Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Park Alert...

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

  • lighthouse peak
  • area view Palo Duro Canyon
    Palo Duro Canyon is home to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parks in the Southwest.
  • area view Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • Lighthouse Rock profile
  • fire at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park at night
  • family roasting marshmallow
  • horse back riding in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • RV area Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • area view CCC cabin in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Grand Canyon of Texas

The second largest canyon in the country lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park; experience the canyon's rugged beauty and enjoy its colorful history.

Things to Do

Explore the canyon by foot, mountain bike, horse or car. Camp, geocache, study nature or bird watch. During the summer, enjoy a performance of TEXAS Outdoor Musical.

Choose from campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, or backpack camping areas. Stay in one of three cabins on the canyon’s rim or four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor. Rent one of our pavilions for a wedding, reunion or meeting.

Glamping (luxury camping): 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. More information on glamping at Palo Duro Canyon.  

Stop by the Visitor Center on the canyon rim to learn more about the park. The park store at the Visitor Center sells books, pottery, jewelry and more. Look for souvenirs, snacks and meals at The Trading Post on the canyon floor.

Trails

We have more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trailsTake a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.

We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; contact us reserve it for your visit.

Our trails can be challenging. Be safe on the trails, no matter how you access them. Always bring plenty of water and travel with a partner.

Trails and backpack campsites may close due to wet weather or poor conditions. Contact the park, or check our Facebook page, for trail status.

Horseback riding 

Ride on trails through 1,500 acres set aside for horseback riding. You can also share two other trails with hikers and mountain bikers.

  • Bring your own horses (original Coggins papers required). Park your trailer at the equestrian campground. Bring a water bucket for your horse.
  • Take a guided tour. Old West Stables on the canyon floor leads tours for the whole family to Timber Creek Canyon. They also offer souvenirs and a snack bar. Reservations required; call (806) 488-2180.

TEXAS Outdoor Musical

TEXAS Outdoor Musical runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the summer at the Pioneer Amphitheater in the park. Watch the stories, struggles and triumphs of early settlers. The family-friendly show has singing, dancing, fireworks and lots of Texas humor!

Come early for a barbecue dinner on our covered patio.

For tickets, visit the TEXAS Outdoor Musical website.

Get involved

We need you! Visit our Volunteer page and search by zip code (79015) to see how you can help. Or visit the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation website to learn about other ways to help.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We offer programs on the park’s history and natural features. Learn about birds or Longhorn cattle, or take a driving tour with a park ranger. Visit our Events page for upcoming programs. Call the park to schedule a group program.

Civilian Conservation Corps:  Workers with the CCC built Palo Duro Canyon State Park more than 70 years ago. Learn more on our History page.

Attractions

First Day Hikes logo

 

Take a First Day Hike here!


11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX 79015

Latitude: 34.984709

Longitude: -101.701867

(806) 488-2227

Entrance Fees
  • Adult : $8 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Hours

Open daily.


Gate hours:

7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

 

We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.


Trails may close due to wet weather, poor conditions, or excessive heat. Contact the park or check our Facebook for trail status.

Busy Season

Summer months during the play season

Climate

January average low is 19 degrees. July average high is 92 degrees. Average rainfall is 20.6 inches. Flash flooding is a serious danger.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

2,759 - 3,463 feet