Rugged and dramatic, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
By George Moore, F460576
December 2022
Post of the thousands of folks who transit the Texas Panhandle on Interstate 40 and other highways every day probably view the panhandle as flat, treeless, and boring. In some ways, it is just that. What they don’t realize is they are within a few miles of the second largest canyon in the United States.
Painted bunting.
This deep natural gorge is showcased in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, approximately 25 miles south of downtown Amarillo and 14 miles east of Canyon. The name Palo Duro is Spanish for “hard wood,” in reference to the Rocky Mountain juniper trees that grow in the canyon. Because of its immense size, it also is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” The park comprises approximately 30,000 acres and lies at the head of the canyon, which measures 120 miles long and reaches depths of 800 feet. Palo Duro is one of Texas’ most-visited state parks.
Cactus flowers in the park.
Shortly after passing through the park entrance, visitors stop at the Canyon Gallery & Visitor Center, where they stand amazed at the beauty and vivid colors of the canyon that stretches below the overlook. This interpretive center has exhibits and a continually running film about the history, geology, and wildlife of the canyon. The park museum store also is located in the building.
Aoudads, seen at sunrise.
From here, one continues into the canyon on the paved park road. The road provides visitors a leisurely 16-mile drive through the canyon. It also offers access to 35 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for the more adventurous; the stables, where visitors can enjoy guided horseback rides; picnic areas; the park store and restaurant; an amphitheater; and RV camping, as well as remote camping sites. The most popular trail is the moderately difficult 5.6-mile (round trip) Lighthouse Trail, which leads to the Lighthouse rock formation.
Nature lovers can explore four intersecting bioregions of the canyon and view a diverse array of plants, animals, and birds. A variety of wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, but mid-May through June (varies based on weather and rainfall) is the time to see the cactuses and yuccas in bloom. Hikers may spot wild turkeys, deer, coyotes, bobcats, roadrunners, and elusive aoudads (also called Barbary sheep). Scan the distant cliffs through binoculars or a telephoto lens for a chance to spot the well-camouflaged aoudads, which actually resemble goats.
Turkey.
Bird-watchers are attracted to the canyon by the 240 species spotted there, including many that migrate through the area. Common birds include the golden-fronted woodpecker, spotted towhee, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and the beautiful painted bunting. Although birding is good throughout the canyon, visitors might want to start at the bird blind located behind the Palo Duro Trading Post. The trading post itself is stocked with souvenirs, camping supplies, and more.
In addition to the many RV parks in Amarillo and Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has more than 100 RV sites. Most are equipped with water and electric hookups; some sites have 30-amp service, and others have both 30-amp and 50-amp. Two dump stations are located in the park.
Although the paved park road leading into the canyon is steep and twisty, there are no RV length restrictions. Drivers of large Type A motorhomes might ask at the gate where to unhook their towed vehicles prior to descent.
A bird blind near the Palo Duro Trading Post offers a secluded spot from which to view the avians.
Summer visitors to the park have the added treat of watching the longest-running outdoor musical in Texas. Founded in 1960, “TEXAS Outdoor Musical” is a high-energy production set in a natural amphitheater with a 600-foot cliff as the backdrop. The show tells the story of the settling of the Texas Panhandle. Pyrotechnics and a water display further highlight the performance. Attendees can enjoy an optional catered Texas barbecue dinner before the show.
The next time you travel across the Texas Panhandle, exit the highway. Stop and visit the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Experience Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and see why it is one of the most visited of the Texas state parks.
Each summer the “TEXAS Outdoor Musical” is held in the canyon’s natural amphitheater.
Park Info
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX 79015
(806) 488-2227
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon
The park often reaches capacity, especially in the summer months. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by phone.
“TEXAS Outdoor Musical”
(806) 655-2181
www.texas-show.com
At this writing, dates for the 2023 season were not yet announced. Performances typically run from May through August.
This bird checklist cites species commonly spotted in the park:
tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_cd_p4506_0007r.pdf