Have you ever heard someone refer to a geographical location as “God’s County”? If you have, I am pretty sure they were not speaking about the Llano Estacado. The high plains of west Texas generally do not have that grand of a reputation, and are more likely to be resented for their flat and featureless, treeless desolation. Of course, I go through great lengths on this blog to debunk that perception with images of hidden treasures buried deep within the Llano canyonlands.
One of the best known natural historians of the Llano, Dan Flores, wrote about the negative impacts modern culture has had on the Llano in his book Horizontal Yellow. Flores invokes the destruction of this wilderness’ ecosystem via harmful agricultural practices from “Baptists, Church-of-Christers, and Catholics” who he stereotypes as having a lackadaisical attitude toward the natural history of the Llano Estacado. While I would generally not agree with Mr. Flores’ religious and political positions, and it is clear modern land management practices are now lessening the ranching impact, the depletion and extinction of Llano resources undoubtedly has occurred (and to some extent continues to occur). Here, I want to point out that there also are great stories of conservatory success among modern Anglo-Christian landowners along the Caprock – and although on a small scale – the use of some little known Llano wonders to awaken people (mostly youth) to the greatness of God and our canyons that He created should be commended.
What Flores might consider ironic is that in this land of 97% private ownership, one of the best ways to expose this region’s youth to the natural wonders of these near-southwest landscapes is through the few church camps that exist along the Caprock. Religious organizations in west Texas recognize the unique beauty of these canyons, and have conserved slivers of our wilderness as spiritual retreats.
Last week I was able to spend some very special time with my oldest daughter at one of these preserves, Ceta Canyon. Ceta Canyon is a Methodist camp nestled in South Cita Canyon. While I don’t understand why the USGS “Cita” was replaced by the Methodists with “Ceta”, I certainly appreciate access to this beautiful canyon- which in addition to through organized camps and retreats, can be obtained for a small day use fee. The highlight of this particular canyon is a series of natural spring waterfalls. The first of which is close to the camp facilities. We enjoyed an easy hike to the falls, which were just gorgeously framed by a foreground of brilliant fall colors.
As has occurred here for decades, my hope is that kids from the Llano region and beyond continue to experience both the physical and spiritual beauty of this region at camps like Ceta Canyon (South Cita Canyon), Hidden Falls (lower Palo Duro Canyon) and the Plains Baptist Assembly (Blanco Canyon). These kids have, and surely will continue to see that these are special places, and develop a desire to preserve this under-appreciated wilderness- God’s Country.
The Caprock Canyoneer 
Thanks for the website. Great writing and fantastic photographs.