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The Lighthouse Rock
4.9 ★★★★★ 414 Google reviews · Running trail in Canyon, Texas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from The Lighthouse Rock's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular 6-mile trail (easy to moderate) with striking rock formations and panoramic views of the canyon.
What runners say about The Lighthouse Rock
“Great views, but wear good shoes and take your time on the final climb.”
“The trail is very well-marked and easy to follow, and we saw a few people biking along it as well.”
“We did see one very young girl and an older man both struggle up the last bit For most people it's an easy hike.”
Lighthouse rock is amazing. It’s a formation that you cannot see from any of the roads. You must take the trail to be able to see it. That being said it is a one-way 2.
There is a reason this is the most popular hike in the park, but we really enjoyed it. It was more like 3 miles each way. The first 2.7 is pretty flat, but meanders through the canyon and around several different rock formations.
As advertised, the walk out and back from the trail head to the base of the Light House was well marked and required little in terms of physical ability beyond being able to walk 2.7 miles out and 2.7 miles back. When you get to to the 2.7 mile point, you noticeably arrive at the end of the "official" trail.
This is an easy trail up to the Lighthouse Rock. The last quarter of a mile, you will need to climb up to get to the rock formation. It is not that difficult to make it up this last bit, but a guy in the next campsite was scared of heights and turned around.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a well worn trail that takes you up the side of the hill, from approximately 2,900 foot in elevation to a little over 3,100 feet -- all in a very short distance.”
“For those feeling adventurous, you can even climb the adjacent formation across from the Lighthouse for a rewarding 360-degree view of the canyon.”
“8 mile hike so in order to do the whole thing it’s a 6 mile hike, the entire hike is very easy it’s just a walking trail until you get to the base of the lighthouse.”
“7 is pretty flat, but meanders through the canyon and around several different rock formations.”
“The final stretch becomes more challenging, with some rock scrambling and light climbing needed to reach the base of Lighthouse Rock.”
“The trail is very well-marked and easy to follow, and we saw a few people biking along it as well.”
Plan your run at The Lighthouse Rock
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websitepalodurocanyon.com
- Phone+1 806-488-2227
Running trails near Canyon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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