Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas wasn’t necessarily a planned destination, but simply a point to stop on my way back from Arizona.
When I decided to book that Airbnb, and I started to look around at what I was going to be able to see and experience, I was more than happy that I chose this destination.
“Amarillo, Texas, offers a unique blend of classic Texan experiences and surprising cultural attractions. From the iconic Cadillac Ranch, a must-see roadside art installation, to the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of Texas," outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The city also boasts a rich Western heritage, evident in attractions like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum and the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch. Beyond its cowboy roots, Amarillo features a thriving arts scene, with museums, galleries, and the historic Route 66 district, providing a diverse range of entertainment for any visitor.”
The property that I found was small-ish, but perfect for what I needed. It was only a few blocks away from the highway, so I thought there might be an issue with noise, but it was not an issue at all. The property was clean and comfortable and the hosts were wonderful. I had a couple of questions about a couple of different things and their response rate was quick and they were extremely kind.
It was a one bedroom property, with an open concept kitchen and living room and everything was in perfect condition. I actually loved the kitchen. It was not only functional, but plenty of space to move around which is not always the case with Airbnb properties.
This may seem like a simple thing, but the couch was also very comfortable. Once again that's not always the case with every property that I've stayed in.
The bedroom was on the smaller side, but for me traveling by myself, it was more than adequate and the bed was very comfortable.
This is sort of a side note and I guess a general comment with a lot of Airbnb properties that I stay at. Sometimes closet space is at a minimum. There was basically one closet in this place and that's where the washer and dryer were located. I travel with quite a bit of stuff, but I just put my bags in the corner or on the side of the room that I'm not using all the time and it doesn't bother me.
The first weekend that I was there, I headed over to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
“Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," is a stunning natural wonder located in the Texas Panhandle. Carved over millions of years by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, the canyon boasts dramatic multicolored rock layers, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations like the iconic "Lighthouse Rock." The park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its breathtaking scenery and rich history.”
I almost don't even know where to begin as far as explaining how beautiful this park is. It's described as the Grand Canyon of Texas and even though I have not been to the real Grand Canyon, I understand the description.
The fee to enter the park is only $8, which I thought was amazing in itself, and there is just a wealth of things to see and do once you're in the park. As always, I used All Trails to pick out a couple of things I wanted to do while I was there and I highly recommend using that app under any circumstance, but definitely within this park. There are so many trails and so many choices, but all trails will give you an opportunity to narrow it down based on what you want to do.
The main trail that I chose, was The C.C.C. Trail, because it seemed like it was going to give me the best views from up above and it was mildly challenging, and I thought it would be fun. It was probably in the mid 60s while I was there, and sunny, but not uncomfortable at all.
As I mentioned in previous posts, I can imagine that in the middle of the summer it would be a different story. You do run across a couple of spots where you get a little bit of shade, but it's pretty much wide open through the entire trail. My suggestion, is just to keep an eye on the weather and prepare accordingly.
I took my time, just enjoying the day, but when I got to the top, I was mind blown at the views.
I took so many pictures while I was up on top of that mountain, and as I looked back, many of them look the same, but if you look closer, they each have their unique perspective.
The end point of the trail was especially cool. It may be hard to tell from these couple of pictures, but there's actually a separation between where I'm standing and the end of that peak.
If I was a little bit younger and possibly a little bit more adventurous, I think I might have been able to find a way to climb down and around and get up to the other part. But I decided against that.
And finally a video that gives a pretty good look, feel and even sound of what it was like at the top.
I think I spent a good 45 minutes up there, hanging out, checking things out and just enjoying the view and also the peace.
The other place that I wanted to check out was The Big Cave.
It's a very short trail, I believe only one mile total, to The Cave and back. It was cool though and I'm glad that I stopped.
It's not difficult getting up to The Cave, but with the loose rocks, you do need to be careful.
The park itself was fairly busy the day that I was there, but it wasn't difficult to get around.
And seriously, it doesn't matter where you look or what direction, there is just so much natural beauty.
I only had the one day to visit the park, but I really wish I had more time. It's definitely an area and a place that I will visit again in the future.
I like to chase sunsets, and when I searched for a place to catch a good sunset around Amarillo, The Cadillac Ranch came up. I had heard of The Cadillac Ranch, but I don't know that I would have visited it, had it not come up in that search. But I figured why not?
I don't know if this is my opinion or just an observation, but it is completely odd, and quirk, but there's also a defiance involved.
You have every right to paint on these cars, but it feels wrong. There are cans of paint that are usually left behind by people, of course garbage cans to throw away the empties so there's an order to it, but it's still feels a little defiant.
And this is located out in the middle of a field. Not really in the middle of nowhere, but certainly not in some sort of amusement park or structured area. You just park on the side of the frontage road, walk through the entryway in the fence, and make your way back to a bunch of cars stuck in the ground.
I didn't actually partake in any spray painting, but I was there for probably 15 or 20 minutes, checking out all of previous artwork.
Based on what I've written so far, it may not seem like I enjoyed myself there, but that would not be completely accurate. It's not a place I would visit again, but I’m glad I stopped by.
Plus, I was able to enjoy a killer sunset.
The one place that I was told that I definitely had to visit, was the Big Texan Restaurant.
“In 1960, R. J. “Bob” Lee opened The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo Texas on Route 66, the “Mother Road”. It’s distinctive architecture soon became recognized across the Mother Road as a good stopping place for great steaks grilled over an open flame. The Big Texan is famous for the FREE 72oz steak challenge, which includes eating a salad, baked potato, shrimp cocktail and 72 ounces of beef!”
I was by myself and not that I have an issue with sitting down in a restaurant and eating by myself, I think there I had something I wanted to watch on TV, so I ended up getting take out. I tried to place my order online and it wasn't going through so I had to order my food when I got to the restaurant. As it turned out, I was actually glad that I had some time to look around while I waited for my food.
When you walk in, you can tell right away that this is definitely a tourist attraction, but I don't mean that in a bad way. It also has a very old feel to it, but also not in a bad way. More so in a classic way. And in the gift shop, they have a rather large rattlesnake in an aquarium. It's pretty impressive.
And it wouldn't seem right, to not have the 72 ounce steak showcased for all of us to look at.
I decided not to try that challenge, but I did have a hell of a good burger.
The bottom line, is that if you are in the area, I would definitely suggest that you stop by and take a peek if nothing else.
This is turning into a common theme for me, but I really wish I would have had more time in Amarillo. It's a beautiful town, beautiful landscape, beautiful scenery and even though I didn't interact with a ton of people, everyone was extremely kind.
I was there at the end of January and beginning of February and it certainly wasn't hot out, but the weather was comfortable. It would be a little bit chilly in the morning, but by mid to late afternoon, you could be outside and truly enjoy yourself.
Without a doubt I want to go back to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but when I did a couple of other brief searches, there are plenty of other things in the area that I would love to see. And I know I mentioned it quite a bit, but if you're into National Parks, National Forests, hiking trails etc., I highly recommend getting the All Trails app. I started using it right away when I began all of these adventures, and it's been well worth it to have it available and even pay the yearly rate, which I think was under $25.00?
To wrap this up properly, I'll just say this. You should visit Amarillo, TX. You won't be disappointed.