Explore Breathtaking Countryside at Palo Duro Canyon
More than 26,000 acres of breathtaking scenery await tourists at Palo Duro Canyon. Located about thirty miles southeast of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United Statesonly topped in size by the Grand Canyon. Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide in spots, and 3,500 feet deep. Make sure Palo Duro Canyon is on your "to-do" list and bring a camera!
Scattered with mesquite and juniper trees, Palo Duro, meaning "hard wood," was discovered by Spanish explorers many centuries ago. Over time, Native American tribes settled in the area, but were eventually removed by cavalry forces. In the 1800s, the first cattle ranch located in the canyon was developed. J.A. Ranch remains operational even today, though the number of cattle is not as plentiful.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is open throughout the year. Currently, the entry fee is $4 for those over the age of 12. (2008 price schedule.) More than thirty miles of hiking trails are found throughout the park and are generally well marked. The $4 entry free is for daytime hours only. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Activities include:
Bird watching
Camping
Hiking
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Picnics
Trail rides (additional fee)
Wildlife spotting
Many visitors prefer to spend an extended amount of time within Palo Duro Park. There are numerous camping areas and some cabin rentals available. Camping sites are $12 per night for no more than four people. If you are coming into the state park on horseback, be sure to have proof that a Coggins test has been given in the past year. There are campsites for those with horses available for the same $12 nightly rate.
If you want to camp, but can't live without electrical outlets, Hackberry, Mesquite and Sagebrush trails have campsites with electrical outlets available. These camping areas allow no more than eight people per site and cost $20 with parking for two cars. All campsite areas have shower and restroom buildings available.
For some, camping is not enjoyable. If you want to stay within the Palo Duro State Park, you may prefer the cabins that are available at the rate of $100 per night. The historical stone cabins blend in with their surroundings. Each cabin has a futon that separates into two twins, and then a full bed in the other sleeping area. For $115 per night, you can stay in the Sorenson Cabin, which has electricity and a front porch that overlooks the canyon. Cooking is not allowed in any cabin, but there are outdoor cooking areas adjacent to each cabin.
Another alternative, though slightly more rustic, are the Cow Camp Cabins. These stone cabins are $55 per night and have two twin beds, a mini-refrigerator and microwave oven for indoor cooking. You must provide your own towels and linens in these cabins.
There are a few general guidelines that visitors should know.
Animals are allowed if kept on a leash
Children are welcome in the park.
Make sure that all fires are extinguished before going to bed.
Palo Duro Canyon does allow alcoholic beverages within the state park, but you must drink in your tent or cabin. Make sure you properly recycle your bottles and cans.
Wear hiking shoes. Some trails can be slick due to erosion, so be cautious in these areas and have proper shoes on your feet.
Texas Tourist Guide - Palo Duro Canyon
Scattered with mesquite and juniper trees, Palo Duro, meaning "hard wood," was discovered by Spanish explorers many centuries ago. Over time, Native American tribes settled in the area, but were eventually removed by cavalry forces. In the 1800s, the first cattle ranch located in the canyon was developed. J.A. Ranch remains operational even today, though the number of cattle is not as plentiful.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is open throughout the year. Currently, the entry fee is $4 for those over the age of 12. (2008 price schedule.) More than thirty miles of hiking trails are found throughout the park and are generally well marked. The $4 entry free is for daytime hours only. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Activities include:
Bird watching
Camping
Hiking
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Picnics
Trail rides (additional fee)
Wildlife spotting
Many visitors prefer to spend an extended amount of time within Palo Duro Park. There are numerous camping areas and some cabin rentals available. Camping sites are $12 per night for no more than four people. If you are coming into the state park on horseback, be sure to have proof that a Coggins test has been given in the past year. There are campsites for those with horses available for the same $12 nightly rate.
If you want to camp, but can't live without electrical outlets, Hackberry, Mesquite and Sagebrush trails have campsites with electrical outlets available. These camping areas allow no more than eight people per site and cost $20 with parking for two cars. All campsite areas have shower and restroom buildings available.
For some, camping is not enjoyable. If you want to stay within the Palo Duro State Park, you may prefer the cabins that are available at the rate of $100 per night. The historical stone cabins blend in with their surroundings. Each cabin has a futon that separates into two twins, and then a full bed in the other sleeping area. For $115 per night, you can stay in the Sorenson Cabin, which has electricity and a front porch that overlooks the canyon. Cooking is not allowed in any cabin, but there are outdoor cooking areas adjacent to each cabin.
Another alternative, though slightly more rustic, are the Cow Camp Cabins. These stone cabins are $55 per night and have two twin beds, a mini-refrigerator and microwave oven for indoor cooking. You must provide your own towels and linens in these cabins.
There are a few general guidelines that visitors should know.
Animals are allowed if kept on a leash
Children are welcome in the park.
Make sure that all fires are extinguished before going to bed.
Palo Duro Canyon does allow alcoholic beverages within the state park, but you must drink in your tent or cabin. Make sure you properly recycle your bottles and cans.
Wear hiking shoes. Some trails can be slick due to erosion, so be cautious in these areas and have proper shoes on your feet.
Texas Tourist Guide - Palo Duro Canyon
