Watch the stories, struggles and triumphs of early settlers. You can see birds and animals including quails, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, roadrunners, sheep, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, white-tailed deer, skunk, and rabbits. Several members of the official State of Texas Longhorn Herd live at the park. More information onglamping at Palo Duro Canyon. Pioneer Nature This quick little half-mile loop is a simple walk to the river thats beautiful and fun for all skill levels. Visitors should take care when hiking in the park and avoid disturbing these dangerous creatures. Spearing, Darwin. We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use. The first section is along a narrow path that travels close to the rocks. Please use a JavaScript enabled browser in order to access the full functionality of this site. Map & Directions. If you plan to spend a lot of time in Texas and near Amarillo, consider a Texas State Park Pass, which offers unlimited visits to more than 90 state parks without paying the daily entrance fee. Due to diverse habitats, Palo Duro Canyon contains many species of wildlife including the rare Texas Horned Lizard, and Palo Duro Mouse. This is one of the best shorter hikes to do in the area, and therefore is extremely popular and can be crowded. Here are some of the species that visitors may observe while exploring the park: Bison: Bison are one of the most iconic species at Palo Duro Canyon. To make the most of your wildlife viewing experience at Palo Duro Canyon, its important to observe from a safe distance, keep quiet, and stay on designated trails. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas - Campsite Electric. According to Texas State Parks, Palo Duro Canyon has been inhabited for about 12,000 years, starting with the Clovis and Folsom peoples, who hunted herds of mammoth and giant bison. The last 200 yards heading up to the lighthouse are #5 - Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail to the Lighthouse Trail and Paseo del Rio. 10. This layer was deposited in a near-shore shallow-marine environment consisting of siltstones and shales with ripple marks and cross bedding, that alternated with dry tidal flats indicated by satin spar gypsum and halite cast evaporite deposits. Palo Duro Canyon is a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon. Take these safety precautions to make your visit to the canyon safer: Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 120 degrees. This is one of the extended routes in Palo Duro Canyon State Park that gives visitors a taste of all the beautiful scenery that the park has to offer. ReserveAmerica.com occasionally posts affiliate products, which means ReserveAmerica.com will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. This hike provides great exercise with a few hills, but isnt too difficult. If youre not into roughing it, then Palo Duro Canyon offers all kinds of accommodations from cliff side cabins with a view to air-conditioned glamping tents. Self-guided Tours. Once you arrive at the park: as you pull forward, the stone building on the left (Headquarters) will have maps and brochures on the porch. [16], Palo Duro Canyon is part of the Texas State Parks system under Texas Parks and Wildlife. The trail is marked but can be difficult to see at certain times- make sure to download an offline map to avoid confusion. July average high is 92 degrees. 3 is titled "Palo Duro Canyon." "[26] A KACV-TV documentary on the canyon, composer, and symphony, titled And There Will Be Sounds, was broadcast on PBS stations nationally later that year; and a commercial recording was subsequently released by the Seattle Symphony under the baton of Gerard Schwarz. GPS Info. The canyons provide homes to deer, coyotes, bobcats, pronghorn antelopes, foxes, raccoons and jackrabbits, while Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the Trailway's Clarity Tunnel. Beautifully situated inside the park, three are on the canyon rim and four on the canyon floor. The Quartermaster and Tecovas Formations make up Capital Peak. Grid Card. Camp, geocache, study nature or bird watch. On June 3 and June 4 - The park will be closed south of the stables. One minute, youre staring at plains; the next, the earth opens up into a wide panorama of colors, canyons, cliff walls, and knee-shaking vistas. The Juniper campsite is the first campground youll see after entering the park and passing the visitor center. Nestled on the Palo Duro Canyon floor, this campground gives easy access to the old west stables, horseback riding paths, and trails like The Lighthouse Trail. Like the other campgrounds, this site has water and electricity as well as wonderful views of the west Texas landscape and rock formations. Canyon, TX 79015-8747, USA. [1] As the second-largest canyon in the United States, it is roughly 120 mi (190 km) long and has an average width of 6 mi (9.7 km), but reaches a width of 20 mi (32 km) at places. Or visit the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation website to learn about other ways to help. Join our rangers in a guided driving tour through the canyon in our van. Choose from campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, or backpack camping areas. With soaring windows that give an impressive view of the canyon and its rock formations, the Canyon Gallery is full of nature exhibits, archeological discoveries of west Texas, and Southwest art. The route parallels the main road in the park, which makes it easy to connect with other trails for those wishing to extend their day in the park. Free. Fossils are rare. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Copyright 2022 Aperture Adventure. Tim and I stayed at the Hackberry Campsite, one of four Palo Duro State Park campsites with water, electricity, and public restrooms. While all the campsites seem nice, I especially liked Hackberry because of the little creek that weaves around it and the way it nestles along a cliff face. If water begins to rise quickly, move immediately to higher ground. The park store at the Visitor Center sells books, pottery, jewelry and more. From bison and deer to snakes and birds of prey, visitors to the park can observe a diverse array of species in their natural habitat. Likewise, the lower third of Triassic Peak is composed of the deeply furrowed Quartermaster Formation, overlain by the gentle slopes and smooth surface of the Tecovas Formation shales, all capped by the weather-resistant Trujillo Formation sandstone. Note: Palo Duro Canyon is open for day use from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, but for the foreseeable future, all guests, including annual pass holders, must purchase day passes and/or overnight reservations in advance through the Texas State Parks Reservation System. Rylander Fortress Cliff Starting from rock trail, this 3.7 mile detour takes you along the edge of the plateau with continuous views of the canyon below. Palo Duro Canyon is a treasure trove of wildlife, and visitors to the park have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of species in their natural habitat. Please select one to proceed. (Latitude, Longitude) 34.98472, -101.70167. Self-guided Tours from $10.00 per adult Explore Amarillo with a Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest Self-guided Tours from $10.00 per adult The area 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015-8747 Full view Best nearby Restaurants 1 within 3 miles Palo Duro Trading Post 62 0 ft$ American See all Attractions 2 within 6 miles Elkins Ranch 66 It is an out and back detour, so you can go for as long or as little as you want. Rock Garden Trail climbs from a field of boulders at the bottom of the canyon to the Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail along the canyon rim. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. It has continued each summer through the present, making Texas "the best-attended outdoor history drama in the nation. Visitors can spend a day driving the 16 mile Pala Duro Canyon State Park road, which features scenic overlooks and short trails. Find First Available Date. The park has other horseback trails open to all users, including the Juniper Cliffside Trail (about six miles round-trip) and the Lighthouse Trail (about six miles round-trip). CampersFifth Wheel RVsMotorhomesRepossessed RVs For Sale, Discover the Diverse Species of Wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon and How to Observe Them Safely, Palo Duro Canyon Wildlife Safeguards and Restrictions, visitors to Palo Duro Canyon can also enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Go East on Hwy 217 for 10 miles to the park entrance. The canyon is full of spectacular beauty and wildlife, making it one of the most visited destinations in the Lone Star State. The trail is mostly flat and travels over a sandy surface, and then halfway on the Juniper Cliffside Trail there is a spur trail that leads to a scenic overlook. Each glamping site is fully furnished with air conditioning, luxury rustic furnishings, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, games, bicycles, gas grills and gas fire pits, covered porches with rockers, porch swings, and much more. One of my favorite trails to hike was the CCC Trail, a rugged and steep 1.4-mile trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that follows the Palo Duro Canyon State Park rim near the visitor center. [15], Seven units of the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park from 1933 until 1937. Site 017, Loop HACKBERRY . Beat the heat with a drive through Palo Duro Canyon from the comfort of our van. Native Americans were attracted to the water of the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, as well as the consequent ample game, edible plants, and protection from the weather the canyon provided. Kiowa- This 3-mile round trip has several stops along the way where you can get great views of Prairie Dog Town Fork (one of only two forks in the Red River), an original CCC road bridge, and 250 million year old Permian formations that gives the river its namesake color. You hike through deep forests on natural paths and watch the wild animals in their natural . Mesquite Campground. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. (806) 452-9844. bradley.kliemann@tpwd.texas.gov. Map & Directions. There is an immense diversity of wildlife inside the Palo Duro Canyon. Length: 6.5 mi Est. Campsite Electric. Bradley Kliemann. This trail is estimated to be 15.1 km long. Learn more on our History page. Palo Duro Canyon, located in the Texas Panhandle, is a stunning natural wonder that is often referred to as the " Grand Canyon of Texas." This spectacular landscape is home to an array of wildlife and provides visitors with a breathtaking view of its majestic red cliffs and deep canyons. With a descent of some 800 feet to the canyon floor and more than 16 miles of paved road, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers fantastic scenic views, historical sites and markers, picnic tables, public restrooms and showers, miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, a souvenir shop with grill, and a variety of camping & One of our favorite hikes was a backcountry horseback riding trail that runs approximately 1.6 miles from the equestrian area and old west stables at Palo Duro State Park. It was formed by millions of years of water erosion by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and the West Texas wind. Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. Its one of two trails that climbs from the river bottom to rim, with Rock Garden being another option seeing the four geologic layers that make up this area. The Grand Canyon of Texas has 16 marked hiking trails ranging from easy, half-mile paths to longer trails that can connect to one another through winding rock formations. They had contact with traders, called Comancheros, in nearby New Mexico. The Givens Spicer Lowery Trail also connects to one of the most popular trails the Lighthouse Trail, a three-mile easy, more-or-less flat path that leads to The Lighthouse, one of the most impressive and famous rock formations in Palo Duro Canyon. The hiking trails lead to notable landmarks like ancient landslides, cavern-like areas, old Civilian Conservation Corps buildings, and wildlife viewing blinds. A rancher named Charles Goodnight founded the JA Ranch in the canyon in 1876 with John Adair, and by 1885, the ranch boasted 100,000 head of cattle and 1,325,000 acres of land. There are 16 trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, ranging in length from .05 miles to 4.4 miles. Work Camping - Camp Host JobsVolunteer RV Camping JobsEarning Money While You Travel, Free RV Classifieds SectionRV Sites For RentRV Lots For SaleCampers and Travel TrailersFifth-Wheel RVsMotorhomes, Free CampingRV Parks and CampgroundsRV Travel Destinations, Free RV Camping GuideRecommended Camping BooksRV Camping ArticlesImportant Need To Know FactsOther Resources For RVersDiscount RV CampingRVing Discounts. With more than 30 miles of trails to choose from, including the Upper Comanche Trail that weaved right through our campsite (Hackberry), we ended up hiking 17 miles that first day. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is. Required fields are marked *. Download to Your Calendar. The Canyon Gallery, which is operated by the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation, was built out of native stone in 1933 by the CCC and remains one of the most impressive buildings at Palo Duro State Park. Likewise, the Rock Garden is composed of Trujillo sandstone boulders. Rex C. Buchanan, B. Brownie Wilson, Robert R. Buddemeier, and James J. Butler, Jr. While not necessarily hard, the trail is fairly rugged as it leads to Goodnight Peak. Directions. Despite being home to the second-largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro Canyon State Park often flies under the radar for many travelers. For more souvenirs, camping supplies, and ready-to-eat food, visit the Palo Duro Trading Post. This is a beautiful trail that gives visitors the best experience of the trails at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Wildlife Viewing. Explore the most popular wildlife trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. (806) 452-9844. bradley.kliemann@tpwd.texas.gov. The 28,000-acre park opened in 1934. When Palo Duro Canyon does come into view, its sudden and shocking. "[25], American composer Samuel Jones's Symphony No. The Lighthouse Trailhead has an information board and parking, but this is also the busiest hiking trail in Palo Duro State Park during the high season. Its one of Palo Duros most difficult, and most scenic hikes. The Grand Canyon of Texas has 16 marked hiking trails ranging from easy, half-mile paths to longer trails that can connect to one another through winding rock formations. The Givens, Spicer & Lowry Running Trail is a favorite mountain biking route, but the Lighthouse Trail and Capitol Peak Mountain Bike Trail also weave through Civilian Conservation Corp sites, old west stables, and towering rock formations. [21], The painter Georgia O'Keeffe, who lived in nearby Amarillo and Canyon in the early 20th century, wrote of the Palo Duro: "It is a burning, seething cauldron, filled with dramatic light and color. Over the next half-century, the canyon remained in private hands but was an increasingly popular tourist spot for residents. 11450 PARK ROAD 5. Pro Tip: Always pack more water than you need. All rights reserved, 10 Common Lightroom Mistakes and How to Overcome Them. Frequently asked questions about wildlife trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. With a descent of some 800 feet to the canyon floor and more than 16 miles of paved road, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers fantastic scenic views, historical sites and markers, picnic tables, public restrooms and showers, miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, a souvenir shop with grill, and a variety of camping & parking areas suitable for day trips, overnight tent camping, or extended stays in the largest of campers and motorhomes. Additional Information. Paseo Del Rio 2 mile round-trip hike along the river offers a view of the Cowboy dugout where Cowboys lived in the 1880s and common wildlife sightings. Lower Comanche A challenging but beautiful 8.8 mile hiking experience awaits beneath the craggy face of Fortress Cliff. The weather doesnt get as hot as it does during summertime in the Texas Panhandle, and its not as crowded. In addition, picnic and camping areas were built, complete with tables, seats, fireplaces, and garbage receptacles. During the summer, enjoy a performance of TEXAS Outdoor Musical. [7], The Tecovas Formation is a part of the Dockum Group with the Trujillo Formation. Palo Duro Canyon contains many species of wildlife including the rare Texas Horned Lizard, and Palo Duro Mouse. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. One person is dead after investigators believe they intentionally drove off the highway near Lookout Point in Palo Duro Canyon on Monday morning, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind: Observe from a Safe Distance: Visitors should always observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid approaching or feeding wild animals.