Entry 56: Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Texas Beauty, History, and the Legacy of the Plains

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, is simply stunning. As the second-largest canyon in the United States, it's often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas”—but with fewer crowds and a whole lot of cowboy charm.

The canyon’s dramatic cliffs, layers of red rock, and winding trails create a landscape both ancient and alive. Colors shift with the sun, and sunsets here paint the canyon in brilliant golds, purples, and oranges.

A Landscape Shaped by Time

Over millions of years, wind and water carved this canyon into the earth. Today, it stretches nearly 120 miles long and up to 20 miles wide, with depths of up to 800 feet. The rich colors come from varied geologic layers—each telling its own chapter of Texas history.

Human History in the Canyon

The region has been home to people for thousands of years. Apache and later Comanche tribes thrived here, drawn by the canyon’s shelter, water, and game. The canyon was part of the Comanche War Trail and a stronghold during conflicts with settlers.

In 1874, the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon became a turning point in the Red River War. U.S. Army troops, led by Colonel Ranald Mackenzie, descended the canyon walls in a surprise attack, destroying Native encampments and supplies. It effectively ended the Comanche’s resistance in the region.

The Ranching Era and Charles Goodnight

After the war, cattle ranchers like Charles Goodnight moved in. Goodnight co-founded the JA Ranch, which encompassed much of the canyon. His legacy remains visible throughout the region and helped shape Texas’s cowboy image.

From CCC to State Park

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built roads, cabins, and trails here, making the area accessible for public use. In 1934, Palo Duro Canyon State Park was officially established. Many CCC structures still stand today—a testament to Depression-era resilience and stewardship.

What You Can Do at the Park

Palo Duro offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. Popular trails include:

• Lighthouse Trail – A moderate 5.7-mile roundtrip hike to the park’s most famous rock formation.

• Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail – Known for panoramic views and wildflowers.

• CCC Trail – A shorter hike showcasing original CCC craftsmanship and canyon overlooks.

In summer, the outdoor musical “TEXAS” brings history to life in an open-air amphitheater, complete with fireworks and live horses.

Nearby Towns with History and Heart

• Amarillo: A cowboy city with big energy. Don’t miss Cadillac Ranch or the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

• Canyon: Home to West Texas A&M University, great cafés, and small-town hospitality.

• Claude & Panhandle: Rural towns with deep ranching roots and quiet charm.

The Role of the U.S. Forest Service

While Palo Duro is managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife, it shares a conservation ethos with the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees 193 million acres of public land across the country. Since 1905, the USFS has balanced recreation, wildlife protection, and sustainable land use. Their legacy underscores how federal and state agencies preserve wild spaces like this for everyone to enjoy.

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Whether you're a hiker, historian, or road tripper, Palo Duro Canyon is unforgettable. Its layers of stone whisper ancient stories, and its trails invite you to write your own.

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Learn more and plan your visit: palodurocanyon.com

5 Family-Friendly Attractions Near Palo Duro

1. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum – Texas’s largest history museum, in Canyon.

2. Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) – Iconic Route 66 art installation.

3. Wonderland Amusement Park (Amarillo) – Rides and attractions for all ages.

4. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center – Trails and wildlife exhibits near Amarillo.

5. Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Birdwatching and hiking near Umbarger.

5 Local Places to Eat

1. Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner (Canyon) – Railcar-themed family dining.

2. The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo) – Famous for its 72 oz. steak challenge.

3. Joe Taco (Amarillo) – Fresh Tex-Mex and margaritas.

4. Palace Coffee Co. (Canyon) – Award-winning coffee shop.

5. Ranch House Café (Claude) – Classic comfort food and Southern hospitality.