3 hours.)
Take the Risk: Sometimes the view at the end looks hard to reach, but I promise the perspective from the top is worth the effort.
Capturing Your Own Milestones
In a world that feels rushed, taking a quiet afternoon to hike with my daughter reminded me of why I love what I do. Whether it is a hike through the canyon or a relaxed session in my downtown Amarillo studio, these moments of connection are what truly matter.
If you are looking for a way to spend quality time with your family this Spring Break, I highly recommend a trip to Palo Duro. You don’t need a long road trip to find something beautiful sometimes the best views are just 15 minutes away. Reach out here to start planning your session.