The Lighthouse Rock

Great hike, very easy until you get to Lighthouse rock, it then becomes moderately difficult. Bring water and good shoes. Great view of the canyon floor. Spent 25 minutes at the top, total trail time 2:35. Go early as the parking is limited to about 35-40 spots. Trail activity picked up at around 8:30.

Lighthouse rock is amazing. It’s a formation that you cannot see from any of the roads. You must take the trail to be able to see it. That being said it is a one-way 2.8 mile hike so in order to do the whole thing it’s a 6 mile hike, the entire hike is very easy it’s just a walking trail until you get to the base of the lighthouse. We did the hike with two adults a nine-year-old a five-year-old and an infant strapped to a carrier, but it was totally worth it took us about three hours. We had lunch at the top, if you can do it it’s worth it

We loved the hike! 10 out of 10 for sure. Amazing views. Trail is well maintained and dirt. Had to scramble up to the lighthouse rock but took my time. It was amazing! We were the only ones there for 2 hours so we sat and ate our breakfast! Left the trailhead at 6, arrived to the rock at 7:30 & returned to the car at 10 am.

This was truly, an exceptional, highly Spiritual experience for me..The trail was fairly easy up until the last stretch...Had to do some climbing towards the end..I would suggest bringing plenty of water, at least 8+ bottles. I would also suggest going when the temperature isnt so high.The ending was utterly breathtaking, to say the least when I reached the Lighthouse..I would highly recommend this Adventure, it had a huge impact on how I now view Life!

Palo Duro Canyon was incredibly beautiful. We did one hike, to the lighthouse. The trail was very easy until the last tenth of a mile or so, where it was moderately difficult. We did see one very young girl and an older man both struggle up the last bit For most people it's an easy hike.

We started the hike at about 7:30 am. We had full sun only for a couple of minutes then a later if high clouds kept the string heat away. We each drank about 6 16oz bottles of water. We saw some folks hiking with one bottle or no water at all... The biting flies were pretty bad for the first 1/2 hour. Bring bug spray. It took us 1:10 for the three miles to the lighthouse and 1:04 for the trip back. We stopped several times for photos. It was a really memorable hike. The view from the lighthouse is exceptional. Asking the way we saw some goats atop a hill and a like tarantula. We also saw various lizards. The plants in bloom were beautiful.

Only last part of the trail about few hundred feet is hard and rugged.

Great out and back hike, the last accent up to the rim is most challenging. Steep and more physically demanding than the rest of the trail. Bring at least a quart of water per person, good sun hat and sun screen. If you bring your dog, bring extra water for them. No water on the trail.

This is an easy trail up to the Lighthouse Rock. The last quarter of a mile, you will need to climb up to get to the rock formation. It is not that difficult to make it up this last bit, but a guy in the next campsite was scared of heights and turned around. My suggestion is to make it to the platform between the two rock formations. The view is incredible and it is a wonder to view these large rocks that were created naturally. There are 2 ways to climb up and I went far left that takes you to another rock platform, but the end you have to rock climb up to the next platform. For an easier route, go right at the bike rack. This path is a little more used and easier. Wish I would have gotten to view this at sunrise or sunset. At night the walk back is easy to navigate. This is a multi-use trail and I saw all types, so be aware of bikers. Next time I will have my bike to check out the trail past the Lighthouse and around Capital Peak (bike only).

It’s a basic trail leading to a really neat stove pipe formation. Lots of trails and ledges. A Little Rock climb to get on top.

Amazing. Climb all the way up! Take plenty of water and arrive early!

Great mostly easy hike. Come in the winter time because it must be brutal in the summer heat. 90% of the hike is almost flat but there's a decent little climbing in the last 10%. Not Alpine but you will break a sweat. Great views and great approachability.

There is a reason this is the most popular hike in the park, but we really enjoyed it. It was more like 3 miles each way. The first 2.7 is pretty flat, but meanders through the canyon and around several different rock formations. It's very exposed so I can imagine it'd be hot in the summer, but in November it was a good temperature. It was crazy windy though and when we did the last little scramble up to the lighthouse (it really is straight up until you're at it for the last .25 mile) the wind felt like it might blow us over at the top. It is definitely worth the last little climb though to get to see it up close and walk across the plateau for the views. Walking at a leisurely pace and stopping a couple times we did the trip in around 3 hours.

We hiked the Lighthouse Rock trail in Feb 2022 when the temperature was a pleasant mid-60s. This is an easy trail with very little elevation change. It is a scenic, dry environment in a unique Texas Panhandle location.

As advertised, the walk out and back from the trail head to the base of the Light House was well marked and required little in terms of physical ability beyond being able to walk 2.7 miles out and 2.7 miles back. When you get to to the 2.7 mile point, you noticeably arrive at the end of the "official" trail. There is a nice picnic table and a place to park bikes. There are no signs and from this point, the Lighthouse is not visible. There is a well worn trail that takes you up the side of the hill, from approximately 2,900 foot in elevation to a little over 3,100 feet -- all in a very short distance. Almost the entire time we climbed up I was not sure we were going where we were supposed to. Once we got to the top, it was easy to see that trip was worth while. The pics show the elevation of the trail and the somewhat more strenuous nature of this last quarter mile.

We were the first to arrive that morning but after about 20 minutes of solitude, the crowds started to arrive. It validated for me that we were not off the beaten path after all! We walked this in earl September and the temps in the AM were great - I can imagine this walk would be very hot and uncomfortable in the daylight hours of a hot summer! No water along the trail so you will need to bring it along!

It is a popular trail so don't expect meditative solitude -- our walk back was interspersed with big, talkative groups and those eager to share their music choices as they walked past blasting their tunes for all to hear.

2.8 mile hike to base, then a relatively steep climb to get to plateau. It was worth the work but not for the faint of heart. Make sure you take water as it gets very warm in valley.

Easy going until you get to about the last. 2 of a mile... then you have to climb! Totally worth it, though! Just be sure to pack tons of water - you'll need it!

Best hike in the canyon. The 0.25 scramble at the end of the trail will challenge most but the conquering of it is so worth the effort.

It was really cool and almost a surreal experience to be up on the rock. The hike to get there can be kind of tough especially in the heat. We were lucky and came on a cooler day (60°Fs). There is a bit of a scary climb to get up to it though. Make sure your shoes have good tread. Pictures don't do it justice.

Really enjoyed this hike, the climb to the to the top wasn't to bad and well worth the reward. My little guy also enjoyed the hike to.

Awesome rock structure in Palo Duro Canyon. The hike is about 6 miles round trip but worth it! The views at the lighthouse are not done justice by pictures. Make sure to bring plenty of water a gallon each minimum.