Palo Duro Canyon Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
canyon system in the U.S. state of Texas
About Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon is120mi (190km)long, up to20mi (32km)wide, and up to820ft (250m)deep, making it the United States' second largest canyon. Archaeological findings indicate that humans inhabited the canyon as many as 12,000 years ago. It was long home to various native American tribes as well, including Apache and Comanche. The JA Cattle Ranch was established there in 1876, after the expulsion of the natives. The canyon was formed by erosion from the Little Prairie Dog Town branch of the Red River. The park is home to many uniquegeological formations, including manyhoodoos-- thin, irregular columns of sedimentary rock sticking up from the canyon floor, capped with a harder rock which prevents further erosion. TheLighthouseis the most famous of these in park, and is one of the quintessential
Top Attractions in Palo Duro Canyon
Explore the best things to see and do in Palo Duro Canyon:
- ★Charles Goodnight's Dugout
- ★Elkins Ranch
- ★Old West Stables
- ★TEXAS, the Musical
Where to Stay in Palo Duro Canyon
- 🏨Cactus Camp Area
- 🏨CCC Rim Cabins
- 🏨Cow Camp Cabins
- 🏨Fortress Cliff Camp Area
- 🏨Hackberry Camp Area
- 🏨Mesquite Camp Area
Palo Duro Canyon Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: