Highlights of Amarillo Texas

We left Moab Utah with a bit of sadness because we felt there was so much more to see there. From there we stayed a few days in Santa Fe NM before continuing on to find many of the highlights of Amarillo Texas.

Hole N” The Rock, a most unique home, carved out of a huge rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country

Hole N” The Rock

As Steve and I drove our of Moab we passed this huge rock with the words Hole N” the Rock painted on it. We were quite intrigued but unfortunately there was no way we could stop to see what it was all about. When we are towing our Jeep we are 59 feet long. That makes it really difficult to maneuver or park. So it was not until we got to Amarillo that I was able to Google Hole N” the Rock.

It turns out that it was a very unique home. Yes. You read that correctly. This historic 5,000 square foot home and unusual gift shop and trading post are open all year. And we will return on day to take a guided tour of the home. According to their website there’s also 12 minute guided tours of the world-famous Hole N” the Rock House, and Exotic zoo that features Camel, Watusi, Albino raccoon and more, the largest collection of Lyle Nichols metal/art sculptures, antique tools, vintage neon signs, and mining equipment, Hole N” the Rock Store, The Trading Post:with locally made Native American pottery, jewelry, dream catchers and unique gifts for everyone, The General Store serving ice cream, drinks, and memorabilia of all types and much more.

A Memorial to the home’s builders, Albert and Gladys Christensen

This historic 5,000 square foot home began taking shape almost a century ago by the Christensen family. It began as a small alcove for the young Christensen boys to sleep in at night and grew into a man-made engineering marvel 20 years in the making. A fireplace with a 65 foot chimney, 14 rooms arranged around huge pillars and a deep bathtub built into the rock delight visitors who visit this most unusual home in the dessert. Original furnishings, Albert’s paintings, Gladys’s doll collection and many of the tools used to create this home remind you of the past.

In a 12 year period Albert excavated 50,000 cubic feet of sandstone from the rock. During this time he completed his famous painting Sermon on the Mount and his sculpture of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the face of the rock above his home.

Gladys honored Albert’s wishes after his death

When Albert died in 1957, the home was not complete. Gladys’s in keeping with his wishes and lifelong dreams continued to develop the property, opening a gift shop and giving tours of her home until she passed away in 1974. Gladys is laid to rest next to Albert in a small cove within the rock near the home.

Santa Fe NM

Highlights of Amarillo Texas include the drive there as we drove through snow in Cahone CO.

Lots of snow as we drove through Cahone CO on our way to Amarillo TX.

Buildings and snow capped mountains were part of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas

Never saw a doggie Bed and Breakfast before, Have you? This one was in Cortez Colorado

A red and white 1956 Chevy on a trailer was part of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas

Loved this 1956 Chevy we saw in Shiprock NM!

We arrived in Santa Fe tired, but looking forward to a few days to explore more of a city that we love. But as it turned out when we awoke the next day we both suffered from Altitude Sickness! That was the first time we ever experienced a problem with high altitude. We managed to go marketing but that was all she wrote! And to top it off it snowed the next couple of days. We were actually happy to leave there and get to our next stop – Amarillo Texas.

The “Muffler Man” welcomes you to the Cadillac RV Park in Amarillo TX

An old pink Cadillac on a ramp is another of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas

Pink Cadillac at the Cadillac RV Park in Amarillo.

Amarillo is a small town in the panhandle of Texas. The main highway is lined with the usual array of chain stores and restaurants. But it’s what is off the beaten path that you want to see. Those are the real highlights of Amarillo Texas!

Palo Duro Riding Stables

Palo Duro Riding Stables near Amarillo TX

Another of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas was this cute white mule with black spots.

A friendly mule at the Palo Duro riding stables.

One of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas was a mule hiding in a bush.

My cute mule friend was playing hide and seek with me.

Our first stop was a visit to the Palo Duro Riding Stables. There we got to see stunning views of the canyons along with lots of friendly animals wandering the property. I became fast friends with a really cute mule who enjoyed playing hide and seek with me. But he also liked to stand by my side so I could scratch him.

Palo Duro Canyons

Palo Duro Canyon

A deep ravine and mountains are Highlights of Amarillo Texas

Deep ravines are part of the Palo Duro Canyons

An open field with a large brown Texas Longhorn steer was just one of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas

A big beautiful Texas Longhorn

From there we drove around to see more of the Palo Duro Canyons and stopped at some farms to visit with lovely black cattle and the fabulous Texas Longhorns.

A black steer with his head under the wire fence was another of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas

This guy was trying to escape but thankfully was unsuccessful

Two black cattle on a farm were part of the Highlights of Amarillo Texas

Besties!

Our stay in Amarillo was too short to see much more. Especially since many of the attractions were closed due to Covid. We couldn’t even get a time slot at the Palo Duro Canyons State Park while we were there. That was our first encounter having a problem visiting any park along our entire journey!

As all of you, we look forward to a time when we can put Covid-19 behind us. So to all of you, stay safe, sane and healthy!!!