Palo Duro Canyon Is Great

Nature’s Beauty Is on Display at State Park

The Grand Canyon gets plenty of attention for being the largest canyon in the United States. But Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo deserves a spotlight of its own. Palo Duro is far less crowded than the Grand Canyon. It’s the most drivable canyon in the U.S., and overnight guests can camp, glamp or stay in a cabin. It’s home to “TEXAS,” the state’s official outdoor musical that runs from June through August. And there are hiking trails suitable for novices and experts alike.

“Palo Duro has 15,000 acres of trails to hike and bike to your heart’s content,” says Hope Stokes Hoeffner, marketing director for Visit Amarillo.

It doesn’t take a mule or a difficult hike to get to the bottom of Palo Duro Canyon. The canyon is wide, and Hope says people have been known to drive RVs down.

Hike Safely

Because Palo Duro Canyon Park is so large and open, there isn’t much risk of danger on the trails. But Hope does list 1 threat visitors should prepare for. “It gets hot,” she says. “So, hike in the morning hours before the sun is high and the heat turns up. And always, always carry plenty of water.”

You don’t have to head out alone, either. The park offers a variety of guided hikes, including men’s and women’s hikes, geology hikes, wildlife hikes, and birding hikes. “The flora and fauna are amazing,” Hope says. “You can see everything from the Palo Duro mouse to a roadrunner.”

Not all guided events take place under the heat of the sun. The park offers a full moon hike, allowing visitors to see the moon rise over the canyon wall. In the inky darkness, the stars shine brightly. There are all types of adventures during holiday seasons as well, including hiking with Santa.

Outdoor Art

Artists are always welcome at Palo Duro. The park offers programs like Pastels in the Park, where adults and children are asked to bring only their “passion for pastels.” The park provides everything else. There are also programs to help photographers take their best shots.

“It truly is a hidden gem,” Hope says. “And not many Texans know about it. It’s shocking how underutilized it is by locals.”