Palo Duro - Caprock Canyons

[robertwy]

I'm considering a 3-4 day trip around Memorial Day to the canyon part of Texas. These 3-4 trips always seem to take me to the hill country. Now I'm looking for something different. I've been near that part several times, but have never taken the time to actually explore those areas. I'm looking forward to trying out my new video camera and don't know if there's really any good scenery in that area.

Does anyone have any suggestions on places to see, roads to ride, places to stay and places to eat?

Thanks,

[bushwhacker]

Stay and eat at Big Tex in Amarillo. Also while you are there you have to go see Cadillac Ranch. Pretty much a let down but you gotta go see it anyway.

Not a very interesting ride but 150 miles east of Amarillo in Elk City is the National Route 66 museum. Worth a visit if you are in the area -

http://www.elkcitychamber.com/route66.asp

[10-95]

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16487

You can look at my ride report from a couple weeks ago. I would stay off any road that is of any size at all. Amazing what you can find just off the beaten path. Get a ROADS OF TEXAS mapbook--awesome. There was also a post on here with a website that lists good roads around the state.

IMHO, I'd pass on the Big Texan in Amarillo.

[robertwy]

Great post, 10-95. Looks like you had a good ride. Thanks for the info.

[Valker]

I agree on passing the Big Texan. Atmosphere is fun, but I'd eat elsewhere. If you are coming close to Canadian in the northeast panhandle, there is a great ($25 each-approx) steakhouse at the traffic light downtown. Some of the best ribeye I've ever tasted anywhere. Their complementary bread pudding is nearly to die for. Great restored old movie theatre a block away if you are staying there.

[backmarker]

Just curious what you're looking for and what you find enjoyable when riding. My girlfriend lives in Amarillo so I spend a lot of time out there. Except for a couple of short canyon stretches, the roads are not impressive. The scenery however can be awe-inspiring if you catch the light and weather right. Out there, Montana has no claim on the term "big sky" country. Oh yeah, please pass on Big Texan. There's a great steakhouse in Vega (if it's still standing). Thanks for the info on steakhouse in Canadian and bread pudding Valker. I'll be out there in about 3 weeks. Will certainly check it out.

[robertwy]

I'm just looking for something different for a weekend ride. I've been to the hill country numerous times, but have never seen Caprock or Palo Duro.

I'm pretty sure the ride would not be very scenic except for those two places, but just looking for something different.

Thanks,
Robert

[backmarker]

My boss and our creative director were just out there Sun-Mon pitching a job to Caprock Canyon SP. They reported massive amounts of wild flowers. Now would be a good time to do it.

[bushwhacker]

Two comments.

First - Just got my copy of the June 07 issue of Road Runner magazine and it has an article on Riding in the Texas Panhandle.

Second - Even though everyone else has dissed Big Texan I still say go there. When I am on a trip like this I like to hit the out of the way places but I also like to do some of the touristy things and Big Tex is about as touristy as they come. They got a gift and curio/ T shirt shop. They got a wall of fame featuring the people who have eaten the 72 ounce steak dinner. The steaks may not be the best in the world but if I only wanted a perfect steak I would never go anywhere but Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. And the motel rooms are reasonably priced, or at least they were the last time I was there. If you have never been I think it is worth a stop!

http://www.bigtexan.com/