Sunrise Plains

Got the hots for watersports? Buffalo Springs Lake (half an hour’s drive) has a lot on that front from boating and rowing to canoeing and kayaking. Jet ski rental will pick up the speed even more, while those of you who want the views without the water might want to roam onto the hiking trails onshore. Another water spot – unusual for this desert region – is Blue Hole (three hours and 15 minutes). Snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving and cliff jumping are just some of the ways to take the plunge in this natural swimming hole. Then to sprinkle some canyon views into your stay, there’s Palo Duro Canyon State Park (an hour and 50 minutes) for that. It’s the second biggest canyon in the United States, so there are a few ways to cover some ground. Other than hiking, there are mountain biking trails, horseback tours from the stables or a birdwatching tour to spy on the feathered species in the park. Caprock Canyons State Park (an hour and 45 minutes) is another special sight… you could catch bison and bats here and go boating, fishing or swimming in Lake Theo to cool off after your hike.