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Post by bc75 on Dec 17, 2018 11:28:03 GMT -5
Im heading to Palo Duro Canyon this spring. I was wondering how bad is the descent to the canyon floor. I plan on camping in the state park.
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Post by johnr on Dec 18, 2018 7:53:14 GMT -5
Hi. I'm not familiar with the campground. I would suggest calling the campground and ask them. They would be your best resource for information on getting there and getting out. Remember, if you go down to go in, you have to go up to get out and vice versa. Make sure your truck is up to both tasks.
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Post by laknox on Dec 18, 2018 11:05:58 GMT -5
2-lane paved road. Looks to be a bit narrow and winding, but current Google sat image shows at 1 or 2 FWs and several large MHs in the RV park. One of the FWs appears to be a 4-slider, so it's =not= small. Cool-looking area. I like how they have a dedicated equestrian camp area in the park.
Later: After firing up Google Earth, it looks to be about a 500' drop from the top to the floor, or about a 9.5% grade in the first ~1.25 miles. Slow 'n easy, for sure!
Lyle
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Post by lynnmor on Dec 18, 2018 14:21:02 GMT -5
Use low gear down and low gear up and you should have no problem. I enjoyed the park and the steep road. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing the road.
You should read up on the park first, there a few things to be aware of in that canyon. Flash floods happen, rattlesnakes are in abundance and the temperature swings can be great.
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Post by bc75 on Dec 18, 2018 18:35:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice.Never towed in any real steep inclines. Im sure my suv can handle it my camper is 6500 loaded. I have a 99 Navigator with the 5.4 4v heavy towing package.
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Post by lynnmor on Dec 18, 2018 19:19:49 GMT -5
That hill will really work the Navigator. You need to use the brakes to a minimum by downshifting so the engine does much of the slowing. Going up stay in a low gear and run a speed where the engine has good power. The turnouts are small and you might not have an opportunity to stop at all. Look at every item you pack and keep the weight to a minimum, ounces turn into serious pounds quickly. Water and waste tanks can add hundreds of pounds, so empty all before the hill. Of course you should check the availability of water and dump stations ahead of time. Floods and road closures could change things. Not trying to scare you, things should be fine, I just remember that I was there just when some roads reopened.
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Post by laknox on Dec 19, 2018 18:46:21 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice.Never towed in any real steep inclines. Im sure my suv can handle it my camper is 6500 loaded. I have a 99 Navigator with the 5.4 4v heavy towing package. Definitely 1st gear in both directions! :-) Lyle |
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