Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Canyon, Texas
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, and is a must-see with unique geological formations and hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Located near Amarillo in the flat plains of the Texas panhandle, the canyon seems to descend out of nowhere into 120 miles long and over 800 feet depths of the canyon. Palo Duro means “hardwood,” which refers to the hardwood trees and shrubs throughout the canyon. The Lighthouse is the iconic natural geologic formation that is the highlight of the Palo Duro Canyon.
The Lighthouse Trail leads to the rocky formation named the Lighthouse, however this moderate trail is 5.44 miles round trip with uneven rocky steps. Be sure to arrive early in the morning to take advantage of this trip, since the rocky surface can get too hot during the day in the summer. Also know that you will be carrying younger kids several miles if they aren’t able to walk this alone since this is not a stroller-friendly trail. There are several other trails that are kid-friendly including Paseo Del Rio, Pioneer Nature Trail, Rylander Fortress Cliff and Sunflower Trail. See page 2 of park map for trail difficulty.
There are several other trails that are kid-friendly including Paseo Del Rio, Pioneer Nature Trail, Rylander Fortress Cliff and Sunflower Trail. See page 2 of park map for trail difficulty. There is a seasonal creek at Paseo Del Rio to dip your toes in to cool off.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of four state parks that have the Texas Longhorn herd. Download the Birds of Palo Duro Canyon State Park and bring binoculars to view resident birds such as the kestrel, Mississippi kites, orioles, turkeys, and painted buntings. Two endangered animals that live at the park include the Texas Horned Lizard and the Palo Duro Mouse.
Hoodoos
A hoodoo is when a larger rock is balanced on top of a smaller base like in the photo above. As the rock erodes at different rates, the larger rock on top protects the smaller base causing the unusual shape.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park updates Facebook regularly if weather conditions require trail closures, such as flash floods. While summer time attracts the most visitors, canyon temperatures can easily be 100F, which puts the rock surfaces that you walk on around 130F. Plan to hike early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Activities at Palo Duro Canyon:
Palo Duro Canyon State Park events
Palo Duro ZipLine Adventure Park
Old West Stables Horseback Riding
Palo Duro Creek Ranch Jeep and Horse Tours
Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West Horseback riding and chuck wagon
Texas Outdoor Musical
Know Before You Go:
This state park often reaches capacity limit, so make day or camping reservations in advance.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur anywhere, but be extra vigilant in precautions at this state park.
Kids under 12 are free; adults are $8 each to enter the state park gates. For those with a Texas State Park Pass, entrance is free to this and any other Texas state park.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has cabins available to rent, or campsites for tent or trailer campers.
Bring hydration pack or water, sunscreen, snacks and wear closed-toed walking shoes.
There are several cabins at Palo Duro Canyon State Park that are within the park as well as nearby vacation rental homes, and hotels in Canyon or Amarillo.
Special needs:
Wheelchairs will have difficulty on most trails, since trail terrain is rocky and very rugged. Jogging strollers will have difficulty on most trails.
Zip lining at Palo Duro ZipLine Adventure Park can accommodate wheelchairs.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5
Canyon, TX 79015
(806)488-2227
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon
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