One of the most beautiful places to see and explore in Texas is Palo Duro Canyon. With that being said many people have lots of Palo duro Canyon questions.
Palo Duro Canyon is one of those places where it makes you stop and admire nature’s beauty and be in awe of how it was formed and all its history.
Palo Duro has a lot to offer for people of all ages. Whether it is hiking, just driving through to admire the beauty, or spending a while there to soak it all in. From those who want a quick trip to those who want a long stay, you will be happy that you visited the park.
I will share items you need to take to Palo Duro Canyon for a day trip. This will not include items you need if you stay overnight as that will differ depending on your lodging accommodation. Just items you may need daily.
But first I will share with you some of the most common Palo Duro Canyon questions that I have been asked or may have been asked by someone before.
My other blog about things to do in Palo Duro Canyon has some great information there as well. It has great ideas on what to do in the park, lodging/camping opportunities and hiking trails.
Palo Duro Canyon Questions and Answers
Where is Palo Duro Canyon State Park located?
The address for the ticket office/headquarters to get into the park is 11450 Park Road 5 Canyon, TX 79015. It is located about 12 miles east of the city of Canyon, TX. And about 25 miles from downtown Amarillo Texas. If driving from Amarillo it would probably take you about 30 minutes give or take depending on where you are at.
What is the closest town to Palo Duro Canyon?
The City of Canyon is the closest to Palo Duro Canyon. But just North of Canyon is the city of Amarillo which is much larger.
What is the nearest airport to Palo duro Canyon?
The nearest airport to Palo Duro Canyon is the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport in Amarillo, Texas. The address of the airport is 10801 Airport Blvd Amarillo, TX 79111. It would take about 35-40 minutes to drive to Palo Duro Canyon from that airport.
Do you have to pay to enter Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Yes, the fee to enter Palo Duro Canyon State Park is currently $8 a person, and ages 12 and younger are free. If you purchase a $70 Texas State Park pass everyone in your car can get in free with you. That pass is also good for any Texas state park for a full year. In my opinion, a great buy if planning to do some state park hopping throughout the year. If you are a senior citizen, then look into the senior passes to see if you are eligible for those.
Do you need reservations to hike in Palo Duro Canyon? Do you have to purchase a park pass ahead of time?
No, but on popular days the park can reach capacity and have to turn away visitors. If you want to secure a pass to get into Palo Duro Canyon you can purchase your day pass online. I have always gone first thing in the morning and haven’t ever needed to pre-buy a pass online. But it will depend on how busy that day is and what time you will get there.
Do you need reservations to camp in Palo Duro Canyon?
To stay in the park overnight you do need to pay but may not need to have a reservation set up ahead of time if they happen to have spots open. It usually is best to plan and make reservations. If you want to stay in a cabin or glamping tent you will need to make reservations as those fill up fast.
Do you have to pay a daily entrance fee if you stay in the campground?
Yes, the entrance fee will be added to your campground fee when staying in Palo Duro Canyon. Unless you have a state park pass. That would be the way to go if staying several nights or if you visit Texas state parks frequently.
What is the best time of the year to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
The best time of the year to visit Palo Duro is during the spring or fall months. It can get really hot during the summer as the temperature at the bottom of the canyon is much hotter than at the surface. Temps in the summer can get to 110 degrees or hotter. So, if visiting in the summer start early on the trails to avoid some of the heat or enjoy hiking in the evening when it’s cooler. I’d say the springtime during the months of March through May would be a great time to go. And in fall the best time would be in mid-September through October or early November. Just be aware that they can and do get snow and ice in the winter time. So it depends on how cold you can withstand if going at that time of the year.
Among the palo duro canyon questions this one may be one of the most popular. The weather really does make a difference on how much you enjoy your visit there. Each person is unique so go when the weather is best for you.
Can you see Palo Duro Canyon by car? Can you just drive through it?
Yes, if you would only like to drive through Palo Duro Canyon that is your option. There are beautiful views driving down and around in the canyon. There are also areas where you could pull over and look at the scenic view if you didn’t want to get out of your car much.
How long is the drive through Palo Duro Canyon? How long does it take to drive the loop at Palo Duro Canyon?
The drive through the canyon is about a 16-mile loop. You can easily drive through it in less than an hour. That is with driving slow because of the speed limit and incline and decline is very slow around corners. With that said many will want to stop and check out some scenic viewpoints and maybe stop to sit and have a snack at a picnic table and soak in the beauty. So, if just making a few stops and checking out a few things you could make a short 2-hour trip if needed. I highly recommend at least having half a day out there to really enjoy a hike or two as well.
Can you drive to the bottom of Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, the 16-mile loop takes you to the bottom of Palo Duro Canyon. From there you will find many campgrounds, picnic spots, and hiking trails among many other things to do and see.
Can you bring a dog to Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, if it is on a leash. However, you cannot take your pet into public buildings unless they are service dogs. They can not be unattended in a car, outside in a crate, tied to a post, or in any other situation that could cause them harm or death. Also, plan on bringing doggy bags and make sure that you clean up their poop while you are visiting. It is required to pick up doggy poop.
Can you bring your horse to Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, if you follow the rules and guidelines of the park with horses. You can only ride them on the trails marked for equestrian use. Check out their website for more details.
Are there bears in Palo Duro Canyon?
No
Can you have a wedding at Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, they do have some options to choose from with a few places to rent. You do have to have permission so be sure to check out their website for more detailed info and who to contact.
Can you bring alcohol to Palo Duro Canyon?
No public consumption or display of alcohol is allowed.
Can you get lost in Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, as in any big park or area. If you stick to the marked trails you have less of a chance of getting lost. If you are afraid of getting lost, then stay on the marked trails and bring a compass and always plenty of water. Know which direction will lead you to the road.
Are there rattlesnakes in Palo Duro Canyon?
Yes, there are rattlesnakes among other snakes in Palo Duro Canyon. When hiking watch your step. That doesn’t mean you will ever see one, especially if you are only hiking on common hiking trails. I’m sure most of the rattlers stay away from highly trafficked areas. I have been there more times than I can count and have never seen any. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t.
What is special about Palo Duro Canyon? Why is Palo Duro Canyon famous?
Well, if you think the Grand Canyon is special or famous why wouldn’t Palo Duro Canyon be? Yes, it is smaller than the Grand Canyon, but it is the second-largest canyon in the United States. It is the largest canyon in the state of Texas. And it’s a Geologic wonder! A beautiful place to visit and explore.
Is there a lake in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
No there is not a lake in the state park. There may be water in the creeks depending on the rainfall in the area at that time. Not a place to swim but I guess you could wade in the creeks if wanted.
What is the most popular hike in Palo Duro Canyon?
The lighthouse trail is the most popular and most iconic of Palo Duro Canyon. I personally like some of the other trails that seem to be more adventurous and offer better views throughout the trails.
What should you wear hiking in Palo Duro Canyon?
I suggest wearing long pants and a moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirt to help cover yourself while in the sun and from scratches along the way. A hat is great to have! But if you are like me and out in the summer a pair of athletic shorts and a short sleeve or sleeveless top is fine if you keep sunscreen on. And if you are fine with minor scratches from the plants or rocks if you brush up against them. If visiting in the cooler months, you may want a coat or jacket and hat or beanie. Tennis shoes, hiking shoes, or boots are fine as long as you have closed-toe shoes. If doing hard trails a good pair of hiking shoes would be recommended. Read down below for tips on what to bring for more ideas.
What are some Palo Duro Canyon Secret Spots?
This is the last of the Palo Duro Canyon questions. I don’t know how secret they are but when we go, we never see anyone around them so they may be secret.
- A cool cave to check out besides the common big cave everyone goes to.
- Park in the small parking area, that only fits maybe 4 or 5 cars or so I believe it is part of the Givens, Spicer, Lowry trail. This parking area is uphill to get into and is not paved. It is very small and easily missed. You access it from the main road. I wish I could give better directions/descriptions, but we just drive to it. There are no bathrooms there and it is not a camp area. When making the loop around the park you will be heading back in the direction of leaving the park and it will be on the left side to turn into the parking lot. Or on the right side when coming into the park after you have passed the amphitheater and other things.
- Take off hiking on the trail that you will find leading out parallel from the cliff side. Follow the path that follows along the canyon wall and as you go you will start to see a small cave on the side of the canyon. The first cave you come to is not accessible anymore so don’t worry about that one and stay on the trail and keep going. As the trail starts to turn as you follow the cliff wall you will come to the cave I’m talking about. It will be on the left side along the canyon wall. This cave will be one that you just walk into, you don’t have to climb up to it. The climbing part will take place when you are in it if you want to follow the path through the opening at the top. It really is quite a beautiful site when you climb up out of the hole. The cave is nice and cool inside, offering a very nice break from the sun and heat. When inside you can simply enjoy it and walk back out or you can explore it and go out to the other side. You will need a flashlight when inside at a certain part of the cave. There is a small portion of the cave that is a little narrow and pitch black but once you see the opening you will get light again. This part is harder to get up and out of. You might need a little teamwork, or you might just pull yourself up and out. The view at the top is so incredible and feels like you just went through a time hole into another place. Climbing out of the cave isn’t easy or the best place for kids. But just checking out the inside of the cave would be fun for kids.
- I highly recommend not trying caves out alone. Check out the surroundings of the cave first to see how structurally sound it is. Even though things can still happen, do know that you are entering at your own risk. As I have said many times before in my other Palo Duro Canyon blog, things change, and caves do collapse and change over time. And you never know when one might be on the brink of collapsing or rocks falling. Enter at Your Own Risk!
Another “secret spot”
- Devil’s Slide is another so-called secret place.
- Devil’s slide was popular in the 70’s and 80’s. This is an area in the canyon that is just off the main road. People used to take cardboard up the trail with them and then slide down. The side of the canyon has a “slide” appearance. The rock and dirt resemble small volcanic rock to me. It isn’t soft dirt and sliding down isn’t easy. You’d get a rock rash if you fell off your piece of cardboard which many did. As a small kid, I did have a try at it with an older cousin. I was super scared but after making it safely to the bottom I thought it was fun and had bragging rights. I haven’t heard of anyone doing it since then and it’s probably highly discouraged as it can be dangerous. There may have even been serious injuries and deaths on it. So, I’m not promoting it!
The last “secret spot” to share
- Signature rock is another one of those 80s and older things.
- Unless you visited the park back then you probably won’t know about it or know where it is located. This is a very large rock where yes you guessed it people carved initials into it. There are many names and of course, hearts where I’m guessing people dating would carve initials into it. It is neat to see but that doesn’t mean that I am encouraging anyone to do that as it really is a destruction of the park. It is really hidden now and not accessible now. The area has grown up all around the big rocks and tons of cactus help cover and hide all the paths to get to it. Nature has a way of hiding some things and maybe this is one that is meant to be hidden.
This is not a secret spot but rather a fun favorite for us to do.
Hunting for Geodes and other cool rocks. This is a favorite of ours and when we talk to most people who have visited Palo Duro Canyon, they have no idea about geodes in the park. The geodes here are an oval knotty-looking rock. When cracked open they expose the beautiful minerals inside. On some of our exploring trips walking around near rocky hillsides in the canyon, we have come across some. We’ve seen many geodes open and with the sun shining on them they will sparkle. Kids and even adults will love seeing them! Just make sure that you leave them behind for others to see and enjoy.
Hopefully, I have answered any and all Palo Duro Canyon questions you may have.
Now I will share with you some items to consider when going to Palo Duro Canyon.
Items you will want or need in Palo Duro Canyon
- Water – bring plenty of water! Carrying a hydration pack is the best so that you always have plenty of water. If you don’t have a hydration pack or a way to carry a lot of water with you then only go on short trails carrying a couple of water bottles each. Ice-cold water from your cooler is just amazing to have ready and waiting for you after the hike as well.
- Food/Snacks – It’s usually best to plan to bring lunch or snacks at least. There is a place where you can buy something for lunch if you want to go that route. You might just want to make sure that they will be open when you are visiting.
- We like to bring lunch to eat at a picnic table and enjoy the surroundings. Snacks are great when spending a day out there. Put some in a backpack to have while hiking or after your hiking adventure. Things like granola bars, fruit nut mix, fruit bars, pretzels, beef jerky and anything else you like or prefer would work.
- Bug Spray – You will need bug spray! Even if you don’t see mosquitos flying around you still need to spray with bug spray, especially around your legs.
- Have you heard of chiggers? Chiggers are small bugs you really can’t even see without a magnifying glass. They live in tall grass and will get onto your clothes crawling under your clothing onto your skin and find a tight spot to give you a nice bite. Chiggers like to bite you in a tight place like under your sock cuff, or the waistline on your shorts/pants or underwear. Also, bra area and yes, they even do bite on or around your privates.
- They leave behind a red bump just like a mosquito bite but sometimes larger. The worst part about these bites is that they itch! They Itch so badly! And they can itch and bother you for days to weeks.
- Have I gotten chigger bites in Palo Duro Canyon? That would be a yes! Unfortunately, if you don’t spray well enough, miss a spot, don’t use a spray with DEET, or you forget to spray you may end up with them.
- A first aid kit – We seem to need it all the time. From cleaning and bandaging minor scrapes and cuts to larger ones. First aid ointment to Benadryl or allergy cream. And tweezers for pulling out stickers or cactus needles. We usually go out there in a big group and someone always needs something out of the first aid kit.
- When my daughter was young, she fell over into a cactus plant, and tweezers were a necessity. Along with other first aid items. You really do have to be very careful and cautious as there are tons of cacti all around the trails.
- Sunscreen – No matter the weather you will appreciate having sunscreen. Even in the wintertime you still want it on exposed skin when the sun is shining on you.
- Sunglasses – So you do not have any difficulties seeing in the bright sun and protecting your eyes.
- Hat – To help keep your head from getting sunburned and for extra shade over your face.
- Hiking shoes/boots or tennis shoes – Closed-toe shoes are a must. Even on easy hiking trails, you may come across rocks to stub your toe on or the dreaded cactus to poke your toes. On trails where you are scrambling over rocks, you need some proper footwear so you can easily grip your foot and climb. The small rocks and hard clumped-up dirt can be super slippery and move out from under your feet which can cause you to slide.
- Clothes that you don’t mind getting stained – the dirt there is a deep red and can really stain clothes, especially light-colored ones. If your kids plan on walking through the wet and muddy creek beds you will want to bring extra clothes, shoes, and an old towel that is okay to stain.
- Some people prefer to wear jeans or long pants to protect their legs from cuts and scratches.
- Trash bag – to put dirty shoes and clothes in so you don’t get the red dirt all over your car. This of course is for those driving a nice car that won’t appreciate the color change on seats, or floor mats.
When bringing small kids be prepared and plan out small hikes. Make sure that they are wearing appropriate clothing and have plenty of water. Kids can get dehydrated fast and may not be able to understand why they aren’t feeling well.
As answered in the Palo Duro Canyon questions, you can bring a pet to Palo Duro. So just as important in bringing items you or your family needs you need to make sure that you bring what your pet needs too.
If bringing a pet, you might consider bringing these items:
- Doggy bags
- Leash
- Bowl for water – collapsible works great if out hiking.
- Bowl for food
- Dog bed if needed.
- Plenty of dog food and water for the time you will be there.
Enjoy your time at Palo Duro Canyon and be prepared. Being prepared can make or break how the trip goes.
With the Palo Duro Canyon questions answered and your list on items to take I think you should be prepared.
Hopefully, you will have a terrific time exploring and enjoying the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon.
Feel free to comment down below and if you have any questions I can try and help find an answer.
Be sure to check out my other blog about Palo Duro Canyon things to do. If I didn’t answer your question here I may have answered it on that blog.