By Noah Dawson

In my second column for The Amarillo Pioneer, which is now almost two years old, I wrote about the importance of Palo Duro Canyon to our area. By now, most probably know how big of a cheerleader for the canyon I am. I was struck recently when reading historical descriptions of the canyon, and one stood out to me in particular. In 1841, a journalist from New Hampshire, George Wilkins Kendall, rode with the Texan Santa Fe expedition. After many long miles of bleak, plain, empty looking terrain, the expedition reached Palo Duro Canyon. Here is a brief excerpt from what Kendall had to write about the experience:

“Regularity was strangely mixed up with ruin and disorder, and Nature had done it all. Niagara has been considered one of her wildest freaks; but Niagara sinks into insignificance when compared with the wild grandeur of this awful chasm. Imagination carried us back to Thebes, to Palmyra, and to ancient Athens, and we could not help thinking we were now among their ruins.”

Today, though, I have something a bit different to write about the awful chasm that is Palo Duro Canyon. In fact, some may be a bit surprised at what I have to say about the canyon this week: I’m pleading for people to consider waiting for cooler weather before they attempt hiking in the canyon, especially if you’re considering one of the more challenging hikes. And, if you do go, please do so with extra cautionary steps taken.

This weekend, the highs for Amarillo are forecasted to be over or near 100 degrees. In the canyon, the weather isn’t so forgiving. The rocks trap the heat, baking the air and ground. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 10 degrees to the high in Amarillo to estimate the air temperature at the floor of Palo Duro. As for the ground temperature, it can get to around 200 degrees. For that reason especially, I am pleading with anybody reading: DO NOT GO HIKING WITH YOUR DOGS.

One of the things to keep in mind for any hike is hydration. But, if you fall victim to heat exhaustion (which I have), all of the water in the world can’t help you if nausea won’t let you keep it down.

I cannot stress the first rule of hiking enough either: know your limits. It sounds obvious, but it is far too easy for a person to overestimate their limits.

I know 2020 has been a strange year. But, barring any cataclysmic geologic events, I can practically guarantee that Palo Duro Canyon will still be there in the fall. I personally can’t wait to get back to that awful chasm.