Out On 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 Lighthouse Trail?   The Lighthouse is a rock formation, which is the crown jewel of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is approximately 2.75 miles from the trailhead to the base of the Lighthouse (5.5 miles round trip). The trail is mostly dirt and can be quite muddy after rain. The final quarter mile of the trail, approaching the Lighthouse, is quite steep and rocky. Please do exercise caution on this section of the trail, as the loose rocks can cause you to lose your balanc...

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...