A guide to the most common and interesting species located in the Palo Duro Canyon ecosystem. Fortress Cliff, on the eastern rim of the canyon, has a spectacular exposure of the Ogallala Formation. Bradley Kliemann. With more than 30 miles of trails to choose from, including the Upper Comanche Trail that weaved right through our campsite (Hackberry), we ended up hiking 17 miles that first day. Theres no way there is a canyon out here.. #8 - Juniper Cliffside Trail and Juniper Riverside Trail Loop. Palo Duro Canyon is in the Texas Panhandle and is second largest canyon in North America, which is how it earned the nickname The Grand Canyon of Texas. The formation includes a basal, middle, and upper sandstone members, separated by shales. Join our rangers for a quick stroll utilizing the SkyGuide App. Schedule: Full-time. [6] The upper portion of the formation has thick deposits of caliche, very evident at the Coronado Lodge on the northwest rim of the canyon. A United States military team under Captain Randolph B. Marcy mapped the canyon in 1852 during their search for the headwaters of the Red River. Enjoy the views from the plateau where you can stand near the edge of the canyon and get a much-deserved breeze. [17], Palo Duro Canyon hosts several activities throughout the park. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. Download to Your Calendar. Col. Goodnight helped manage the ranch until 1890. Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 120 degrees. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. We spent a long, spring weekend at Palo Duro Canyon, which offers long, challenging hiking trails, flat scenic walks, stunning views, historical sites and markers, horseback riding, and a variety of camping. From oldest to youngest, and each separated by an unconformity, the formations are: The Quartermaster Formation is Permian in age, and forms the red, lower slopes of the Canyon. #3 - Lighthouse Trail via Givens, Spicer, and Lowry Trail. According to Texas State Parks, Palo Duro Canyon has been inhabited for about 12,000 years, starting with the Clovis and Folsom peoples, who hunted herds of mammoth and giant bison. Readily accessible by car, motorhome, or fifth wheel and only 25 miles from downtown Amarillo and 14 miles from the Mainstreet town of Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon is the most spectacular and scenic landscape feature in the Texas Panhandle. General Rules. Pro Tip: Always pack more water than you need. Amarillo is the largest city near Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but the smaller city of Canyon is nearer. Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. 0:53. For those looking for a rustic adventure, the park features three cabins on the canyons rim or four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor. Texas Parks and Wildlife. You have questions; she has answers. Trails may close due to wet weather or poor conditions. Map & Directions. Likewise, the Rock Garden is composed of Trujillo sandstone boulders. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. [21], The painter Georgia O'Keeffe, who lived in nearby Amarillo and Canyon in the early 20th century, wrote of the Palo Duro: "It is a burning, seething cauldron, filled with dramatic light and color. Whether youre looking to camp, hike or enjoy nature from your car, Palo Duro Canyon has something for everyone. Go East on Hwy 217 for 10 miles to the park entrance. Palo Duro Canyon is a treasure trove of wildlife, and visitors to the park have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of species in their natural habitat. 11:30a to 12:30p. The canyons provide homes to deer, coyotes, bobcats, pronghorn antelopes, foxes, raccoons and jackrabbits, while Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the Trailway's Clarity Tunnel. Contact the park, or check our Facebook page, for trail status. Frequently asked questions about wildlife trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Native Americans were attracted to the water of the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, as well as the consequent ample game, edible plants, and protection from the weather the canyon provided. Choose from campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, or backpack camping areas. All photos are original to the author unless otherwise noted. The Givens, Spicer & Lowry Running Trail is a favorite mountain biking route, but the Lighthouse Trail and Capitol Peak Mountain Bike Trail also weave through Civilian Conservation Corp sites, old west stables, and towering rock formations. The Juniper campsite is the first campground youll see after entering the park and passing the visitor center. It was formed by millions of years of water erosion by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and the West Texas wind. At the bottom, there is a road with a trading post where you can get a meal, refreshments, and souvenirs. Learn about being a work camper and work camping jobs on our Work Camping Jobs page. And I wanted to capture in music that magical moment which everyone experiences when they first see the flat, treeless High Plains fall dizzyingly away into the colorful vastness of the Palo Duro Canyon itself. Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon can observe wildlife throughout the park, but some areas are more conducive to wildlife viewing than others. Work Camping - Camp Host JobsVolunteer RV Camping JobsEarning Money While You Travel, Free RV Classifieds SectionRV Sites For RentRV Lots For SaleCampers and Travel TrailersFifth-Wheel RVsMotorhomes, Free CampingRV Parks and CampgroundsRV Travel Destinations, Free RV Camping GuideRecommended Camping BooksRV Camping ArticlesImportant Need To Know FactsOther Resources For RVersDiscount RV CampingRVing Discounts. "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Logan G. Carver, "Palo Duro Canyon quick getaway from Lubbock", "National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)", "Park Passes Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Campsites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Horse Sites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Lodging Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Palo Duro Canyon State Park Group Sites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department", "Birth of the abstract: Georgia O'Keeffe in Amarillo", "Walter Piston, Samuel Jones, Stephen Albert American Symphonies BIS2118 [DM] Classical Music Reviews: June 2018 ", Texas Parks and Wildlife: Palo Duro Canyon, Handbook of Texas Online: Palo Duro Canyon, Public domain images of the Llano Estacado and West Texas, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Palo Duro State Park, Unique Perspectives of Palo Duro Canyon; Pictures and Panoramas, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, Barrington Living History Farm at Washington-on-the-Brazos, List of National Natural Landmarks in Texas, National Register of Historic Places Sites, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Palo_Duro_Canyon&oldid=1150936867, Protected areas of Armstrong County, Texas, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 20 April 2023, at 22:22. Work Locations: SP-Palo Duro Canyon SP 11450 Park Road 5 Canyon 79015. The Rock Garden Trail is steep in some places, but luckily, there are plenty of places to rest and recover from the west Texas heat. If all of your license plate information is in the reservation system (this includes trailers), we will print your permits and your packet (including maps) will be in the little yellow mailbox marked Camping Packets / Late Arrival Check In on the porch of the Headquarters building. Soon after, in 1876, Charles Goodnight and a wealthy Ulster Scot named John Adair established the JA Ranch in Palo Duro Canyon. The hike has some decent elevation changes, especially when you get to the Lighthouse Peak where the trail becomes a bit more of a scramble. ReserveAmerica.com occasionally posts affiliate products, which means ReserveAmerica.com will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. [20], Group sites and spaces are available for group retreats, youth groups, and weddings. Following park regulations will ensure that both visitors and animals remain safe and that the wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon continues to thrive for generations to come. CampersFifth Wheel RVsMotorhomesRepossessed RVs For Sale, Discover the Diverse Species of Wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon and How to Observe Them Safely, Palo Duro Canyon Wildlife Safeguards and Restrictions, visitors to Palo Duro Canyon can also enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Keep Quiet: Loud noises can startle wildlife, so visitors should try to remain quiet while observing animals. We started on the Givens, Spicer, and Lowery Trail, a 3.1-mile singletrack path that leads to the Red Star Ridge. Take these safety precautions to make your visit to the canyon safer: Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 120 degrees. About the Campground: Also at the southern end of Palo Duro, this campground has a few more amenities and can accommodate larger RVs and trailers with 30/50 amp hookups. It is part of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Employee Status: Temporary. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. In addition, picnic and camping areas were built, complete with tables, seats, fireplaces, and garbage receptacles. [7], Headward erosion by the Prairie Dog Town fork of the Red River, into the caprock escarpment of the Llano Estacado, caused differential erosion. Feel free to take any of these you need to navigate to your site. [7], The Ogallala Formation is a late Miocene to early Pliocene unit which forms the cliffs and ledges at the very top of the canyon. Campsite Electric. While observing wildlife at Palo Duro Canyon can be a thrilling experience, its important to take certain safeguards to ensure the safety of both visitors and the animals. Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park; experience the canyon's rugged beauty and enjoy its colorful history. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City. Or visit the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation website to learn about other ways to help. Weather conditions can change rapidly and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. ReserveAmerica.com occasionally posts affiliate products, which means ReserveAmerica.com will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. Givens, Spicer, Lowry Is a 6.2 round with a lot of hills and switchbacks, but through scenery so spectacular that you dont notice. Join our rangers in a guided driving tour through the canyon in our van. The canyon is full of spectacular beauty and wildlife, making it one of the most visited destinations in the Lone Star State. Always carry plenty of water with you. Wildlife Viewing. Palo Duro Canyon (from the Spanish meaning "hard stick")[2] has been named "The Grand Canyon of Texas" both for its size and for its dramatic geological features, including the multicolored layers of rock and steep mesa walls, which are similar to those in the Grand Canyon. [16], Palo Duro Canyon is part of the Texas State Parks system under Texas Parks and Wildlife. Palo Duro Canyon has several geocaching sites to discover. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is The Lighthouse Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 2,848 reviews. Juniper Cliffside The Juniper/Cliffside Trail is 6 miles round trip and has some decent views of the valley and percolation caves, which were carved by moving water in the sides of the cliffs. Several members of the official State of Texas Longhorn Herd live at the park. Rock Garden Rock Garden Trail is a 4.8 mile round-trip hike with a rigorous incline that rewards hikers with the best views of the canyon. Map & Directions. If you will arrive after 4:00PM, please contact the park at 806-488-2227 ext. "[22] She made paintings of Palo Duro Canyon between 1916 and 1918, when she was an instructor and head of the art department at West Texas State Normal College. This trail is full of stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Canyon, TX 79015-8747, USA. Bradley Kliemann. What is the longest wildlife trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park? 2. The weather doesnt get as hot as it does during summertime in the Texas Panhandle, and its not as crowded. (806) 452-9844. bradley.kliemann@tpwd.texas.gov. Rent one of our pavilions for a wedding, reunion or meeting. Horseback riding is a popular activity at the canyon, and the Old West Stables offer guided horseback trail rides from March to November. On our first morning in Palo Duro Canyon, Tim and I woke just as the sun was beginning to glow to start hiking. In 1976, Palo Duro Canyon State Park was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. The equestrian area has six primitive campsites, a corral and old west stables, and water nearby. Day entry in to the park is covered by the Texas Parks Pass. Missoula: Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1991. Length: 6.5 mi Est. Site 017, Loop HACKBERRY . Learn more on our History page. Apache Indians lived in Palo Duro at the time, but they were later displaced by Comanche and Kiowa tribes, who had the advantage of owning horses brought over by the Spanish. Its one of Palo Duros most difficult, and most scenic hikes. State Job Code: 0130. . Spearing, Darwin. $22.40. With soaring windows that give an impressive view of the canyon and its rock formations, the Canyon Gallery is full of nature exhibits, archeological discoveries of west Texas, and Southwest art. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. [7], The Trujillo Formation is a Triassic formation that is harder than the underlying Tecovas and forms many of the Canyon's ledges. Palo Duro Canyon is a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon. Youre close enough to Amarillo, however, if camping isnt your style, you can find plenty of hotels in the Texas Panhandle within an hour or so. Weather conditions can change rapidly and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. 10:00a to 11:00a. Wildlife, plantlife, and scenic diversity abound. It is composed of sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate eroded from a late Cenozoic uplift of the Rocky Mountains, and is separated from the lower Trujillo Formation by a disconformity, representing a long hiatus. The trail is well-maintained but be on the lookout for a couple of creek crossings where the trail is more obscure in areas. Directions. Flash flooding is a serious danger. Texas Master Naturalists Panhandle Chapter. Doves Rest Cabins provides private overnight luxury accommodations, offering unique views of Palo Duro Canyon that youre sure to enjoy. Rojo Grande Explore this shady, scenic connector trail that takes you through the rusty red Quartermaster geologic formation between the Sunflower Trail and the Lighthouse trails. We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use.
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