Lighthouse Trailhead

6 miles round trip. The base of the plateau is the 2.8 listed on park maps. Once you get to the base you'll have to do some uphill climbing then about about a 3 feet tall step to a walking area that's about 3 feet wide with a scary drop if you slip. I went with my wife and three kids younger than 9. My heart overreacted at the danger and in hindsight it wasn't that scary. Absolutely beautiful views and made the long hike worth it.

I wouldn't recommend climbing to the plateu with kids under 5. The hike is really well marked and easy to follow. An absolute must if you're here.

Probably one of the most scenic hikes in Texas. It's right up there with the views at Big Bend for me. Moderate difficulty if you plan to go all the way, but otherwise fairly easy if you just stop at the viewing point. Passed hikers of all ages. If you can go all the way up, it's worth it. Once you are up on the shelf between the two points, do yourself a favor and hike up to the back/right for even more spectacular views. That portion is not easy, but it's also not super hard. Just take your time and watch your step.

This is a great trail. It is well marked and easy to navigate. At 2.7 miles there is a picnic table and bike racks. Up to that point it is a very easy trail to walk but is very scenic. From that point it gets steep and a bit more challenging, including climbing over some large rocks and at the top climbing over a ledge 3-4' high. The views from the top are great, in all directions. There is a large flat area at the base of the lighthouse formation where you can rest and enjoy the view. I highly recommend this trail. I'm really glad I got to experience it!

Hiked this trail in March on a week day and had a lot of fun!
Lovely views and hardly any other people on the trail.
Most of the time the trail is wide enough to make passing people/other dogs pretty easy, and if it’s too narrow to pass there is usually a place to step aside.
There is a water spicket in the parking lot.

This is a great trail and an amazing reward at the end. I was not able to scramble up the end though. I was very disappointed in myself to have gotten so far and able to see the top of the lighthouse just over the "hill". My knees would not allow me to go any further. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and would like to try it again. We rode bikes and my husband got a flat and had to walk his bike back. This trail is dig friendly. Please pick up after them and dispose of appropriately. We saw quite a few poo bags on the ground near the picnic table before you climb up hill.

When we got there, it was misty, and a bit foggy. Not being able to see very far, initially I was disappointed, but after we made our way though, I completely changed my mind. We have heard this is the second largest canyon in the US. First we went to the Lighthouse peak, the map showed a 2.5 mile walk. We went directly to it and took the same path back, it was less than a mile, so if you don't want to walk fast that is the to go. We had time so we went on the capital peaks, that did seem like a 2.5. We thoroughly enjoyed it, highly recommended.

Great trail, easily marked. Arrive early this place gets busy plus you'll avoid the heat. Right at the Lighthouse there is a scramble of rocks to climb, other wise easy and flat. Need trash cans, there are plenty of spots to stop and rest.
Continue to GSL to make it a longer hike if wanted.

Tip: If you want a full day of hiking (10.28 miles), start at the Soapberry Day Use Area (bathrooms are there), and hike down the Paseo del Rio trail, and then jump on the Lighthouse trail. After you visit the Lighthouse, then head out on the Givens Spicer Lowry (GSL) trail, take a loop out to Little Fox Loop trail, back to GSL, and then take the small end of the Kiowa trail back to the Soapberry parking lot.

Also, the Lighthouse was neat, the last bit is a hough climb. Some you are grasping rocks because it is so steep. And then you are on a flat Mesa, before the final short hike up the back of the Lighthouse.

What an experience for us seniors. It's an easy hike until the last 0.3 mile. Then, it is a scramble up rocks and boulders. Luckily, we started in the cool morning. It was 101⁰F / 40⁰C on the way out.

Amazing hike at Palo Duro. Heads up that this hike will take strength and endurance! It is 2.8 miles ONE way. It is an out and back hike. The most challenging part of this hike is the last .1 mile due to the bouldering up to the top and climbing. Have someone in your group wear a backpack and go hands free if possible. Bring lots of water and wear sunscreen as there is little shade. There are benches along the way if you need to stop and rest. Keep your head up and take note of the trail as the trail markers are not the best. The hike is definitely worth it.

It is 2.7 miles easy oneway plus very difficult quater mile steep climbing. There are several path gooing up but no clear signs. You have to use all your 4 for the last approch.

My 3rd favorite trail at this park is still one of the best. It’s mostly flat and not all that challenging, but the views along it and at the end are well worth it. If you come in the summer, don’t be a dum dum and bring TONS of water. It’s literally life or death. Otherwise, enjoy!

Beautiful scenery. Easy for most of the hike, but it's a bit more difficult towards the end. Definitely bring lots of water. You'll be sore afterwards if you're not used to hiking.

Nice and beautiful place, about 80% of the walking is on the plain (for this reason, I critically do not recommend going there in hot weather, it’s better in the morning or evening) and about 20% of the climb. A beautiful view awaits you at the end.

It’s worth the 3 mile hike! The Lighthouse is massive and looks amazing in person, pictures can’t do it justice.

Well marked trail head right off the parking area. Very scenic hike! Did not go all the way as I didn't have enough time during my visit, but overall easy throughout my hike. Very beautiful!

This was a really great trail! Had our kids 10 and 6 along and they did well. It was a tad on the long side for them (loads of encouragement on the way back for the little one especially) but they made it just fine and slept great that night! For adults and teens though 100% awesome. When you get to lighthouse rock there are 2 ways up. There is a trail left of the picnic table that most folks go up and I would recommend for the less (only slightly) adventurous. It still requires steady feet but much safer. You can follow the path on the right of the table for a more adventurous crew. We went up the right side path and down the left side path. I wouldn't recommend children on the right side path up. Though we made it fine I probably would opt the other path up next time. But either way, be safe, use your sense and you'll have a most excellent hike!

Beautiful trail with stunning views that lead to the light house rock formation. There's some nice scrambling at the end. Very enjoyable!

We had an amazing time !! Thus was exactly the recharge we needed.

This is a great trail. Pretty flat and exposed until you get to the 2.7 mile marker then it gets interesting. For the next .3 miles it is a scramble and will scare some who are afraid of heights but it is definitely worth the scare for the amazing views and up close view of the lighthouse formations. Bring a walking stick if you are scared of heights. Also bring water and sunscreen. Park at the trailhead!