Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Travel | Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park was a another unexpected addition to an around the country road trip. When a college friend heard I was planning to spend time in Texas, he immediately suggested stopping by for a few hikes. And so I did.

Be sure to keep an eye on the river crossing over the park road. Flash floods are common in the park when weather strikes.

Top Five Hikes + Places to Explore

• Juniper Cliffside Trail - just shy of six miles, round-trip, this hike offers great views of water carved cliff sides.

• Juniper Riverside Trail - colorful rock formations may be seen while you walk along the river on this 2.25 mile trail.

• Light House Trail - a 5.5 mile trail to the iconic Lighthouse Rock formation. The most popular trail within the park.

• Pioneer Nature Trail - an easy half mile trail filled with reptiles who enjoy tagging along.

• Rylander Fortress Cliff - a relatively easy 7.5 mile trail along the rim of the canyon, offering stunning views below.