Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. and Texas Dept. of Transportation (TxDOT) will be holding a project open house to present concepts to the public for the replacement of the low-water crossings on Park Road 5 in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Date: December 6, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: TxDOT Amarillo District Office, 5715 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas, 79110
Things to Do
Activities include camping, horseback riding, hiking, nature study, bird watching, mountain biking and scenic drives. While in the park, stop by and enjoy the Visitor Center located on the Canyon Rim. This rustic native stone building was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and houses a Museum and Museum Store. The store is located in the Visitor Center and features books, pottery, jewelry and educational items pertaining to the canyon.
Equestrian
Experience Palo Duro Canyon up close and personal, the way the cowboys did: on horseback. The equestrian-use area covers approximately 1,500 acres of the park, offering trails strictly for equestrian use. Other trails within the park are shared with hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors may bring their own horses. (Original Coggins papers are required.) Two large trailer parking areas are located at the designated equestrian campground near the Equestrian Trail, with six primitive campsites and a corral and water nearby. Visitors must provide their own water buckets for horses.
The Old West Stables, located inside the canyon, offer guided tours to Timber Creek Canyon and the famous Lighthouse formation. Other services offered include wagon rides, campfire breakfasts, souvenirs and a snack bar. Bring the whole family! Reservations are required. Please call Old West Stables at (806) 488-2180.
Outdoor Theater Productions
TEXAS, the outdoor musical drama and the official play of the state of Texas runs Tuesdays through Saturdays during the summer season in the Pioneer Amphitheater in beautiful Palo Duro Canyon State Park. In this family-friendly show, set against an authentic tapestry of history, the show's fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s. Song and dance abound - and a generous helping of good ol' Texas humor too - with spellbinding lighting, special effects and fireworks. Come early and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner served on our covered patio. For more information contact the Pioneer Amphitheater Box Office at (806) 655-2181 or go to the TEXAS Musical Drama website.
Contact Information
- Camping Reservations (512) 389-8900
- Park Information (806) 488-2227
- Educational Programs (806) 488-2227, ext. 106
- Pioneer Amphitheater Box Office (806) 655-2181
http://www.texas-show.com/ - Palo Duro Trading Post (806) 488 2821
Outfitters & Guide Services
Guided horseback trips in the canyon are offered by Old West Stables. (806) 488-2180.
Ranger Programs
The park offers a variety of educational opportunities. Check the calendar for upcoming events or contact the park for special tours.
Get more information on the Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped develop this park and numerous others over 70 years ago, by visiting our CCC page that includes the interactive online exhibits and education resource, “The Look of Nature: Designing Texas State Parks During the Great Depression” and “A New Deal for Texas Parks."
- Interpretive Guide to Palo Duro State Park
- Birds of Palo Duro Canyon: A Field Checklist
- Palo Duro Canyon Junior Naturalist Program
Area Attractions
Nearby attractions include Caprock Canyons State Park, Storyland Zoo for Children, Nielsen Memorial Museum, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, West Texas A&M University, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center and Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
For more information on this area visit the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council website at www.visitamarillotx.com
