Palo Duro Canyon State Park [TX] - CCC Trail


Why visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park?

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, with an average width of 6 miles. Geological layering can be seen within the rocks. The park is quite beautiful and offers a variety of recreational opportunities.

Where is Palo Duro Canyon State Park?

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in Canyon, Texas. Canyon is in northern Texas, about 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo. 


What should one expect on the CCC Trail?

The trail is 1.4 miles (2.8 miles out and back), with 500 feet of elevation change from the top of the canyon to the canyon floor. The tail descends rather steeply for the final .5 miles. This is the trail the Civilian Conservation Corps used, back in the 30s, when constructing other trails and infrastructure within the park.You will cross four bridges, constructed by the CCC, while hiking this trail. You will also pass through four geological layers, from the top of the canyon to the bottom.



The CCC Trail is far less crowded than the Lighthouse Trail and delivers views that are just as spectacular, if not even a little bit better. Mountain bikes won't be found on this trail, as it's for hiking only. As a final bonus, the Goodnight Peak Scenic Loop can be added on for even more views and an additional .4 miles.

The trail is rather exposed, and it can get extremely hot in the park during the summer, with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to bring enough water, to protect your skin from the sun, and to remember that each step down means a step back up!  

Are pets allowed at Palo Duro Canyon State Park?

Pets are allowed at Palo Duro Canyon State Park but must be kept on a leash and attended at all times. 

Please remember to clean up any waste generated by you, or your pets! 


Is there camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park?

Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers several options for camping, including group sites and hike-in sites. The park also has sites with electrical hookups. 

Find out more about campsites (includes link to online reservation portal) 


Is there a fee to hike at Palo Duro Canyon State Park?

Palo Duro Canyon charges an entry fee of $8 per adult, per day. Children under the age of 12 can enter the park free of charge. 

The park notes, on its website, that it often reaches capacity, and reservations are highly recommended for both camping and day use. 

Park Website

Park Map

Trails Map

Reserve Entry Passes

 

Check out the YouTube video!  



Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hiking After Work in Tucson, Arizona - [Brown Mountain Trail]

Image
  Where is Brown Mountain located? Brown Mountain is located about 30 minutes west of downtown Tucson, Arizona. Brown Mountain and Brown Mountain Picnic Area, where the trailhead is located, are within Tucson Mountain Park. The trailhead is just south of Kinney Road, on McCain Loop Road. What should one expect when hiking Brown Mountain? The hike is approximately 4.8 miles round-trip. The trails are mostly rock and gravel, with some loose rock present. We would definitely recommend wearing appropriate hiking footwear when hiking at Brown Mountain. The trail is, however, well-marked and well-maintained. While the altitude is not breathtaking, at a maximum of 3,098 feet, it is high enough to provide great views of the surrounding area. There are plenty of views throughout the trail, as there are dual peaks, and a section of the trail is an exposed ridgeline. The views only require a modest effort, as there is only about 400 feet of elevation gain on the trail.  Tucson Mountain Park is g
Read more

Overnight Backpacking Loop in Virginia: Three Ridges Wilderness

Image
  Where is the Three Ridges Wilderness? The Three Ridges Wilderness is located in Virginia's George Washington National Forest, about 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville. There is parking at Reids Gap (at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Virginia 664). It's also possible to start from the Appalachian Trail trailhead at Tye River. Why visit the Three Ridges Wilderness? The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs through the Three Ridges Wilderness, which is reason enough to visit. This loop features some spectacular views along the AT and a series of waterfalls and pools on the Mau-Har side of the loop.  What should one expect on the trails in the Three Ridges Wilderness? If you are not accustomed to hiking in the mountains, this will be a strenuous hike. If you are, this will probably be a moderate hike. The trails are rocky and uneven in many places, so be sure to wear proper footwear and watch where you place your feet. Much of the hike is spent ascending or descending
Read more

White Mountains - Day 4 [Franconia Brook Trail]

Image
Despite the rain and strong winds overnight, we had slept soundly and for many hours. As we ate breakfast, we thought about the first foods we would eat once we emerged from the forest. When we began our final day of hiking, only about eight miles separated us from our original starting point.    The brooks, which we would have to cross a few times over the course of the day, were swollen from the previous day's rain. We marveled at the sheer power of the water crashing over the rocks as we left the campsite. Further down the trail, we passed through an area that was somewhat flooded out, due to the combination of precipitation and beaver activity.      While much of the second half of the trip was wet, the sun reappeared to lift our spirits as we hiked towards the finish. As we neared the Lincoln Woods Trail, we began to encounter other hikers more frequently. As we officially exited the Pemigewasset Wilderness, we stopped to chat with a group who had spent the night at Guyot Camp
Read more