To the uninitiated, it’s just a stretch of four-lane blacktop heading east from Lubbock. But to locals, US Highway 62/82 is the "Canyon Corridor"—a 40-mile timeline that takes you from the modern bustle of the Hub City, through the cotton fields of the early 20th century, and finally drops you off at the prehistoric edge of the Blanco Canyon.

At a Glance: The Road East

This highway is the primary artery for the region, carrying cotton modules, commuters, and travelers heading toward Wichita Falls.

  • Local Names: "The Idalou Highway" (near Lubbock), "The Crosbyton Highway" (further east).
  • The Route: Connects Lubbock → Idalou → Lorenzo → Ralls → Crosbyton.
  • Driving Time: Approx. 45 minutes from Loop 289 in Lubbock to the Crosbyton Courthouse.
  • Key Advice: Watch your speed in the small towns. The speed limits drop quickly, and the local police are vigilant about safety.

1. The Ghost of the Iron Horse

Before this pavement was poured, this route was defined by steel. The highway roughly parallels the path of the old Crosbyton-South Plains Railroad, laid in 1911.

If you look to the south as you drive, you can often see the "ghosts" of this era: old grain elevators and loading docks that once served the steam engines. The towns along this route—Idalou, Lorenzo, and Ralls—are spaced roughly 7-10 miles apart. This wasn't random; it was the exact distance a steam locomotive could travel before needing water.

2. Mile-by-Mile Guide

Mile 0: Leaving Lubbock

As you exit Loop 289, the city falls away quickly. The Idalou Highway (US 62/82) opens up into wide, flat plains. This is the Llano Estacado in its purest form—flat, high, and seemingly endless.

Mile 10: Idalou (The Apple Capital)

  • Stop: Idalou Harvest Co. (Seasonal). Turn off to grab fresh apple turnovers or cider. It’s a rare sight to see orchards in this landscape, but the sandy soil here is perfect for it.
  • Drive Tip: The speed limit drops to 45 mph. Respect it.

Mile 20: Lorenzo (The Art Stop)

  • Look Left: As you pass through, keep an eye out for the vibrant murals painted on the sides of the downtown buildings.
  • Vibe: This is where the commuter traffic starts to thin out, and the true rural West Texas begins.

Mile 30: Ralls (The Cotton Hub)

  • Landmark: The massive grain silos on the west side of town are impossible to miss. During harvest (October–December), this stretch of highway is busy with "module trucks" carrying massive blocks of cotton. Give them space—they are heavy and slow to turn.
  • History: Ralls is the town that was moved here by wagons. Read the full story here.

Mile 40: Crosbyton (The Destination)

  • The View: As you approach Crosbyton, the horizon changes. The flat line of the earth begins to break. You are approaching the Caprock Escarpment.
  • Welcome: You’ll pass the Pioneer Memorial Museum on your right before hitting the traffic light at the square.

3. The Hidden Gem: Silver Falls

Just 4 miles east of Crosbyton (past the town), the highway does something unexpected: it dives.

This is Silver Falls Roadside Park, and it is one of the most historic rest stops in Texas.

  • The History: Originally a watering hole for Comanche hunters and later Ranald Mackenzie’s cavalry, it became a popular picnic spot in the 1920s.
  • The Park: Today, it is a TxDOT Safety Rest Area, but it’s unlike any other. It features stone picnic tables from the CCC era (1930s) and hiking trails that take you down to the White River.
  • Why Stop? It’s the best place to stretch your legs and see the geology of the canyon up close without needing a hiking permit.

4. Practical Travel Tips

  • Fuel: Gas is generally cheaper in Idalou and Ralls than in the city.
  • Weather: This stretch of road is open to the north winds. In winter, be wary of "black ice" on bridges. In spring, be prepared for sudden dust storms that can reduce visibility to zero—if this happens, pull over and turn off your lights (so cars behind you don't follow you off the road).
  • Cell Service: Excellent 5G coverage the entire length of the route.

Your Road Trip Continues

You've driven the road, now explore the destination.