Palo Duro Canyon, otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, is a collection of peaks, mesas, smaller canyons, and badlands.

Capitol Mesa sits at the southern rim of the canyon where hikers can expect to see red and gold badlands, white caprock boulders, rocky pinnacles, and dramatic hoodoos.

Hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views at the top. There is also an opportunity to hike off trail to the Lighthouse, Capitol Mesa’s most impressive hoodoo.

A suggested route is to hop on the Lighthouse Trail, but in 0.5 miles to go south at the fork for the ascent. The cross-country trail along Capital Mesa ridge to the Lighthouse connects with the Lighthouse Trail for the descent.

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