Palo Duro Canyon State Park Stables, located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Palo Duro Canyon from the saddle. With a rich history dating back to 1962, these stables provide a family-friendly atmosphere and a chance to connect with the region’s Western heritage.
The Palo Duro Riding Stables Experience
Palo Duro Riding Stables (PDRS) is the longest-running riding stable in the Palo Duro Canyon area, offering a variety of trail rides to suit riders of all skill levels. Visitors can choose from one-hour, hour-and-a-half, or private rides, with prices ranging from $100 to $150 depending on the season.
The stable’s horses are direct descendants of those ridden by the Sorenson family during their childhood, adding to the historical charm of the experience. PDRS also provides saddlebags for water, cameras, and phones at no extra cost, ensuring that guests can comfortably carry their essentials during the ride.
Exploring the Rugged Terrain
The trail rides at PDRS offer a unique perspective of the Palo Duro Canyon, allowing visitors to explore the rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty of the area. The trails wind through wooded areas, providing a close-up view of the canyon’s hoodoos, Spanish Skirts, and towering canyon walls.
During the rides, guests may have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, feral hogs, wild turkeys, road runners, aoudad sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and even the elusive diamondback rattlesnake.
Old West Stables: Another Option for Horseback Riding
In addition to PDRS, visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can also explore the canyon on horseback through Old West Stables. This stable offers one-hour trail rides that accommodate small groups of up to five riders, providing a close-up view of the park’s natural features, such as Sad Monkey Mesa, Catarina Caves, and the surrounding canyon walls.
Old West Stables’ trail rides are suitable for first-time riders, with no prior experience required. However, there are some age and weight restrictions, with kids needing to be at least six years old and adults weighing under 225 lbs to participate.
Seasonal Considerations and Reservations
PDRS operates year-round, weather permitting, but during the off-season, the stable only accepts reservations. It is recommended to call in advance to secure a spot, as same-day reservations may not always be available due to maintenance work.
Old West Stables, on the other hand, operates within the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and their trail rides are subject to the park’s operating hours and seasonal closures.
Conclusion
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Stables offer visitors a unique and unforgettable way to explore the rugged beauty of the Texas Panhandle. Whether you choose to ride with Palo Duro Riding Stables or Old West Stables, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the region’s Western heritage, spot wildlife, and take in the stunning natural scenery of Palo Duro Canyon.
References:
– Palo Duro Riding Stables – About. Retrieved from http://paloduroridingstables.com/about
– Old West Stables – Home. Retrieved from https://www.oldweststables.com
– Palo Duro Riding Stables – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g55580-d1951155-Reviews-Palo_Duro_Riding_Stables-Canyon_Texas.html