A Family Adventure
Did you know the second largest canyon in the US is found in Texas? As we planned our travels across Texas we honestly couldn’t believe we’d never heard of Palo Duro Canyon before. Second to only the Grand Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon is over 120 miles long and 800 feet down to the canyon floor in some areas.
Our family spent a day exploring the “Grand Canyon of Texas” just outside of Amarillo and it did not disappoint. Keep reading for our tips on our favorite family-friendly hikes, wildlife in the area and where to stop for delicious hometown Texas style BBQ.
Getting There
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an easy 24-mile drive from downtown Amarillo and within the park you will find 20 miles of paved road for a scenic drive. We were in awe of the landscape once we arrived. The red dirt contrasting with the green grasses and wildflowers was stunning and we couldn’t wait to start exploring.
Family Friendly Hiking & Views
When you arrive, don’t miss the views from the CCC Overlook at the Visitor Center. We snagged a seat on the rock wall in the parking lot to soak in the sweeping views of the famous Amarillo skies over the canyon. It was the perfect start to a day in nature. The Visitor Center has a unique history museum full of artifacts and a gift shop with a variety of handmade goods.
Hikes in Palo Duro Canyon range from easy to difficult and there are even trails appropriate for mountain bikes and horseback. You may want to keep this in mind when choosing your trail, as you may need to yield to wheeled or hooved visitors.
We first hiked the Sunflower Trail; it was the perfect hike for a family. It’s rated easy and 2.4 miles out and back. A majority of it is partially shaded, which gives a wonderful respite from the hot Texas sun. We enjoyed finding blooming prickly pear cacti all along the trail and identifying wildflowers. Halfway through our hike we came across an area where a gorgeous clear creek runs along the trail. We jumped (literally) at the opportunity to cool off and take a break in the chilly water.
In addition to the creek there are many opportunities to stop and relax in nature and soak up the views. There are even spots with picnic tables, which is especially great when hiking with kids.
Our next hike was to the Big Cave and it didn’t disappoint. If you are looking for a place to get some gorgeous photos of the landscape, this is the spot. You can actually see the cave from the road, so it’s a quick simple walk with the last part up into the cave requiring a little bit of light rock scrambling.
The view from inside the cave looking out is totally worth the work and balance it takes to get up into the cave. There’s a definite drop in temperature inside the cave, which was welcome since we didn’t get there until late afternoon and it was heating up!
If you are looking for longer or more difficult trails check out the popular Lighthouse Trail that is 5.6 miles round trip, or the Givens, Spicer, Lowry Trail that is a favorite among trail runners with amazing scenery along it’s 6.2 miles.
Wildlife to Watch
Palo Duro has diverse landscapes and habitats for many different types of animals. There are many animals, reptiles and birds that are out and about even during the heat of the day. The more elusive bobcats, coyotes, white-tailed and mule deer, are easier to spot early in the day or after dusk.
We felt like we lucked out when we came across a collared lizard near the Big Cave. He was posing for us and showing off his bright blue and green colors that contrasted with his black and white ringed neck and the red rocks.
For anyone interested in birding, grab one of the Texas State Parks Bird Checklists featuring over 100 types of birds you can find in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. We came across hawks, sparrows and even a roadrunner during our visit.
Lastly, but definitely not least, see if you can spy some of the official State Longhorn Herd of Texas Longhorns in the area near the park headquarters. The Texas Longhorns were transplanted to state parks throughout the state as a conservation effort starting in the 1940s. They can now be found in Palo Duro Canyon, San Angelo, Copper Breaks, and Lyndon B. Johnson state parks.
Where to Eat
This restaurant isn’t the closest to the park, but we always rely on recommendations. We asked a local hiker—who was also an Amarillo native and self-proclaimed foodie— where we should go for local Texas BBQ. She enthusiastically sent us to Tyler’s Barbeque near downtown Amarillo. We ordered a little of everything from brisket to, pulled pork, slaw and even jalapeno cream corn! Every single menu item we tried was so delicious that we didn’t leave room for dessert and that corn was the perfect balance of spicy, sweet and creamy! Bonus: The outdoor seating area was huge, pet friendly, and even had a doggy area for our four-legged family member to relax while we ate.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Oasis Amarillo where we enjoyed the huge clubhouse and pool. It was easy to access off Interstate 40 featuring paved, rig-friendly pull through sites with full hook ups and a fuel station right across the street, which made our next travel day a breeze. If you are looking for something more off the beaten path, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has RV, tent and even cabin or yurt sites available on a reservation basis but they fill up quickly. Make sure to verify the site size and utilities available.
The Texas Panhandle might not be the first place that comes to mind for stunning landscapes, but Palo Duro Canyon certainly proved otherwise. Exploring such a beautiful and diverse area was an unexpected surprise for our family. Traveling the US for over three years, we found so many hidden gems in our beautiful country.
Tips For Visiting
- Be aware of Palo Duro Canyon State Park fees. There are varying fees dependent on residency and age that you can pay at the drive-up entrance station. When we visited, admission for kids under 12 was free.
- Bring extra water for each person, and pets too. Some of the trails are partially shaded, but the Texas sun gets hot even in the winter months.
- Be aware of the weather. Texas storms can be unpredictable and severe, and this area is prone to flash flooding.
- Bring a printed map and know your route. Cell service is spotty in the canyon.
- Keep all dogs on a leash. This includes keeping pets leashed during hikes.
- Keep an eye out for all things Texas while hiking. This includes prickly cactus, rattlesnakes, spiders and other wildlife. We didn’t encounter anything dangerous, but we were prepared.
