Some of the sites can hold a 60-foot RV. Arrival Date. $8 [7], The Ogallala Formation is a late Miocene to early Pliocene unit which forms the cliffs and ledges at the very top of the canyon. Unlike other parks where the campgrounds are surprisingly lackluster, every campsite has a stellar view of the canyon. Sunflower A shaded 2.5 mile round-trip hike where visitors will get a unique look at the red sandstone layered with the contrasting colors created by gypsum crystals. 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. According to AllTrails.com, the longest wildlife trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is. 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. Please select one to proceed. Due to diverse habitats, Palo Duro Canyon contains many species of wildlife including the rare Texas Horned Lizard, and Palo Duro Mouse. 11450 Park Road 5 White-tailed Deer: White-tailed deer are another common sight at Palo Duro Canyon. Bring plenty of water, as most heat-related injuries and deaths for people and pets occur on this trail. January average low is 19 degrees. 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. Please use a JavaScript enabled browser in order to access the full functionality of this site. 10:00a to 11:00a. 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. The last 200 yards heading up to the lighthouse are #5 - Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail to the Lighthouse Trail and Paseo del Rio. Its also a great place to learn about the history of the The Texas Grand Canyon and the impressive geology that makes this Texas Panhandle park so unique. Four groups of veterans, two groups of African Americans, and one junior group took part in various construction projects, starting with the construction of Park Road 5, a two-lane road from the rim to the floor of the canyon. Palo Duro Canyon is in the Texas Panhandle and is second largest canyon in North America, which is how it earned the nickname The Grand Canyon of Texas. If water begins to rise quickly, move immediately to higher ground. But if youre not near the Grand Canyon of Texas, there are plenty of equally amazing parks in the Lone Star State worth exploring too! 10. If you have a reservation and will be arriving at the park after 4:00pm, call the park at 806-488-2227 ext 220 prior to office closure for late arrival instructions. The weather doesnt get as hot as it does during summertime in the Texas Panhandle, and its not as crowded. This trail is estimated to be 15.1 km long. There can often be loose rock on the trail, and it is recommended to wear proper footwear. Lower Comanche A challenging but beautiful 8.8 mile hiking experience awaits beneath the craggy face of Fortress Cliff. [7], Headward erosion by the Prairie Dog Town fork of the Red River, into the caprock escarpment of the Llano Estacado, caused differential erosion. Grid Card. Horseback riding is a popular activity at the canyon, and the Old West Stables offer guided horseback trail rides from March to November. Large blocks of this sandstone, due to mass wasting, are found along the flanks and base of the peak. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas - Campsite Electric. 2h 20m. There is no shade along the way, and it is advised to bring a lot of water. Address. Bradley Kliemann. There are 16 trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, ranging in length from .05 miles to 4.4 miles. Givens, Spicer, Lowry Is a 6.2 round with a lot of hills and switchbacks, but through scenery so spectacular that you dont notice. 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. All campers are required to check in at the park Headquarters before occupying a site. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) spent five years building the infrastructure of the park, and today, that legacy can be seen in what is now the visitor center, the cabins on the rim and canyon floor, and the trails. Many visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can spend days upon days exploring the canyon by foot, mountain bike, horse, or car. Rock Garden to Fortress Bluff Trail boasts the most elevation gain for wildlife trails with 349 m of total ascent. Painted Bunting 2. Call the park to schedule a group program. Having a good insect repellant close at hand can sometimes be a necessity. This is one of the best shorter hikes to do in the area, and therefore is extremely popular and can be crowded. Information: 806-488-2227. All 200. 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. from. There are 25 wildlife trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Snakes: Palo Duro Canyon is also home to several species of snakes, including rattlesnakes and copperheads. If you're looking for elevation gain, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has you covered. (806) 452-9844. bradley.kliemann@tpwd.texas.gov. TEXAS Outdoor Musical runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the summer at the Pioneer Amphitheater in the park. Composed of coarse sandstone, river cross-bedding indicates deposition in a stream environment. Darton, N.H. 1898. This hike provides great exercise with a few hills, but isnt too difficult. 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. The Cow Camp Cabins are seven unique structures built by the CCC in 1933. Bradley Kliemann. Visitors may observe bison, deer, and birds of prey along the trail. Likewise, the Rock Garden is composed of Trujillo sandstone boulders. By far, the most popular activity in the canyon is hiking. So what do you need for Palo Duro Canyon? per adult. The Mackenzie expedition captured about 1,200 of the Indians' horses and slaughtered them in nearby Tule Canyon during the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon. Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 120 degrees. Work Locations: SP-Palo Duro Canyon SP 11450 Park Road 5 Canyon 79015. On Monday around 7:30 a.m., the Armstrong County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) Dispatch Center received a call regarding visible black smoke and a possible explosion near Lookout Point in the canyon off of Highway 207, according to an update from ACSO released Wednesday. The tribes fled, but the U.S. forces shot and killed their 1,400 ponies and burned all the winter supplies, leaving the families no choice but to surrender and return to the reservation. For more souvenirs, camping supplies, and ready-to-eat food, visit the Palo Duro Trading Post. This trail is 9.3 km long with an elevation gain of 159 m. According to AllTrails.com, the longest wildlife trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is Rock Garden to Fortress Bluff Trail. The Rocky Mountain Junipers provide plenty of shade for resting near the spring-fed streams that flow through this majestic trail. The only trails open will be the Pioneer Nature Trail Loop and the CCC/Triassic Trails. Paved roads to the visitor center in the second-largest canyon in the U.S. can also be reached by bicycle, though you should be cautious of cars and other traffic at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Rocky Mountain juniper 3. Watch the stories, struggles and triumphs of early settlers. Lighthouse Trail via Givens, Spicer, and Lowry Trail, Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail to the Lighthouse Trail and Paseo del Rio, Juniper Cliffside Trail and Juniper Riverside Trail Loop. Palo Duro Canyon is in the Texas Panhandle and is second largest canyon in North America, which is how it earned the nickname The Grand Canyon of Texas. Delaney is a project manager by day and a travel and wildlife photographer by night who is using her skills for translating complex technical language into easy to understand concepts to make photography achievable at all skill levels. Its depth is around 820ft (250m), but in some locations, it increases to 1,000ft (300m). Download to Your Calendar. The state park's 28,000 acres take up a mere fraction of the actual canyon. Schedule: Full-time. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. 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. Trails may close due to wet weather or poor conditions. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. 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 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00. We have more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. 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. The park's isolated location is a big reason for this, although that isolation is also part of the appeal. April 26, 2023 - All trails are closed due to rainy conditions. This blog post may contain affiliate links. Learn about birds or Longhorn cattle, or take a driving tour with a park ranger. [14] The upper section of the canyon was purchased by the State of Texas in 1934 and turned into the 20,000-acre (8,100ha) Palo Duro Canyon State Park. 2. What is the longest wildlife trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Take these safety precautions to make your visit to the canyon safer: Texas Master Naturalists Panhandle Chapter. Job: Office and Administrative Support. 20 sites are available, each with a fire ring, picnic table, water, and electricity. Here are some of the best places to see wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon: Lighthouse Trail: The Lighthouse Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails at Palo Duro Canyon, and its also a great place to spot wildlife. 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 Free. Readily accessible by car or motorhome and only 25 miles from downtown Amarillo and 14 miles from the Mainstreet town of Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon is the most spectacular and scenic landscape feature in the Texas Panhandle. Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game where participants use a GPS to find (or hide) geocache containers, which contain small treasures and logbooks for participants to sign. Wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon Palo Duro Canyon is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. To guarantee entry, Nearby State Parks, Historic Sites and State Natural Areas, three cabins on the canyons rim or four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor, More information onglamping at Palo Duro Canyon, Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation website, Interpretive Guide to Palo Duro Canyon | PDF, Palo Duro Canyon State Park Bird Checklist | PDF, Palo Duro Canyon Junior Naturalist Program | PDF, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, National Weather Service forecast for this area, Adult : Length: 6.5 mi Est. Spearing, Darwin. Thanks to efforts by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and conservation groups, an additional 2,036 acres were added to the park in 2002. This trail is full of stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Roadside Geology of Texas. Where is the best wildlife trail to hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park? We need you! Your browser does not support JavaScript! Theres no way there is a canyon out here.. Visitors can observe these graceful creatures grazing in the parks forests and grasslands. This is a beautiful trail that gives visitors the best experience of the trails at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Lighthouse -This 6 mile round-trip trail leads to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation, which is visible from multiple viewpoints. Upper Comanche The 6.6 mile round-trip trail is in the heart of Comanche territory that takes you across the ancient river that has shaped this canyon. Notable canyon formations include caves and hoodoos. Join our rangers in a guided driving tour through the canyon in our van. With extreme summer heats on the canyon floor, you can easily become overwhelmed by heat exhaustion and dehydration. Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Visit our Events page for upcoming programs. The spectacle, created by playwright Paul Eliot Green, premiered on July 1, 1966, at the newly constructed Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. [17], Palo Duro Canyon hosts several activities throughout the park. On June 3 and June 4 - The park will be closed south of the stables. This facility offers the following options. This tour will take participants throughout the . These wildlife trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 8,919 AllTrails community reviews. Sheriff Melissa Anderson with ACSO requested assistance from the Randall County Fire Department, Canyon Fire Department, Claude Fire and EMS Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the Texas A&M Forest Service for a rescue/recovery mission. The park store at the Visitor Center sells books, pottery, jewelry and more. Wildlife Viewing. Learn about being a work camper and work camping jobs on our Work Camping Jobs page. Take these safety precautions to make your visit to the canyon safer: Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 120 degrees. Beautifully situated inside the park, three are on the canyon rim and four on the canyon floor. Palo Duro Canyon was downcut by the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, during the Pleistocene, when the whole region was uplifted. The canyon is full of spectacular beauty and wildlife, making it one of the most visited destinations in the Lone Star State. Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon can observe wildlife throughout the park, but some areas are more conducive to wildlife viewing than others. Please check in with Headquarters by 9:00AM the next morning and bring the license plate information for all vehicles and trailers associated with your reservation. Your browser does not support JavaScript! July average high is 92 degrees. Self-guided Tours. 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. As the second-largest canyon system in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. The Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa also called Palo Duro Canyon home, but the canyon is also the site of one of the darkest moments for Native Americans. Col. Goodnight helped manage the ranch until 1890. Landscape, wildlife, and travel photographer based in Austin, Texas. The canyon is full of spectacular beauty and wildlife, making it one of the most visited destinations in the Lone Star State. Lavender, gray and white shales lie below this sandstone, while an orange shale lies between this sandstone and the Trujillo Formation above. Over the next half-century, the canyon remained in private hands but was an increasingly popular tourist spot for residents. 11:30a to 12:30p. 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. On Monday . Watch for plants with spines and thorns and stay a safe distance from all wildlife feral hogs and rattlesnakes included! 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. Second in size only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Palo Duro Canyon was formed by millions of years of relentless Texas winds and water erosion from the unassuming Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. How many wildlife trails are in Palo Duro Canyon State Park? You can still see remnants of 4 original bridges along the trail. [19] In addition, lodging cabins are available for rent that sit on the outer rim of the canyon, providing an impressive view of both the canyon and the sunrise. There are beautiful colorful cliffs that surround the valley and lead to the lighthouse formation. Palo Duro Canyon State Park consists of 16,402 acres in Armstrong and Randall Counties, south of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Map & Directions. To guarantee entry,reserve passes onlineor bycalling the customer service center before you visit. 0:53. Water erosion over the millennia has shaped the canyon's geological formations. It also becomes so narrow that there are steep drop-offs and views on both sides of the trail. Preliminary report on the geology and water resources of Nebraska west of the. [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. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Palo Duro. We spent a long, spring weekend at Palo Duro Canyon, which offers long, challenging hiking trails, flat scenic walks, stunning views, historical sites and markers, horseback riding, and a variety of camping. Download to Your Calendar. Additional Information. 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.