Palo Duro Canyon provides spectacular vistas, challenging paths, and remarkable memories.
If you’ve ever had someone mention the ”
Grand Canyon of Texas
They are referring to Palo Duro Canyon, which stands as the second largest natural canyon in the United States. Situated within the Texas Panhandle area, the upper part of the map looks like an angled handle of a skillet; this section marks Palo Duro Canyon’s location just 24 miles southeast of Amarillo city limits. Spanning over 120 miles long, with widths reaching up to 20 miles wide and depths plunging down to about 800 feet deep, parts of it function as both a state park and privately-owned territory. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park sees approximately 400,000 guests each year, cementing itself among some of the most frequented tourist spots in the nation.
The most frequented state parks in Texas
.
One of the most remarkable things about Palo Duro Canyon is that it sort of sneaks up on you. I’ll never forget the first time I took my non-Texan husband to Palo Duro. After nearly seven hours of driving across the state, he glanced doubtfully at me across the cab of the truck and asked, “Are you sure there’s a canyon up here?” We rounded the corner, and lo and behold, there it was, in all its red-banded rock glory.
What to Expect
The entry fee for adults to access the park daily is $8. Children under 12 can enter for free. Separate charges apply for renting campsites and basic cabins. The facility includes 97 campsites equipped with water and electrical hookups, along with several sites that have just water availability. Additionally, backcountry camping options are provided. It’s worth noting that a private entity manages these services.
glamping tents and cabins
on the floor of the canyon.
This is one of Texas’ most in-demand parks, so while park entry reservations aren’t required, they are recommended, especially from May through August.
Fun Fact
The final scene in
Indiana Jones and the Final Quest
was shot in Palo Duro Canyon.
Activities to Enjoy in Palo Duro Canyon
Watch an Outdoor Musical
This
seasonal, family-friendly show
runs from early June through early August in a natural amphitheater carved from and nestled into the canyon basin. If you’re imagining that the acoustics and scenic backdrops would be spectacular, you’re 100 percent correct. The show is a fictional account of settlers in the panhandle during the 1800s, told with songs, dancing, humor, and staggering special effects.
Tickets range from $20 to $65, depending on seat location. Book online, and be sure to add on the pre-show BBQ dinner at checkout. The shows frequently sell out, so while last-minute plans can work, consider booking early.
If you don’t have a park ticket, you can enter after 6:00 pm to attend the show with a valid Texas Outdoor Musical ticket.
Hop on a Bike
The paths within Palo Duro Canyon State Park are meant for both cyclists and walkers to use together, except where signs specify differently. Notable routes for those cycling through the area include the Rock Garden Trail and the Givens, Spencer & Lowry Trail. This latter trail can be extended with the Lighthouse Trail to create an impressive 9-mile panoramic route. Should you lack your own bicycle,
Palo Duro Canyon Outfitters
and
Hill’s Sport Shop
Both near Amarillo provide bicycle rental services.
Go Horseback Riding
Anyone can choose to bring their own horse and explore the canyon, but numerous outfitters provide lessons and guided rides for individuals with every level of expertise, including those who have never ridden before.
The Old West Stables sits at the edge of the canyon and provides excursions to Timber Creek Canyon. Additional providers operating inside and around the canyon include various local outfitters.
Ranchers and Riders of the Western Frontier
and
Palo Duro Stables
.
Take a Hike
The top activity in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is hiking. With over 30 miles of trails available, visitors can explore using an interactive map found on the park’s official site or seek advice from a ranger for suggestions. Among these routes, the Lighthouse Trail stands out; this particular path stretches for 5.9 miles round trip and culminates at a striking hoodoo resembling a lighthouse. Although labeled as moderate difficulty mainly because of steeper sections close to the turn-around spot where one reaches the bottom of the hoodoo, much of the hike remains relatively simple along well-maintained, compacted earth paths.
Join Ranger-led programming
Park rangers constantly keep things lively with activities ranging from thematic guided treks to musical nights where everyone sings along, as well as events centered around visual arts. You can check the park’s schedule for ranger-organized happenings roughly one month ahead, or contact the park directly for details on future programs.
Explore Palo Duro Creek Ranch
The portion of the canyon that’s not under the control of Texas Parks and Wildlife is privately owned land. While it’s the same canyon and the same terrain, visiting the non-park side offers a different, less populated experience. The ranch is also known as the Elkins Ranch.
Palo Duro Creek Ranch
Is a functional cattle ranch that provides both Jeep and horseback touring options. Tours with Jeeps come in durations of one, two, and three hours. A full three-hour journey aboard an adapted open-back Jeep/Humvee can be quite jolting, yet remains highly rewarding. You’ll get panoramic vistas of the canyon along with opportunities to spot various fauna including mule deer, prairie dogs, Texas horned lizards, and the region’s top carnivore—the coyote. While this experience costs more compared to visiting just the park itself, Palo Duro Creek Ranch does not offer camping facilities. However, lower visitor numbers enhance your likelihood of encountering these creatures.
The premier viewpoints at Palo Duro Creek Ranch can be found at Yellow Bear Bluff.
Nearby Attractions
Go for a Ride on Route 66
The renowned route connecting Chicago to Santa Monica revolutionized road trip travel for countless Americans. Amarillo stands as the biggest city along this segment.
Route 66
This route extends from Oklahoma through Texas all the way to New Mexico. Despite the presence of modern highways, the section passing through Amarillo remains an enjoyable place to discover.
Many of the attractions you can visit fit into the quirky roadside landmark category, like the Devil’s Rope Museum, which focuses on barbed wire but offers an enjoyable experience with chances for great photos.
Stop in Amarillo, Texas
Nearby
Amarillo
serves as a destination in itself. For those who love the great outdoors but prefer not to sleep outside, Amarillo offers numerous choices with cozy beds and proper restrooms, conveniently located near the natural splendors of Palo Duro, making the journey quick and effortless.
If you have a substantial hunger and enjoy taking on culinary challenges,
The Big Texan offers a 72-ounce steak.
With your name on it. Should you manage to complete it along with all the extras within one hour, the meal comes at no cost. This challenge has been running steadily since 1962, and there’s no need for reservations—you’re set when you decide to go for it.
Amarillo’s Art at Dusk is a
reimagined art space
including exhibition spaces, artist workshops, and communal happenings you shouldn’t overlook. Make sure not to skip this.
First Friday Art Walks
, an evening marked by intermittent live music, food trucks, and displays of local art.
Pull over at one of the latest additions to Texas’ iconic Buc-ee’s when visiting the area. The much-loved pit stop in Amarillo made its debut towards the end of 2024 and offers spotlessly clean bathrooms, more than 100 fueling stations, regional treats, and an extensive selection of Texas-themed merchandise. It stands as a must-stop location for anyone embarking on a road trip through these parts.
Relish Your Stay in Canyon, Texas
Visit the Sad Monkey Mercantile located right outside the entrance of Palo Duro Canyon. This trendy stop offers an array of locally sourced items, outdoor equipment, treats, and coffee, all presented with a carefully selected Texan design sense—perfect for exploring before or after your hike.
Stop by Creek House Honey Farm in Canyon, Texas, for a refreshing experience. This establishment is run by a family.
honey farm
provides educational bee tours, a honey boutique, a rooftop mead tasting area, and a delightful café for a perfect sweet break during your day.
Read the initial article on
Southern Living
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