Palo Duro Canyon (etc.) Roadtrip

Finished booking sites! Abilene, Palo Duro , Copper Breaks and Lake Arrowhead reserved!

Part of my exploring all Texas state parks effort. 6 parks - all new to me! Note: Palo Duro is only a portion of the trip ( 5 days total.)

Feel free to join for any portion. Any mix of days or places welcome. Do camping or day hikes as you wish. I know 11 days could be a bit much, but I welcome participation of any combination.

I will reserve one site per Park. Depending on headcount and/or Park restrictions, I will add a site if needed. At that point, I ask that you chip in something to help cover additional expenses.

Of course, you may make your own plans to stay at hotels or other sites and just come by to visit or do the day hikes.

As we get nearer, let me know your intentions. We can message or meet if you feel the need. There will be car fees especially if everyone drives solo. Have a TX State Park pass !

Day hikes will be posted separately as well but be sure to double-check just in case we have to alter plans as we are traveling.

Places:
Palo Duro is the "Grand Canyon of Texas," so be ready for some sunny and challenging hiking. Caprock Canyon is in the same vein but with Bison!
Copper Breaks is greener but still a Dark Sky Park. Lake Arrowhead is even greener with good fishing and disc golf and near Wichita.

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: 10/01 - Thursday
Leave WDL early: earlier the better!
Road trip (5.5 hours) to Lake Brownwood for a 6 mile hike,
- drive on to Abiline for an overnight- 1.5 hours drive
- halfway point to Palo Duro!
- Abiline State Park: site reserved in Pecan Grove

Day 2: 10/02 - Friday
Departure time: noon at latest (earlier better.)
- Drive to Palo Duro - 4.5 hours
- Set up
- Explore
Site Reserved in Hackberry from Friday 2 pm to Tuesday 10:00 am.

Day 3: 10/3 - Saturday
Palo Duro: Day 2
- Hike
- Potluck?

Day 4: 10/4 - Sunday
Palo Duro: Day 3
Caprock Day
- Drive 1.5 hours
- depart 8:30 AM
- pack lunch, snack, water
- Hike Canyon Rim trail, South Prong, Eagle Point loop, 8.5 miles, moderate, 4.5 to 6 hours

Day 5: 10/5 - Monday
Palo Duro: Day 4
- Hike

Day 6: 10/6 - Tuesday
Palo Duro: Day 5
- Depart by 8:30 if going to Alibates Flint Quarries
Alibates Flint Quarries Tour: 10:30 am - 12:30 am
- Drive to Copper Breaks - 3 hours, hike, camp
Copper Breaks: Day 1

Day 7: 10/7 - Wednesday
Copper Breaks: Day 2
- Hike

Day 8: 10/8 - Thursday
Copper Breaks: Day 3
- Depart by noon
- Drive to Lake Arrowhead - 2 hours, camp
Lake Arrowhead: Day 1

Day 9: 10/9 - Friday
Lake Arrowhead: Day 2
- Hike Wee Chi Ta Trail in Wichita
- 20 minutes drive, urban mixed use trail
- Visit nearby nature center? Elsewhere?

Day 10: 10/10 - Saturday
Lake Arrowhead: Day 3
- Hike Lake Arrowhead
- lighter hike

Day 11: 10/11 - Sunday
Lake Arrowhead: Day 3
- Depart by noon.
- head home - 5+ hours

Caveats:
I am by no means a professional guide, so please be responsible for your own safety, be prepared to navigate on your own, and be physically able to enjoy the hiking.

All levels of experience welcome, but be sure to inform us beforehand of any accommodations or particular interests and we'll go from there. I have no ego involved in the route or pace, so just keep me informed if you are faster or slower than the main body of the group or have other suggestions.

Weather:
Average weather Palo Duro is pretty moderate in October, but be prepared! Temps usually range from high 40s at night to high-70s daytime. Overcast or mostly cloudy about 10% of the time. Thunderstorms and lightening possible, so watch the weather forecasts!
Semper preperavit!

Recommendations:
I always recommend plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen & insect repellent as a start. Palo Duro is not shaded, so double-up on water and sun protection!

Check out hiking guidelines online for other suggestions if you are new to hiking or need a refresher. I would download the map and/or have a paper back up if you are cautious, too!

Courtesies:

Edit your RSVP! I would rather have more people show up than have delays waiting for those who don't. Please don't sign up if you are tentative; just show up! If you do need to cancel, please edit your RSVP asap!

Communicate!
Things happen! If you experience delays, comment or dm and keep us informed. This holds for during events, too. We will adjust or accommodate whenever possible.