What time should I get to Palo Duro in order to see most of the sunset?

Also, and more importantly, what locations do you recommend? I'd prefer something on the "Lubbock side" of the canyon as I'll be cutting it pretty close to "sunset time." I'll be leaving town at 5:30.

I'm just needing to get out of town for an evening and clear my head...no better way than to observe God's creation...

no one has any suggestions?

At least directions on how to get to the Palo Duro entrance?

There really is no "Lubbock Side" of the State Park, as the only entrance is from the west.

You just come up I-27 and take exit 106 - State highway 217. If you need a bathroom break/gas/food, turn left and drive 2 miles west into the city of Canyon. If not, turn right and drive 12 miles east to the state park. It will cost $4 per person to get in.

It is about an hour and 40 minute drive from Lubbock to Canyon, and add about 15-20 minutes to get out to the park, as well as whatever time it takes you to get to I-27 from where you are in Lubbock.

Intellicast.com says sunset today is at 7:21pm. I would assume it sets over the Canyon wall 30 minutes or so earlier. The disadvantage is that you really miss the sunset if you are actually down in the canyon.

However, there is an overlook next to the visitors center, about a mile inside the park from the entrance. It is on top of the rim, so you should be able to see the sunset over the plains to the west, and still be able to watch the shadows fall in the canyon below you.

The chamber of commerce will not like this suggestion, but if you really want to get away, go to Caprock Canyons park near Quitaque. It is the same distance from Lubbock amd much less crowded and developed, though this time of year Palo Duro is pretty quiet.

Any other questions?

CanyonAg nailed it.

So how did it go SuzyQ? BTW, the day you plan to make a trip is usually a bit late to be asking for directions. This board doesn't get the traffic the General Board does.

Oh, I haven't gone yet. I'm going on the 19th, after my Wills midterm (just finished my commercial midterm today).

Any overlook suggestions? I've been looking at TPWD online maps and there a couple of overlooks close to the entrance...any personal recommendations?

My parents got engaged at the scenic overlook. The way Dad tells it, it was a really romantic, well thought out moment. Mom just says they got engaged at a roadside park.

Ahhh, from your post, I thought you were headed out that day. I'll try to add a few thoughts before then.

Looking at

The park map at this link,

the scenic overlook in the lower right corner is the one you want...just past the Rim Cabins and Visitor Center. BTW, that map is really goofy, since North is to the bottom right, not the top.

Here's a Google Maps look

The visitor center is at the bottom, the overlook at the top, just to the right of the circle parking area. It's really the only overlook on top of the canyon.

I will be at Palo Duro in two weeks for a trail run, but I'll be seeing a sunrise.

post your pictures . . .

I would suggest the Caprock Canyons. It is easier to get into and out, especially from Lubbock. But Palo Duro is pretty awesome also.


I remember law school exams and the need to disappear for a few days afterwards. Good luck on the Wills test.

Actually, Caprock Canyons and Palo Duro are about the same distance from Lubbock.

quote:

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post your pictures . . .

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Will do. I plan on taking plenty...after the run of course.

dp

[This message has been edited by CanyonAg77 (edited 10/18/2007 1:10p).]

Looks like sunset on the 19th will be close to 7pm. If you are leaving Lubbock at 5:30, you'll be seeing the sunset somewhere north of Happy.

I'll save you a couple of miles with this map.

Exit I-27 at exit 103/Cemetery Road/South Washington. Continue due north (I-27 veers NW at this point) on FM1541 about 3 miles to the intersection with state road 217. Turn right (east) toward the park. The entrance will be about 8 miles from this intersection.

Were you planning to stay the night or drive back? If the latter, please be careful. I-27 is pretty boring and sleep-inducing late at night.

I do like Caprock Canyons a lot. As I said before, it is about the same distance from Lubbock...not as far north, but further east. And it is less developed, further from a big town, and less well known. So there will be times when you feel like the only person there...and may be.

If you don't like back roads, you need to drive to Tulia on I-27, then take 86 east to Quitaque. There is a nice roadside park/overlook at this spot (scroll out to see where it is) before you get to Quitaque.

If you don't mind back roads, I'd go to Floydada first, then north to South Plains on 207. Three miles north of South Plains, take FM 689 to the east. In less than 10 miles, you'll drop off the cap. So even if you don't make the park by nightfall, you'll see some nice scenery.

Then look for FM 1065 to take you into the south side of Quitaque and toward the park. Entrance is about 3 miles north of Quitaque on 1065.



[This message has been edited by CanyonAg77 (edited 10/18/2007 1:12p).]