When I found myself with four days off work, I decided it was time for an adventure. With the Panhandle of Texas calling my name, I packed my bags and hit the road, eager to explore the unique sights and experiences this region has to offer. From quirky roadside attractions to breathtaking natural wonders, here’s a recap of my exciting journey.
Day 1: Shark Beach, a Happy surprise, and Amarillo
I kicked off my adventure with lunch at Shark Beach, a popular eatery on the outskirts of Amarillo, Texas. Known for its delicious burgers and casual, beach-themed atmosphere, this local gem is a must-visit spot. I was there for lunch on a Monday, so there wasn’t much going on. However, I put my feet in the sand as I ate my burger, and it was a moment that couldn’t get any better. Well, the burger could have been a little less salty, but it was still delicious. Shark Beach has live Texas country music on the weekends, and I can only imagine how fun this place is with your friends and some good Texas country!
On the way to Shark Beach, I passed signs for a small town with a rather unexpected name: Happy, Texas. How could I not follow the signs to Happy?! So, after lunch, I ventured back. Intrigued, I pulled over and spent some time wandering around. Happy, Texas has a charming, nostalgic feel. I couldn’t resist snapping pictures of all the things “Happy.”
After soaking up the happy in Happy, I made my way to Amarillo. My first stop was the iconic Cadillac Ranch. This outdoor art installation features a row of half-buried Cadillacs, each one covered in vibrant graffiti. Armed with a can of spray paint, I tried to add my own touch of “aloha” to this evolving masterpiece, although the outrageous West Texas wind did not make it easy. I took plenty of photos to remember the moment.
A short drive away, I found the lesser-known but equally intriguing Giant Legs of Amarillo. This peculiar sculpture of two massive legs stands tall in the middle of a field, a sight that’s impossible to miss. There is undoubtedly some eclectic and unexpected artwork that helps define Amarillo!
Next, I visited the world’s third-fattest flagpole, also located in Amarillo. It’s an odd claim to fame, but still something to be proud of, I suppose. I would have never even thought of comparing flag pole sizes! That West Texas wind was still at it, though, and it twisted Old Glory up, so I couldn’t see her waving on this pole that dwarfed her.
After the Amarillo sights, I stopped by the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch for dinner and had a tasty filet. Known for its 72 oz steak challenge, I watched Mitchell from Ohio attempt to conquer this massive meal. Not only did he have to eat the entire steak, but he had to eat all the fixins that came with it, too! Despite his valiant effort, he only made it about halfway through the meal before he said he felt like he was about three bites away from ruining the other half. Mitchell left the Big Texan with $72 less to his name and probably three more meals. My meal was a more manageable portion, but I happily left with leftovers as well.
Day 2: Nature’s Majesty at Palo Duro Canyon
Day two was dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Palo Duro Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Hiking through the canyon, the vibrant red rock formations stood out. The park offers a variety of trails, and I chose three. Two of them were based on recommendations from a friendly server at Starbucks.
My first hike led me along the “Lighthouse” trail, aptly named for its destination. The Lighthouse, for which the trail is called, is an incredible rock formation that provides panoramic views of the canyon below. The sight of the expansive canyon below was a perfect reward for the moderate trek. It was well worth all the tiny horsefly bites I collected along the way!
The second trail was the “Paseo del Rio” trail. This was an easy 1-mile trail that took me past the remains of an old cowboy dugout, offering a glimpse into the cowboy lifestyle of the 1880s. The trail was a gentle walk, which provided a nice contrast to the more demanding Lighthouse trail.
The third and final trail of the day was the “Kiowa” trail, the favorite of the Starbucks barista. This easy 2.8 mile out-and-back took me through some truly picturesque landscapes. However, I hustled off this trail pretty quickly when I spotted some wild boars nearby on my return journey!
Palo Duro offers more than hikes, though. In addition to hiking, I visited the Big Cave, the CCC Fireplace, and the Longhorn pasture. The Big Cave, true to its name, was a large yet shallow cave that was well worth walking my tired legs out to. Additionally, the CCC Fireplace, a relic from the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, stood as a reminder of the hard work that went into building the canyon’s roads, buildings, and trails. The Longhorns bid me farewell.
11.25 miles of trail and 160 ounces of water later, I finished my day at Palo Duro. Spending the entire day connecting with nature felt terrific, and I drove away with a happy heart.
Day 3: Wild Encounters at Caprock Canyons
On my final day, I ventured to Caprock Canyons State Park, home to the Texas State Bison Herd. Caprock Canyons State Park spans over 15,000 acres and is filled with wildlife, beauty, and rich history.
One of the park’s most unique attractions is its free-roaming bison herd. I had heard about the bison of Caprock, but I was utterly blown away by what I actually encountered at the park – there were so many of them! Less than five minutes into the park, I was stopped for 20 minutes, waiting for the bison to move out of the road so I could pass. The bison herd at Caprock descends from the original Southern Plains bison that once roamed the Great Plains.
Caprock Canyons State Park has over 90 miles of multi-use trails. Although my hiking plans through Caprock were somewhat thwarted by blisters from the previous day, I still managed to tackle a few trails and experience the park’s unique beauty. The Eagle Point Trail is known for its natural bridge. I, however, found myself puzzled and unable to locate this bridge. I did as the sign said – I found the wooden bench, and I followed the trail below. I even went back a second time for a look, though the trail was rather sketchy, so I did not hike it a second time. Try as I might, I remained puzzled. After returning to the Visitors’ Center for guidance, on my third attempt, I found the bridge. The key was not to take the trail below the bench but rather to cross the trail from the bench and then take the trail down. Time has subtly altered the landscape, and now the only way to see through the bridge is from the side across from the bench.
I also did the Canyon Rim/Spur trail, which had some stunning views of wildflowers and canyon. The vistas were spectacular, making every painful step worth the effort.
The wildlife in Caprock added an element of excitement to the hike, something notably different from Palo Duro. In addition to the bison, I was delighted to spot numerous prairie dogs, their antics as adorable as ever! I also caught glimpses of a few roadrunners and even an owl!
Despite the blisters and navigational challenges (if you know me well, you know I’m used to the navigational challenges), Caprock Canyons State Park was filled with natural beauty and unexpected encounters.
Reflections on the Road
As I drove home after my day at Caprock, I reflected on the diverse experiences of the previous three days. From the unexpected charm of Happy, Texas, to the artistic flair of Amarillo and the natural splendor of the canyons, my Panhandle adventure had proved to be a treasure trove of memorable moments. This trip embodied the joy of discovery, the simple pleasures of the open road, and the beauty of being alone in nature, three things in which I find extreme peace. I returned home refreshed and recharged, ready for the next week ahead.
