In the Texas panhandle lies an enormous canyon, carved over the last million years into a 120-mile, 700-feet deep chasm. It was the site of some of the last battles in the Army’s efforts to eliminate native tribes and open grazing land for American Colonists.

The Red River continues to flow along the canyon floor, and today visitors benefit from the work done in 1935 by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) men and veterans. The state park is accessible by vehicle. Trails and bridges bring tourists closer to the rugged land formations of the canyon. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and star gazing are popular activities. We saw several birding groups, exploring the Red River basin with binoculars, and were lucky enough to spot a tarantula on our hike.

For overnight visitors, there are “glamping” opportunities, or reserve a spot for car camping. If visiting in summer, check out the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.