This State Park Is Home to the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas’—How to Visit

Arizona isn’t the only state with an impressive canyon. Virginia and Kentucky have the nearly 1,000-foot canyon in Breaks Interstate Park, and Texas boasts what’s frequently billed as the second-largest canyon in the entire country: Palo Duro Canyon. This wondrous natural formation—which measures in at 120 miles long and up to 800 feet deep—is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” and it’s the main draw to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. 

While the park opened to the public in July 1934, the canyon itself is much, much older. Its formation is said to have started around a million years ago, as the headwaters of the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River carved out its path—but the exposed rock layers date back more than 240 million years. Researchers have also found evidence of Indigenous peoples living in the canyon from 12,000 years ago. 

To visit this historic landmark and natural wonder, you’ll need to travel to the Texas Panhandle region. The park’s entrance is just about 30 minutes south of Amarillo, but it’s worth the journey. “Second only to the immensely popular Grand Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park contains a similarly impressive amount of ways to immerse yourself in the canyon experience,” says Kristen Czudak, a native Texan and the owner of Yonderlust Ramblings. The best part, she adds, is that “you can enjoy the best of Palo Duro Canyon State Park without the crowds and overwhelming logistics you’ll have to deal with at the Grand Canyon.”

What to Do

If you enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll appreciate all of the hiking opportunities within Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Some of the hiking trails are also open to bikes and horses. Feel free to start easy with the half-mile Pioneer Nature Trail—or opt for Czudak’s more challenging favorites. “The best hike in the park has to be the Lighthouse Trail,” she says. “You’ll discover where this trail gets its name as soon as you reach the terminus of the trail at the base of this unforgettable red rock formation. Don’t miss out on climbing the last steep portion to explore and rest at the base of ‘the lighthouse.’ The views are arguably some of the best in the entire state!” 

Seasoned hikers who want to tackle something a bit more difficult than this nearly six-mile round-trip hike can opt for her other pick: the Rock Garden Trail. “It’s slightly shorter than the Lighthouse Trail, but similar in that it contains some unique rock formations and stunning views as you hike parallel to a lofty ridgeline overlooking a boulder field below,” she explains. Both trails are rated as moderate by AllTrails, but the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department notes the latter has “a difficult trail to the rim of the canyon.”

That said, Czudak recommends taking the time to research the exact trail you’re hoping to hike, noting how it’s all too easy to underestimate the rating of the trails. “A handful of these trails are challenging, as they should be, considering the size of the canyon. Only undertake trails that you are physically prepared for, and always do your research on your preferred hiking trails,” she says. 

“In addition to hiking, you can also enjoy some stellar camping under some of the best night skies in Texas,” says Czudak. There are various campsites (some with electricity) that visitors can reserve, but you can also step it up a notch by renting one of the park’s cabins or booking a glamping tent. Czudak also shares that the Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s outdoor amphitheater hosts the seasonal TEXAS Outdoor Musical; performances are typically held Tuesday through Sunday from early June through mid-August.

Best Time to Visit

Those who aren’t coming to Palo Duro Canyon State Park to see the musical, however, should avoid visiting during the summer. “The best time of year to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park is between November and April,” says Czudak. “Summer months are the least ideal time to visit, due to the extreme temperatures this region of Texas can experience, coupled with the exposure that most of the canyon is subject to.” 

“Especially for non-native Texans, summer can really catch visitors off guard in terms of the intense heat and humidity,” she warns. “If you are visiting in the summer months, you absolutely must start early and only hike with the right gear and plenty of water.”