Red Rock Canyon State Park, Oklahoma

Bob and I made west of Oklahoma City to a park that surprised us with its geology. Red Rock Canyon State Park is about 5 miles south of Hinton, Oklahoma. Most of the area is grasslands with a few rolling hills. Red Rock Canyon State Park is in a canyon with red sandstone walls on either side. The drive down into the canyon was not for the faint of heart as the road was steep, winding, and narrow. We found a pull through electric and water site just perfect for Sol.

The park had several trails. We hiked California Road Trail first. The trail climbed to the ridge above the campground.

Along the trail we saw many butterflies congregating on the plants.

 Then we walked to the beginning of the park and hiked the Rough Horsetail Nature Trail. It was interesting to see the rough horsetail along the trail. At first we thought it was a form of bamboo, but it is soft and hollow. It is found in the wet areas near the creek.

The next morning we drove to Clinton, Oklahoma to visit the Route 66 Museum. When we first retired, we visited the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma. We tried to visit the Clinton museum, but it was closed the day we were there. This time we were able to take the tour.

There is a lot of history of Route 66 in the museum. There are sections for the 1920s through the 1960s when the route was officially closed. Books in each era gave the price of eggs, bread, milk and gas. They also list the popular songs and musicians for each era.

You have to love the VW bus painted in all its 1960s glory.

And of course the ever popular family station wagon for trips cross country.

We enjoyed our stay at Red Rock Canyon, but it was time to head west. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is calling to us.