Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Santa Fe: A Comprehensive Guide

The journey from Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a scenic and diverse adventure that takes travelers through the heart of the Southwest. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip, from transportation options to must-see attractions along the way.

Distance and Travel Modes

The distance between Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Santa Fe is approximately 390 miles, with a road distance of 305 miles. Travelers can choose from several modes of transportation, including:

Train: Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route connects Amarillo, Texas (the nearest major city to Palo Duro Canyon) to Santa Fe, with a travel time of around 6 hours.
Bus: Greyhound and other bus companies offer service between Amarillo and Santa Fe, with a travel time of approximately 5 hours.
Car: Driving from Palo Duro Canyon to Santa Fe takes around 5 hours, depending on your route and stops along the way.
Plane: The nearest airport to Palo Duro Canyon is in Amarillo, with connecting flights to Santa Fe available.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts. The park offers day passes that can be easily purchased online, making it accessible to visitors. One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking, with the Paseo del Rio trail being a favorite among visitors. This easy, one-hour out and back hike follows a historic cowboy route from the 1800s.

Camping at Palo Duro State Park

Camping has become increasingly popular in recent years, with RV sales in 2020 and 2021 still going strong. Palo Duro State Park offers several campsites with electricity and water, as well as restrooms with showers. The park is open year-round, with peak season from January 1 to December 31, indicating that it is always a busy destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Stops Along the Way: Palo Duro Canyon to Santa Fe

As you make your way from Palo Duro Canyon to Santa Fe, there are several stops along the way that are worth visiting:

Inn & Spa at Loretto: This historic hotel in Santa Fe is known for its stunning architecture and luxurious amenities.
Cadillac Ranch: This iconic art installation in Amarillo features a row of partially buried Cadillacs, making for a unique and Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Located in Santa Fe, this museum celebrates the life and work of the renowned American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe.

Cost and Fees

The cost of a nightly stay at Palo Duro State Park’s campsites varies depending on the type of site:

Site Type	Cost per Night
Primitive Campsites	$12
Group Camp (Wolfberry)	$250
Group Camp (Youth)	$50
Campsites with Electricity	$26
Campsites with Water	$16

These fees provide visitors with access to the park’s amenities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and other recreational activities.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can plan an unforgettable journey from Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Santa Fe, exploring the natural wonders and cultural attractions along the way.