Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. . Take these safety precautions to make your visit to the canyon safer: Texas Master Naturalists Panhandle Chapter. 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. Follow Park Regulations: Visitors should follow all park regulations regarding wildlife, including keeping a safe distance and properly disposing of food waste. Mesquite Campground. Map & Directions. The ACSO requests that out of respect for the family, further questions and/or comments, if any, be directed to Sheriff Melissa Anderson via email at: sheriffanderson@co.armstrong.tx.us or by calling the non-emergency number at 806-553-6933. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Palo Duro Canyon (from the Spanish meaning "hard stick")[2] has been named "The Grand Canyon of Texas" both for its size and for its dramatic geological features, including the multicolored layers of rock and steep mesa walls, which are similar to those in the Grand Canyon. 11450 Park Road 5 When Palo Duro Canyon does come into view, its sudden and shocking. Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Listen to tales the constellations around us while using the SkyGuide . Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Palo Duro Canyon State Park. To guarantee entry,reserve passes onlineor bycalling the customer service center before you visit. 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. Fortress Cliff, on the eastern rim of the canyon, has a spectacular exposure of the Ogallala Formation. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Best Wildlife Trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park - AllTrails.com And I wanted to capture in music that magical moment which everyone experiences when they first see the flat, treeless High Plains fall dizzyingly away into the colorful vastness of the Palo Duro Canyon itself. Operated by The Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation, one of the canyons most impressive man-made attractions is The Canyon Gallery.. Bison Grocery Store Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 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. "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Logan G. Carver, "Palo Duro Canyon quick getaway from Lubbock", "National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)", "Park Passes Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Campsites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Horse Sites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Lodging Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Group Sites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Birth of the abstract: Georgia O'Keeffe in Amarillo", "Walter Piston, Samuel Jones, Stephen Albert American Symphonies BIS2118 [DM] Classical Music Reviews: June 2018 ", Texas Parks and Wildlife: Palo Duro Canyon, Handbook of Texas Online: Palo Duro Canyon, Public domain images of the Llano Estacado and West Texas, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Palo Duro State Park, Unique Perspectives of Palo Duro Canyon; Pictures and Panoramas, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, Barrington Living History Farm at Washington-on-the-Brazos, List of National Natural Landmarks in Texas, National Register of Historic Places Sites, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Palo_Duro_Canyon&oldid=1150936867, Protected areas of Armstrong County, Texas, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 20 April 2023, at 22:22. Several members of the official State of Texas Longhorn Herd live at the park. From Lubbock: Take I 27 North to Hwy 217 exit 106 at Canyon. Theres no way there is a canyon out here.. Stay on Designated Trails: Visitors should stay on designated trails to avoid disturbing wildlife habitats and to prevent unintentional encounters with dangerous animals. They had contact with traders, called Comancheros, in nearby New Mexico. Palo Duro Canyon is a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon. Learn about the geology that makes up each slice of Palo Duro Canyon in this short hike. Click Here For More Information and to Sign Up, Post Your Work Camper or Camp Host Job For Free By Clicking Here. Average rainfall is 20.6 inches. Visitors may hear their distinctive howls at night or spot them hunting in the parks grasslands.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'happyvagabonds_com-box-4','ezslot_10',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happyvagabonds_com-box-4-0'); Bobcats: Bobcats are another predator that visitors may observe at Palo Duro Canyon. Even a day trip from Amarillo can allow you to explore all the hiking trails at this Texas state park. 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. If you will arrive after 4:00PM, please contact the park at 806-488-2227 ext. (806) 452-9844. bradley.kliemann@tpwd.texas.gov. The Comanche and Kiowa conceded and left the area. Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. Whether you are visiting for the day or overnight, you will need a reservation. 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. Site 017, Loop HACKBERRY . CANYON TX 79015. Bradley Kliemann. The hiking trails lead to notable landmarks like ancient landslides, cavern-like areas, old Civilian Conservation Corps buildings, and wildlife viewing blinds. There is no shade along the way, and it is advised to bring a lot of water. Palo Duro State Park has numerous campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, and backpack camping areas. 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. Visitors can observe these graceful creatures grazing in the parks forests and grasslands. Park boundaries are subject to change. The equestrian area at Palo Duro Canyon State Park has about 1,500 acres, and many of the trails in the equestrian area are strictly for horses for a leisurely getaway. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas - Camping & Reservations. [12] The siltstone and sandstone have been cemented by silica, which gives rise to the occurrence of common opal and almost-chert pockets. Palo Duro: Grandest Canyon of Texas | TPW magazine | December 2016 Trails may close due to wet weather or poor conditions. 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. 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. Visitors should take care when hiking in the park and avoid disturbing these dangerous creatures. Bring plenty of water, as most heat-related injuries and deaths for people and pets occur on this trail. Mule Deer 1. The second largest canyon in the entire country, Palo Duro runs 120 miles long, 20 miles wide and up to 800 feet deep. More information onglamping at Palo Duro Canyon. It has continued each summer through the present, making Texas "the best-attended outdoor history drama in the nation. 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. The drive through the flat, scrubby panhandle terrain gave no hint at the fact that a canyon that dips 800 feet down in places even exists out here in the dusty west. My 7 Favorite U.S. Mountain Towns To Visit In The Summer, 5 Unique Stays In Rhodes, Greece With A View, 13 Highs, Lows, And Key Insights From My Years As A Freelance Writer On Travel And Other Themes, 12 Incredible Things To Do During A Long Weekend In Laredo, Texas, 12 Ways To Spend A Great Day In Charming Brenham, Texas, 6 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In Lubbock, Texas, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, three cabins on the canyons rim or four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor, 10 Fantastic Experiences At Dinosaur Valley State Park, 12 Incredible Texas State Parks For Stargazing, We Rated The Best Hiking Shoes On The Market. Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time. Similarly, many of the insects in the canyon can be quite pesky (to say the least). Palo Duro Canyon State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go FOR CABIN/PAVILION/GROUP HALL: [27] There are beautiful viewpoints along the entirety of the trail, and a decent amount of elevation gain is broken up between many switchbacks. This trail is full of stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Map & Directions. This is one of the best shorter hikes to do in the area, and therefore is extremely popular and can be crowded. [18] There are also sites for keeping horses available to campers planning to horseback ride in the canyon. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas - Campsite Electric, Parking Obstructions Horizontal (Road To Facility), Proximity to Restrooms (walking distance). The Texas State Bison Herd lives here, roaming some 10,000 acres. The canyon is also home to reptiles including snakes so be careful while hiking. Located 25 miles south of Amarillo and only 14 miles from Canyon, Texas, this often overlooked canyon seems to pop out of nowhere. Your browser does not support JavaScript! The trail starts at the top of the canyon and travels to the low point in the canyon. per group (up to 5) Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour. The middle sandstone member forms conspicuous ledges and cliffs. 7:00p to 8:00p. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map. 11:30a to 12:30p. The weather doesnt get as hot as it does during summertime in the Texas Panhandle, and its not as crowded. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Employee Status: Temporary. Information: 806-488-2227. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is. Bradley Kliemann. The park's runner-up is Rock Garden via Lower Comanche Trail, which will get you 266 m of elevation gain. Keep Quiet: Loud noises can startle wildlife, so visitors should try to remain quiet while observing animals. There is no shade along the way and the trail is completely exposed to the sun therefore it is recommended to bring plenty of water and proper sun protection. There is an immense diversity of wildlife inside the Palo Duro Canyon. 10:00a to 11:00a. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. With more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, outdoor adventurers can stay busy studying nature, birdwatching, hiking, or just taking in the scenery during a day trip from Amarillo. Go East on Hwy 217 for 10 miles to the park entrance. One of the best-known and the major signature feature of the canyon is the Lighthouse Rock. Join our rangers in a guided driving tour through the canyon in our van. 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. 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. Missoula: Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1991. Join Ranger Bradley and learn about how the bison acted as a grocery store to the Comanche People. When you first enter, dont miss the longhorn pasture on your left. Juniper Cliffside The Juniper/Cliffside Trail is 6 miles round trip and has some decent views of the valley and percolation caves, which were carved by moving water in the sides of the cliffs. You can also receive discounts on camping, park store merchandise, equipment rental discounts, eligibility for other specials. The trailhead starts across the street from the Hackberry Campsite, and at about 1.5 miles, the terrain becomes less challenging and more rolling. Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Private Walking Tour in Heidelberg. This is a beautiful trail that gives visitors the best experience of the trails at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Grid Card. The canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, which initially winds along the level surface of the Llano Estacado of West Texas, then suddenly and dramatically runs off the Caprock Escarpment. Map & Directions. [7], The Tecovas Formation is a part of the Dockum Group with the Trujillo Formation. For more souvenirs, camping supplies, and ready-to-eat food, visit the Palo Duro Trading Post. Horseback riding is a popular activity at the canyon, and the Old West Stables offer guided horseback trail rides from March to November. The CCC The Civilian Conservation Corps created this 2.8 mile round-trip in the 1930s to gain access to the canyon floor. This facility offers the following options. While still quite rustic, theyve been recently equipped with modern heating and cooling and are available for overnight stay by advance reservation. Bradley Kliemann. [15], Seven units of the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park from 1933 until 1937. Things To Do | Palo Duro Canyon State Park Arrival Date. Visitors may spot bobcats, coyotes, and a variety of birds along this scenic trail. Civilian Conservation Corps: Workers with the CCC built Palo Duro Canyon State Park more than 70 years ago. Large blocks of this sandstone, due to mass wasting, are found along the flanks and base of the peak. Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Additional Information. [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. Wildlife, plantlife, and scenic diversity abound. There are beautiful colorful cliffs that surround the valley and lead to the lighthouse formation. Wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon Palo Duro Canyon is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. There are 25 wildlife trails in Palo Duro Canyon 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. We started on the Givens, Spicer, and Lowery Trail, a 3.1-mile singletrack path that leads to the Red Star Ridge. Canyon, TX 79015-8747, USA. Fri, May 26, 2023. In this article, well explore the wildlife that visitors may observe at Palo Duro Canyon, where to see them, safeguards to take into account, restrictions imposed by the state park, and other relevant information. 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. Having a good insect repellant close at hand can sometimes be a necessity. 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. 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. Camp, geocache, study nature or bird watch. Free. Other species include wild turkey, white tail and mule deer, barbary sheep, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, roadrunners, and western diamondback rattlesnakes. 220 for late arrival instructions. How many wildlife trails are in Palo Duro Canyon State Park? If we do not have all of the license plate information there will not be a packet in the mailbox. 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). Other species include wild turkey, white tail and . 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. 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. In 1976, Palo Duro Canyon State Park was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park; experience the canyon's rugged beauty and enjoy its colorful history. The Red River War between the U.S. Army and southern Plains Indians lasted from June 1874 to spring 1875, and on September 28, 1874, the 4th U.S. Cavalry launched a surprise attack at dawn on a camp of Comanches, Kiowas, and Cheyennes. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is The Lighthouse Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 2,848 reviews. A guide to the most common and interesting species located in the Palo Duro Canyon ecosystem. 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. 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. Alerts and Important Information. Charles N. Gould made a geologic map of the canyon and named the formations in 1905. A Slice of Palo Duro Pie Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Self-guided Tours. State Job Code: 0130. . According to AllTrails.com, the longest wildlife trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is. This is one of the most famous rock formations that can be very busy during the main visiting season. Rock Garden Rock Garden Trail is a 4.8 mile round-trip hike with a rigorous incline that rewards hikers with the best views of the canyon. 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. There are the basic camping essentials you need no matter where you are camping, but each location has its unique needs. In addition to observing wildlife, visitors to Palo Duro Canyon can also enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas - Legends of America 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. Frequently asked questions about wildlife trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. White-tailed Deer: White-tailed deer are another common sight at Palo Duro Canyon. Palo Duro Canyon - Wikipedia Work Locations: SP-Palo Duro Canyon SP 11450 Park Road 5 Canyon 79015. The Rocky Mountain Junipers provide plenty of shade for resting near the spring-fed streams that flow through this majestic trail. 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. A United States military team under Captain Randolph B. Marcy mapped the canyon in 1852 during their search for the headwaters of the Red River. I think theyre fooling us, I joked. Download to Your Calendar. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. TEXAS Outdoor Musical runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the summer at the Pioneer Amphitheater in the park. The canyon is full of spectacular beauty and wildlife, making it one of the most visited destinations in the Lone Star State. The red color indicates periods of oxidation. Youre close enough to Amarillo, however, if camping isnt your style, you can find plenty of hotels in the Texas Panhandle within an hour or so. Visit our Volunteer page and search by zip code (79015) to see how you can help. 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. Please use a JavaScript enabled browser in order to access the full functionality of this site. 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. [13], In 1931, a major landowner signed a two-year contract with the local chamber of commerce to allow public access to the canyon. About the Campground: Also at the southern end of Palo Duro, this campground has a few more amenities and can accommodate larger RVs and trailers with 30/50 amp hookups. The Palo Duro Canyon Road Trip Guide - Drivin' & Vibin' $22.40. You hike through deep forests on natural paths and watch the wild animals in their natural . Learn about being a work camper and work camping jobs on our Work Camping Jobs page. A multiple-use, 6mi (10km) round-trip loop trail is dedicated to the formation.[3]. 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. Rent one of our pavilions for a wedding, reunion or meeting. At the bottom, there is a road with a trading post where you can get a meal, refreshments, and souvenirs. 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. Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00. Visitors can spend a day driving the 16 mile Pala Duro Canyon State Park road, which features scenic overlooks and short trails. Learn more on our History page. Map & Directions. Or visit the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation website to learn about other ways to help. Pro Tip: Always pack more water than you need. So what do you need for Palo Duro Canyon? Download to Your Calendar. Watch the stories, struggles and triumphs of early settlers. 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.