Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a popular destination for state park touring enthusiasts, located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and 800 feet deep, making it the second largest canyon in the United States. To get to Palo Duro Canyon State Park from Spring Branch, TX, the most direct route is via I-35 N and I-40 W, which takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes and covers a distance of 403 miles.
The Route from Spring Branch TX to Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The journey from Spring Branch, TX to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can be divided into the following steps:
- Take I-35 N from Spring Branch, TX towards Dallas/Fort Worth.
- Merge onto I-40 W towards Amarillo.
- Continue on I-40 W for approximately 350 miles until you reach the Palo Duro Canyon State Park exit.
- Follow the signs to the park entrance, which is located about 12 miles south of the interstate.
The scenic route through Wichita Falls and Vernon adds about an hour to the journey, but it offers a more picturesque drive through the Texas countryside.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Amenities and Activities
Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy:
Camping
The park has numerous campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, and backpack camping areas available for overnight stays. Camping fees range from $16 to $25 per night, depending on the type of site and amenities.
Hiking and Trails
Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, including the popular Lighthouse Trail, Givens Spicer Lowery Trail, CCC Trail, and Rock Garden Trail.
Horseback Riding
Visitors can enjoy horseback riding on the park’s trails, with guided tours and rental options available.
Mountain Biking
The park’s trails are also popular for mountain biking, with a variety of terrain to explore.
Geocaching
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a popular destination for geocaching, with numerous caches hidden throughout the park.
Bird Watching
The park is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a great destination for bird watching enthusiasts.
TEXAS Outdoor Musical
During the summer months, the park hosts the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, a family-friendly musical production that tells the story of Texas history and culture.
Guided Tours
The park offers guided tours, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the canyon’s geology, history, and wildlife.
Amenities
Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers a souvenir shop with a grill, as well as public restrooms and showers.
Glamping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
For those looking for a more luxurious camping experience, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers “glamping” sites, which are fully furnished with air conditioning, luxury rustic furnishings, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, games, bicycles, gas grills and gas fire pits, covered porches with rockers, porch swings, and much more.
Conclusion
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts looking for a unique and memorable experience in the Texas Panhandle. With its stunning natural beauty, challenging trails, and variety of amenities and activities, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy.
References:
– Heide Brandes, How To Spend A Long Weekend in Palo Duro Canyon, July 5, 2023, https://www.heidebrandes.com/master-blog/how-to-spend-a-long-weekend-in-palo-duro-canyon
– Rome2Rio, Texas to Palo Duro Canyon – 10 ways to travel via train, plane, tram, bus, train, or car, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Texas/Palo-Duro-Canyon
– Palo Duro Canyon State Park, https://palodurocanyon.com
– Texas Parks and Wildlife, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon