When Palo Duro Canyon does come into view, its sudden and shocking. If water begins to rise quickly, move immediately to higher ground. As my friend Tim and I drove south from Amarillo, Texas, toward Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the flat panhandle of Texas, I began to doubt that the second-largest canyon in the United States actually existed. Afterward, the trail becomes more wide and flat while the canyon walls offer lots of views. Over the next half-century, the canyon remained in private hands but was an increasingly popular tourist spot for residents. Despite being home to the second-largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro Canyon State Park often flies under the radar for many travelers. The middle sandstone member forms conspicuous ledges and cliffs. Things to Do Explore the canyon by foot, mountain bike, horse or car. If you plan to spend a lot of time in Texas and near Amarillo, consider a Texas State Park Pass, which offers unlimited visits to more than 90 state parks without paying the daily entrance fee. The sheriff's office stated that the incident is still under investigation, but at this time, the information gathered indicates no foul play or accident and that the incident included a single intentional fatality. Flash flooding is a serious danger. Which wildlife trail has the most elevation gain in Palo Duro Canyon State Park? 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. Keep Quiet: Loud noises can startle wildlife, so visitors should try to remain quiet while observing animals. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is. A second recording was released in 2018 as part of a multichannel SACD titled 'American Symphonies' on the Swedish BIS label, with Lance Friedel conducting the London Symphony Orchestra.[28]. 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. On Monday . Lighthouse -This 6 mile round-trip trail leads to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation, which is visible from multiple viewpoints. 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. 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. 11450 PARK ROAD 5. The Gallery boasts historical video productions, archeological and nature exhibits, and is beautifully arranged with Southwest art for sale, handmade Native American pottery, handmade Navajo, Zuni and Santo Domingo silver and turquoise jewelry, handmade hunting knives, and a large selection of hard to find regional tools that are Comanche and Kiowa beaded, t-shirts and hats. 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 : Other species include wild turkey, white tail and . Visitors may observe deer, bison, and other species near their campsites during the early morning or late afternoon. Schedule: Full-time. 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. Alerts and Important Information. "[26] A KACV-TV documentary on the canyon, composer, and symphony, titled And There Will Be Sounds, was broadcast on PBS stations nationally later that year; and a commercial recording was subsequently released by the Seattle Symphony under the baton of Gerard Schwarz. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas - Camping & Reservations. 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. Beat the heat with a drive through Palo Duro Canyon from the comfort of our van. Mesquite Campground. Check out the Texas Travel page to see more fantastic places to explore all over the state. 2h 20m. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. While not necessarily hard, the trail is fairly rugged as it leads to Goodnight Peak. All rights reserved, 10 Common Lightroom Mistakes and How to Overcome Them. Join our rangers in a short hike along the Triassic and CCC Trails (Approximately 0.5 miles one way). Address. This meant the more resistant Ogallala and Trujillo formations formed the steeper walls of the canyon.[6]. During the summer, enjoy a performance of TEXAS Outdoor Musical. The Juniper has 18 sites with restrooms and showers nearby. (806) 452-9844. bradley.kliemann@tpwd.texas.gov. Civilian Conservation Corps: Workers with the CCC built Palo Duro Canyon State Park more than 70 years ago. GPS Info. State Job Code: 0130. . For more souvenirs, camping supplies, and ready-to-eat food, visit the Palo Duro Trading Post. 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. 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. 100 S'more Years at Palo Duro Canyon Texas Parks & Wildlife Department [20], Group sites and spaces are available for group retreats, youth groups, and weddings. The vast and beautiful Palo Duro Canyon is a must-see destination for anyone traveling near Amarillo, Texas. Tim and I stayed at the Hackberry Campsite, one of four Palo Duro State Park campsites with water, electricity, and public restrooms. [10][11] Fossils of saber-toothed cats (Smilodon), bone-crushing dogs (Borophagus), mastodons, horses, long-necked camels (Aepycamelus), rhinoceroses, and large tortoises up to 3 feet in length, are present in the Ogallala.