Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon in Texas is the second-largest canyon in the US, carved by Red River tributaries and framed by dramatic multicolored cliffs. It's a highlight for hiking, horseback riding, and camping just outside Amarillo.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Southwestern United States |
| Subregion | Great Plains |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Randall County |
| Timezone | AmericaChicago |
| Latitude | 34.9876 |
| Longitude | -101.9584 |
| Maps |
8:14 PM LOCAL TIMEPalo Duro Canyon is a vast, sculpted chasm near Amarillo, Texas, whose terraced cliffs and layered sedimentary rocks reveal miles of geologic history. Often called the Grand Canyon of Texas, it measures about 120 square miles across and drops from around 2,500 feet at its rims to roughly 1,200 feet in the canyon floor. Visitors come for long-distance hikes, pioneer-era horseback riding, and spirited wildlife viewing — look for black-tailed prairie dogs, red-tailed hawks, and seasonal wildflowers. The park's well-developed overnight areas provide traditional campsites and access to popular trails, while longer routes and higher passes reward backcountry travel and stunning vistas. Beneath the surface lies evidence of geologic processes: layered shale, limestone, and exposed volcanic ash paint a vivid story of sedimentation and erosion. Near the park, you'll find visitor centers, horseback riding, and outdoor concerts during certain times of year, making Palo Duro Canyon a multisport destination and ecological showcase.
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