11450 Park Road 5, 25 mi. SE of Amarillo, in Canyon, (806) 488-2227. Daily 7am-10pm. $5, under 13 free. Camping: (512) 389-8900.
Located just 30 minutes from town, this “Grand Canyon of Texas” is the second largest canyon (based on length) in the country. The canyon is 120 miles long and 600 to 800 feet deep, and 10% of it is state park land. Palo Duro Canyon State Park features red sandstone soil, features a 300-foot-tall “hoodoo” rock formation that resembles a lighthouse, and is covered with mesquite and cottonwoods. Visitors can explore the more than 16 miles of paved roadway and 30 miles of hiking trails by foot, horse, car, or mountain bike, and campsites are available. Because it gets so hot here in summer--over 100 degrees--each trail has a thermometer at the trailhead along with warnings to carry plenty of water. A small Visitor Center on the canyon rim contains educational exhibits, and The Trading Post on the canyon floor has a cafe with a good burger.
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| overlook at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
Located just 30 minutes from town, this “Grand Canyon of Texas” is the second largest canyon (based on length) in the country. The canyon is 120 miles long and 600 to 800 feet deep, and 10% of it is state park land. Palo Duro Canyon State Park features red sandstone soil, features a 300-foot-tall “hoodoo” rock formation that resembles a lighthouse, and is covered with mesquite and cottonwoods. Visitors can explore the more than 16 miles of paved roadway and 30 miles of hiking trails by foot, horse, car, or mountain bike, and campsites are available. Because it gets so hot here in summer--over 100 degrees--each trail has a thermometer at the trailhead along with warnings to carry plenty of water. A small Visitor Center on the canyon rim contains educational exhibits, and The Trading Post on the canyon floor has a cafe with a good burger.
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| overlook at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
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| visitor center at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
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| The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
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| bark house at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
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| trail thermometer registers 110 at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
●Texas--The Musical
(806) 655-2181. Tu-Sun, early June-mid-August. $16.95 to $30.95.
"Texas--The Musical" has been running for 53 years! Viewing a performance of the extravaganza in the canyon’s outdoor amphitheater as dusk falls and the canyon cools off is a lot of fun. With young performers--they are mostly college kids--enthusiastically strutting and swinging colorful skirts, the storyline manages to cover a long past that includes the area’s early settlers, cowboys, and Native Americans. It is over the top, with real horses and a fireworks show at the end. An optional pre-show barbecue dinner is available.
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| entrance to Texas--The Musical at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
"Texas--The Musical" has been running for 53 years! Viewing a performance of the extravaganza in the canyon’s outdoor amphitheater as dusk falls and the canyon cools off is a lot of fun. With young performers--they are mostly college kids--enthusiastically strutting and swinging colorful skirts, the storyline manages to cover a long past that includes the area’s early settlers, cowboys, and Native Americans. It is over the top, with real horses and a fireworks show at the end. An optional pre-show barbecue dinner is available.
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| before performance actors on horses at Texas--The Musical at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
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| open-air stage at Texas--The Musical at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas |
More things to do in Amarillo.
images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
More ideas for exploring the U.S.
images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Wow, thanks for bringing this up. I lived in Texas for 2 years and I've passed through Amarillo 3 times but never did I know about this Grand Canyon of Texas!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful Texas countryside. I'd love to see a performance at the amphitheater, surrounded by the mountains and rock cliffs.
ReplyDeleteOn my last trip to Amarillo, I caught a majestic sunrise at Palo Duro on my last day. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLooks like great running trails for me to take advantage of at Canyon State Park. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon in CO & it would be cool to visit this one too in TX. Loved all your explanations and especially all your pictures!
ReplyDeleteCanyon Texas is aptly named - its landscape looks majestic! I love how those red shirts of the wranglers pop in the sunlight
ReplyDeleteWe never realized this place existed. We have discussed a visit to Amarillo, but have not yet made it. This article, and the beautiful photos, make a compelling case.
ReplyDeleteTexas, the Musical -- I want to see that show. I've done a lot of traveling in the U.S., but haven't been to Palo Duro Canyon State Park --- although I've driven through Amarillo quite a few times on road trips. Didn't know about this "Grand Canyon of Texas". Definitely looks worth a visit.
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