I think we can all agree that West Texas is a mysterious, intriguing place. It’s full of mountains, lonely stretches of highway with not a town in sight, and the lingering presence of all who pass through it. Though much of this area could be described as “boring,” there’s one town that’s anything but: Canyon. It harbors the best kept secret of Texas, beckoning for you to come discover it.
If you don’t already know about its amazing natural wonder, you won’t think Canyon is anything special when you first arrive. It has a quaint town square…
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…an elegant, old-fashioned courthouse…
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…and a history museum (the largest in the state, in fact). All standard components of a small town in Texas, right?
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Given how ordinary most of Canton looks, it’s hard to believe it’s home to the second largest canyon in the country. For this reason, Palo Duro Canyon has been deemed the “best kept secret in Texas.”
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Towering red rocks meet lush greenery for a breathtaking view and unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
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The canyon has numerous trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Varying degrees of difficulty are offered, so everyone can enjoy this awe-inspiring masterpiece of nature regardless of physical fitness level.
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Don’t want to get outdoors at all? That’s fine, too - you can take a scenic drive through the canyon and not miss out on the unforgettable experience.
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You can even spend the night in a rustic yet luxurious cabin at the near-peak of the red rocks. This is the Fortress by Dove’s Rest Cabins, and it has everything you could possibly need to feel right at home…
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…you know, if it were normal for home to be thousands of feet in the air. How would y’all like this as your front porch?
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As you’ve seen, Canyon is far beyond ordinary. It has all the aspects of a tiny town while harboring one of America’s most mystifying natural wonders. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll never run out of things to discover.
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Have you been to Canyon? What’s your favorite memory from your time there?
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Flickr/sarowen
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dovesrestcabins.com
Flickr/kafkun
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