CCC Trail & Pioneer Nature Trail
User:
Blaze - 9/1/2013
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Distance: 4.70 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 59 minutes
I started hiking the CCC trail by parking my car at the top of the hill in the parking lot near the Visitor's Center. I then hiked the CCC trail down to the Amphitheater, then crossed the street to hike the Pioneer Nature Trail loop. I then hiked the CCC trail back (uphill) to my car, which provided a good cardio workout.
I found the CCC trail to be very scenic. The views from the ridge are very impressive. It is a short hike that I would definitely recommend.
By contrast, I found the Pioneer Nature Trail to be disappointing. It really didn't impress me in any way. It's just a short dirt trail to walk on and not a trail I would recommend.
CCC (Triassic) Trail a Good Warm Up
User:
krampus - 2/18/2012
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Distance: 3.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
Hiked this with our Scout troop. It is essentially three miles from the parking lot on the ridge to the parking lot at the ampitheater. This direction it is mostly downhill and drops roughly 600 vertical feet over 1.5 miles. The return to the rim parking lot is a decent climb with several switch backs. If you are not in shape plan on the ascent taking a bit longer than normal. We were there in winter and the bathrooms at the ampitheater were closed, so we had to pack in water for the trek. Make sure you hit the restroom before you head out because there are none along the way except for at the ridge parking lot. This is a great morning trail to take if you are camping in the canyon and want to a good warm up for your day. Not sure any other trail in the park covers as much vertical feet in such short a distance.
Great Views
User:
Chinacareys - 11/27/2010
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Distance: 4.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
This trail has been renamed the CCC trail. It has some great views of the canyon. Don't let the crowd at the parking area discourage you. Most just get out take a look then get back in their cars and leave.
Beautiful Hike
User:
jmitchell - 9/4/2007
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Distance: 4.50 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Trail descends rapidly and hugs the canyon wall. Lots of road noise on the entire trip. Encountered lots of spiders along the way. Also saw numerous deer. Nice touches on the trail such as resting benches and bridges. Came to a fork, left basically ends shortly at the road with no where to go, right fork (marked amphitheater) is the way to go. Mid way is fairly easy going with nice views, then you reach another fork in the trail. Left goes down to the Amphitheater (I did not take this trail, It apeared to be very steep and I was hurting still from the previous days hike at Caprock Canyon) the right fork takes you out to the point. Spectacular views and if you are brave enough you can venture all they way out to the point (not me!)
I saw no one else the entire trip. Overall, this was a very enjoyable early morning hike.
One of the most scenic trails in the park
User:
rowdy - 10/28/2006
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Distance: 6.80 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
This trail is not on the map that they pass out at headquaters. Found it on this website. It is a very enjoyable hike with some of the best scenery in the park. We went to Table Rock and then worked our way down to the Amphitheater before we headed back. There was very little traffic on the day that we went. There is a bench along the way that is fun to sit and watch the cyclist climb the steep grade back out of the canyon.
Great trail to see the park
User:
ksd823 - 7/14/2006
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Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
This is a great trail to see the park. We started at the center traihead, hiked to the Table Rock over the Texas Stage, then went back to the Observation Point parking lot, then back to the center trailhead. Trail is in excellent condition, with two closed bridges but easy walkarounds. Only saw one other person on Friday, but saw many more on Saturday. There are several side trails to great views - don't miss those.
Best Scenic Trail at PDSP
User:
chris1401 - 4/14/2006
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Distance: 4.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
This trail is a gem, hard to find and for good reason. This trail offers hikers of all abilities a treat for the eyes. In my opinion after a few years of exploring Palo Duro, this trail has it all. A few inclines and declines, a decent length and the bet view of the canyon from a trail. Next time you get to Palo Duro, stop at the visitors center after you get into the park, but before you go to the canyon floor. Look for the yellow sign in the parking lot, this will signify the start of the trail. Take it and be amazed. At the first fork I suggest going to the right. Make sure you follow the trail to the end and look for the table rock to signify that. Then look down to your left for a treat. Happy Hiking.
Wonderful new Trail
User:
LVX - 11/27/2005
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Distance: 7.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
I worked down in Palo Duro Canyon when I was in highschool and hiked a great portion of the canyon. I am glad they have uncovered another historic trail. You can also get a great view of the canyon from just about everywhere.
If you hike on down to the ampitheater and then back up, you can get a little extra mileage as well as a tough hike back up.
Perfect afternoon..
The best pure hike in Palo Duro!
User:
Austin Explorer - 9/26/2005
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Distance: 4.20 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 50 minutes
This old CCC trail starts at the information center and is being reclaimed and doesn't appear on the park maps, but it is open. We didn't really know where this would take us and we were pleasantly surprised. This is the only hike up on the rim of the canyon, giving a completely different viewpoint than other hikes. It leads to numerous overlooks and a sidetrail of steep switchbacks leads down to the Texas amphitheater. If you really want a hike for hike's sake, this is the one to do. We saw no one else on the trail, just people at the information center or on the road wondering how we got up there.
favorite palo duro hike
User:
kegalina - 5/5/2001
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Distance: 2.00 Miles
Duration: 1 minute
I used to hike this trail almost weekly when I lived in Canyon. If you want solitude and a bit of that pioneer feeling, this is a good trail. There are parts of this trail that are a bit wild as nature has taken control of some of the areas. Painted buntings can be found in the junipers along the ridge that follows the road from the visitor's center. There is a large area of flat rocks that extend from this ridge that overhang an area shaded by large trees, both junipers and deciduous. That is where I could always find the elusive little birds. but be very quiet!
The trail is especially nice early in the morning in the spring when there is a fog settling in the canyon. You are almost guaranteed to run into some deer on the trail. They aren't used to seeing a lot of people in this area of the park.
User:
kegalina - 5/5/2001
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 3.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
I used to hike this trail almost weekly when I lived in Canyon. If you want solitude and a bit of that pioneer feeling, this is a good trail. There are parts of this trail that are a bit wild as nature has taken control of some of the areas. Painted buntings can be found in the junipers along the ridge that follows the road from the visitor's center. There is a large area of flat rocks that extend from this ridge that overhang an area shaded by large trees, both junipers and deciduous. That is where I could always find the elusive little birds. but be very quiet!
The trail is especially nice early in the morning in the spring when there is a fog settling in the canyon. You are almost guaranteed to run into some deer on the trail. They aren't used to seeing a lot of people in this area of the park.
Favorite Palo Duro Hike
User:
kegalina - 5/5/2001
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 2.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
I used to hike this trail almost weekly when I lived in Canyon. If you want solitude and a bit of that pioneer feeling, this is a good trail. There are parts of this trail that are a bit wild as nature has taken control of some of the areas. Painted buntings can be found in the junipers along the ridge that follows the road from the visitor's center. There is a large area of flat rocks that extend from this ridge that overhang an area shaded by large trees, both junipers and deciduous. That is where I could always find the elusive little birds. but be very quiet!
The trail is especially nice early in the morning in the spring when there is a fog settling in the canyon. You are almost guaranteed to run into some deer on the trail. They aren't used to seeing a lot of people in this area of the park.
favorite palo duro hike
User:
kegalina - 5/5/2001
[View Log Page]
Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 2.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
I used to hike this trail almost weekly when I lived in Canyon. If you want solitude and a bit of that pioneer feeling, this is a good trail. There are parts of this trail that are a bit wild as nature has taken control of some of the areas. Painted buntings can be found in the junipers along the ridge that follows the road from the visitor's center. There is a large area of flat rocks that extend from this ridge that overhang an area shaded by large trees, both junipers and deciduous. That is where I could always find the elusive little birds. but be very quiet!
The trail is especially nice early in the morning in the spring when there is a fog settling in the canyon. You are almost guaranteed to run into some deer on the trail. They aren't used to seeing a lot of people in this area of the park.