The words Palo Duro, which mean "hardwood" in Spanish, are ingrained in the region's history. In fact, the canyon was so named by the Indians because of the readily available hardwood of the juniper trees from which they formed bows and arrows. Tribes of Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne and Apache knew this giant crater as "the canyon of the hardwood."

The largest Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the country built the original road into the canyon in the 1930s.

Palo Duro Canyon is a geology whiz's dream, a treasure haven for the photography buff, a history aficionado's paradise and anyone's pleasure with an eye for pure, natural beauty.

A host of readily exposed geological formations abounds throughout the canyon, which is relatively young -- only approximately 1 million years in the making. Palo Duro Canyon's oldest and bottom-most exposed layer or strata dates back 250 million years. Interestingly enough, stratigraphically, Palo Duro Canyon would sit on the top of the Grand Canyon, because the upper rim of the Grand Canyon matches the lowest exposed layer of Palo Duro.

Palo Duro Canyon is a classic example of a land formation that has been created by running water, extending 120 miles in length and varying from 600 to 800 feet deep and one-half to two miles across. The rim of the canyon stands at 3,500 feet above sea level, with the floor resting at 2,700 feet above sea level.

Even the most untrained eye will spot a variety of highly unique rock formations, while the trained eye will jut from one magnificent hoodoo to another.

The vivid lavenders, yellows, reds and whites of the "Spanish skirts" will catch everyone's attention. Evident throughout the canyon, their name was derived from Coronado, who came through in search of the fabled Seven Cities. Word has it that the striking colors and flared features reminded him of the ladies' skirts back home in Mexico, hence the name has stuck with us through present day.

Stay to the main paved road for approximately 25 minutes with a local tour guide and, noted, would be numerous geologic formations, including an array of unusually shaped pedestal rocks, most notable being the famed Lighthouse, which has, in a sense, become a trademark for the canyon.

Also noted would be geological formations fondly named, such as the Sad Monkey, Capitol Peak, Fortress Cliff, the Turtle, the Rock Gardens, Devil's Slide, the Sleeping Indian, the Gorilla's Head and much more. Numerous caves would be pointed out among the formations.

The six water crossings in Palo Duro Canyon State Park traverse the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, which goes on to form the boundary between Oklahoma and Texas. Water Crossing No. 1 is believed to have been a campsite for both the Comanche and Kiowa Indians.

Palo Duro Canyon is home to many animals, including deer, coyote, bobcat, badger, beaver, fox, rabbit, wild turkey, roadrunner (Chaparral), prairie dog and lizard, right along with the ever-dreaded rattlesnake. Wild aoudad sheep were introduced into the canyon a number of years ago.

The majority of the trees you see are mesquite, juniper, cedar and cottonwood. Yucca and prickly pear cactus also abound.

Home of prehistoric Indians nearly 12,000 years ago, Palo Duro Canyon was the site in 1874 of the final Indian battle in Texas from which survivors followed the "Trail of Tears" to reservations in Oklahoma.

In addition to its spectacular natural grandeur and historical wonder, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers a host of attractions within its boundaries.

The state park features first-class facilities and multiple recreation opportunities, including more than 116 campsites for tent and recreational vehicles, riding stables, numerous picnic areas and miles of beautiful horse riding, hiking and mountain biking trails.

The historically inclined will especially love all of the markers -- even the replica of the line shack used by Charles Goodnight while developing the first commercial cattle ranch in the Texas Panhandle in 1876.

For those looking for entertainment, the Pioneer Amphitheater shines like a beacon in the night, especially while summer performances of the internationally acclaimed musical drama "Texas" are taking place. The show runs mid-June through late August.

Forget something? The Chuckwagon offers camping supplies, a snack bar and souvenirs.

Last, but definitely not least, visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park's visitor center. Staffed by volunteers, this premier viewing site offers exhibits on geology and the history of nature and man.

Located 12 miles east of Canyon on State Highway 217 and open seven days per week, year round, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of Texas' best kept secrets. Let it be your family's next stop.

You can step into the real Texas and visit the real West with one trip to majestic Palo Duro Canyon State Park.