What To Know Before Visiting Texas' Palo Duro Canyon This Year

When the sun is out and the weather is nice, Palo Duro Canyon is one of my favorite places to spend time in the Texas Panhandle. The second-largest canyon in the U.S. is gorgeous and a perfect way to spend time outside exploring the trails.

What Is There To Do At Palo Duro Canyon In Texas

The main thing to do at Palo Duro Canyon is to hike the trails. You can also camp, go horseback riding, attend the outdoor musical every year, and explore bike trails.

Camping in the canyon really is an enjoyable experience. There are few words to describe waking up in the morning while the air is still cool and stepping out of your tent and being surrounded by the canyon. It's a great way to start the day.

What You Need To See At Palo Duro Canyon

There are several iconic spots in Palo Duro Canyon that you must see at least once if you plan on spending some time out there. The best part is, most of them can be found on a map.

First, you have The Lighthouse. It's the iconic symbol of Palo Duro Canyon, and if you search for pictures of the canyon, it is usually the first thing you see. The Lighthouse Trail is one of, if not the, most popular trails.

Charlie Hardin

Next, you have things like The Big Cave, the Rock Garden, the Dugout, and the CCC Bridges. All of these sights are listed on the trail map you receive when you enter the park. If you get online and search, you can find tips for other spots, like a very popular cave that people like to check out.

I highly recommend taking a trail map and keeping it with you while you're in the canyon. There's a lot to see, and the map is good at giving you an idea of how to get there.

Be Safe When You're At Palo Duro Canyon

As beautiful as the canyon is, and as much fun as you can have, it can also be dangerous if you aren't prepared. In the summer months, it can be extremely hot down in the canyon, which can lead to all kinds of problems for you or the people you're with.

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It's suggested that you:

Stay hydrated and bring a quart of water for every hour of activity. That includes bringing water for your pets.
Make sure someone knows where you will be.
Take a trail map with you.
Stick to the trails. There are dangerous plants and animals in the canyon that you need to keep an eye out for. It's easier on the trails.

There are more tips you can find on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website.

Be safe and have a lot of fun in Palo Duro Canyon. You'll see why it's my favorite place to be in the Texas panhandle.