Did you know the second largest canyon in the country lies in the heart of the Texas panhandle? Recently we took a long family road trip and stayed the night at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, TX. It did not disappoint!
Located 30 minutes SE of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon offers spectacular views, a variety of hiking trails, and plenty of camping options.
It really catches you by surprise. From Dallas, it takes almost six hours of driving through rural towns and flat prairies. When you make it to the park, the landscape changes dramatically, and it makes it hard to believe that you are still in Texas.
Lodging and Camping at Palo Duro Canyon
We stayed in a limited-use cabin—a stone cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). These cabins have full-size bunk beds, an A/C unit, a fridge and microwave, and kitchen table/chairs. The bathrooms? They are located in the adjacent campsite.
I’ll be honest: I was completely hesitant to stay in one of these cabins at the end of June with a one- and three-year-old. But I was pleasantly surprised! Our cabin was well-maintained and the A/C worked perfectly.
The park also offers various basic campsites if you’re a legit camper (I’ll stick to my cabin, thanks), RV hookups, and full-service cabins—meaning bathrooms are in the cabin—that sit at the rim of a canyon. No matter where you stay, the views are all spectacular! And if you need some motivation to consider camping with your kids, read this article from one of our contributors on what her kids learned while camping.
Things to Do at Palo Duro Canyon
The park is filled with more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and even equestrian trails, so there is plenty to explore. We hiked with our kids halfway to Lighthouse Rock, one of the most notable features in the park.
During the summer, the amphitheater stages the outdoor musical drama Texas. This is something I wish we had done. The play has been performed since the 1960s, so it must be something worth seeing!
The park also hosts several family-friendly events including a “Tot Trek” and Junior Ranger programs. Check out their full list of events here.
Amarillo
And since you’ll be near the city of Amarillo, take some time exploring before driving back to Dallas. Don’t miss the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation from the 70s located just off Route 66. Bring a can of spray paint to make your mark! (Yes, it’s okay to do). Amarillo also has a nice zoo, Discovery Center, several museums, and lots of food.
So, the next time you’re wanting a change of scenery, consider making a trip to Palo Duro Canyon. You won’t regret it!
