Palo Duro is more than the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas.”
Yes, Palo Duro Canyon is the second biggest Canyon in the US and the largest in Texas, but there’s so much more to it than that! Georgia O’Keeffe, who once made her home in the Texas Panhandle, described Palo Duro as a “burning, seething cauldron, filled with dramatic light and color.”
I’d say a fitting description- the fiery hoodoos and dramatic formations inspire a sort of longing with a hint of desert adventure.
Here’s everything you need to know about Palo Duro Canyon in Texas:
When to Visit Palo Duro Canyon in Texas
Summer in Palo Duro is extremely hot, so early spring and late fall are best.
Remember, most trails have little to no shade, and the Texas Summers are brutal. Palo Duro has been known to exceed 115 degrees!
If you plan to go in the summertime, go early in the morning and be ready to leave the Canyon by noon.
How to get to Palo Duro Canyon
The biggest town closest to Palo Duro would be Amarillo. That’s likely where you’d fly unless you opt for the much cheaper Dallas Airport, 5.5 hours away.
Where to stay near Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro is closest to the cities of Canyon and Amarillo.
Amarillo is much larger, has more chain food and grocery options, and is about 25 miles from the entrance.
The Canyon is closer to Palo Duro and is where you can find properties with scenic views of the Canyon; the main street area is about 15 miles from the entrance.
Where To Stay in Canyon, Texas
- The Hudspeth House Bed and Breakfast…THE Georgia O’Keefe used to eat here!
- Best retreat: Palo Duro Canyon State Park Cabins has the best views of all the places to stay nearby!
- Best budget stay: Buffalo Inn is a clean stay next to lots of food and amenities in Canyon.
Where To Stay in Amarillo, Texas
- The Barfield is part of the Hilton’s Autograph collection, so it has the classy bar and large rooms you’d expect.
- Best retreat: Big Texan Cabins & Wagons lets you stay in an actual wagon. It doesn’t get more Southern than that.
- Best budget stay: The Big Texan Motel is charmingly Southern chic; you’d never know it’s a budget from looking at it.
Essentials for Palo Duro
Palo Duro isn’t just another adventure- it’s a Texas desert adventure, and you’ll need certain things.
- The only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out
- Polarized sunglasses
- SPF sun hat to maximize your sunscreen
- Bug spray (Texas has horse flies, which are giant, biting flies!)
- Reusable Water Bottle (22 Oz, BPA-free, leakproof, rolls up small enough to fit in your pocket)
- Hydration Packets because the Texas heat is no joke
For the full list of essential tips, read my guide to packing for a hike:
The Single Most Important Tip for Visiting Palo Duro Canyon
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
Bring more than you think you’ll need. Your body loses fluid quickly when you’re in the hot desert sun. Bring at least one quart of water per person per mile.
Don’t forget extra water for your pets.
Note: The canyon floor is, on average, about 10 degrees hotter than the rim of the Canyon.
What To Do at Palo Duro Canyon
The Lighthouse
If you’ve seen just one image of the park, this is likely it. The Lighthouse is a 310-foot hoodoo that cannot be seen from the road.
Hike the Lighthouse Trail, the most popular hike here (and for a good reason!).
The Lighthouse Trail is just over 5.5 miles roundtrip, and while most of it is fairly easy, the last half as you ascend to the Lighthouse is pretty steep, so I’ll repeat it: Bring more water than you think you need!
Check out the trail map here.
Other Hikes in the Canyon
The CCC Trail (just over 2.5 roundtrip) will take you across four historic CCC bridges (Civilian Conservation Corps) as you descend five hundred feet from the canyon rim to the canyon floor.
You can combine several trails for a more challenging or scenic hike–the Givens, Spicer, and Lowry Trail added to the Lighthouse trail makes for an absolutely amazing trek.
Check out the trail map.
Views from the Visitor’s Center
Palo Duro Canyon’s visitor center has everything you want to know about its history + some epic views of the Lighthouse.
Drive through the Palo Duro Canyon Loop
The road through Palo Duro Canyon is a loop that can be completed in about half an hour of beautiful Texas scenery. However, there are many lookouts and cute photo ops worth stopping for along the way, so plan to drive leisurely.
The Rock Garden
The Rock Garden Trail leads you through the towering rocks and boulders, creating an otherworldly landscape unlike anything else in the park.
It’s the only trail in the Canyon that leads to the Palo Duro’s rim – and with an elevation gain of over 600 feet in almost 2.5 miles, it’s one of the more challenging hikes in the Canyon.
The reward at the top is a gloriously panoramic view of the Canyon.
Big Cave
The Big Cave is exactly how it sounds: a big cave on the side of the Canyon.
This is one of the lesser-known attractions of Palo Duro, making it a great spot for beating crowds, and at just under a mile, it is one of the easier hikes in the park.
Find it here.
Pro Tip: Photos from inside the cave give a nice framing to the Texas landscape.
The Texas Outdoor Musical
In the summer, the Texas Outdoor Musical performs in the Pioneer Amphitheater inside the park. The show describes itself as a “musical romance of Texas panhandle history,” and I think that’s very fitting.
Wildlife
There is a ton of animal and plant life to be found here in the rugged and arid Palo Duro. Look for:
- Texas Longhorns
- Horny Toad Lizards
- Wild Turkeys
- White-tailed and Mule Deer
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Beavers
- Roadrunners
- Many species of snakes, including rattlesnakes (!)
Note: There have been sightings of tarantulas off of the trails
Itineraries
If you have a few days
2-3 days would be ideal– you would have enough time to explore a few different hikes, peep the viewpoints, and maybe add another fun experience like an ATV or Jeep tour. If you’re blessed with a few days, make sure to:
- Hike the Light House trail, a Palo Duro essential!
- Catch Palo Duro’s other kickass hikes; there are many to choose from.
- Visit the Rock Garden.
- Check out Big Cave and its surrounding small formations. They aren’t as well known as the Lighthouse and other attractions, but they are worth the time.
If you only have one day
- Snag the famous lighthouse photo without hiking: you can get a really good picture from the Visitors Center or take the hike.
- The CCC Overlook is my favorite for views!
- Explore the 16-mile Canyon Sweep Scenic Drive section of Palo Duro for incredible views.
- Try one of the park’s easy trails– I suggest the Rylander Fortress trail for sweeping views of the Canyon below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the entrance fee for Palo Duro Canyon in Texas?
Check out the Texas Palo Duro Canyon entrance fees here.
If you plan to visit multiple Texas state parks in one year, grab a Texas State Parks Pass, good for 12 months and unlimited entry to 89 state parks.
Are reservations required at Palo Duro Canyon?
Reservations are best practice at Palo Duro. Make them here.
Can you drive through Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes!
The Canyon Sweep is a scenic 119-mile drive from Caprock Canyon to Palo Duro Canyon. Roughly 16 miles of that is in Palo Duro, which is gorgeous.
Is a car essential for visiting the Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, you will need a car for Texas’s Palo Duro Canyon, 1000%. You will need a car to get to the different trails, even if you stay in the park. I use RentalCars.com for the best rates and refundable deals.
Are dogs allowed at Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, pups are allowed in the park but must be on a leash and attended to at all times. Only service animals are permitted inside buildings.
Can you camp at Palo Duro Canyon?
You can definitely camp at Palo Duro! Check out the National Parks Service Camping Sites.
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What did you see and do at Palo Duro Canyon? Tag me on social media or comment below and let me know!
Hi,
Read your blog and it’s very well written. All the questions that came to my mind regarding the trip were answered. Those links that you have added are very helpful in planning.
Great Blog!
Author
Thank you so much! I love hearing that you found value in my writing. If you visit Palo Duro Canyon, tag me so I can see your photos 🙂