Palo Duro Canyon State Park- Texas

Everything is bigger and better in Texas and after camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, I can honestly say I truly believe this is an apt moniker for the state. Located approximately 31 miles south of Amarillo, Texas  the park is known as the  "Grand Canyon of Texas." After staying two nights in this park I can see why.  The park is the second largest park in Texas and officially opened  on July 4, 1934. 

  Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and 800 feet deep which makes it the second largest canyon in the United States. The canyon was formed less than 1 million years ago when the Prairie Dog Town Folk of the Red River first carved its way through the Southern High Plains. The rock exposed a geologic story which began about 250 million years ago. Some of the oldest rock layers are part of the Quartermaster Formation.  Most of these rocks are located at the bottom of the canyon are noted for their bright red claystone and white gypsum.  The next layer of rock one notices are the yellow, gray and lavender mudstone which are part of the Tecovas Formation. The sandstone and coarse gravel of the Trujillo Formation can be seen as you further ascend the canyon.  The last layer of rocks are from the Ogallala Formation which consist of sand, clay and limestone.

  Given the many trails of hiking, biking and horseback riding one could spend weeks in this park  exploring.  Animal life is abundant, in our camp we had wild turkey roaming in and out of the individual camp sites without a care in the world, we even saw a mother turkey out walking her clutch of chicks, a dozen or more. We were told there are wild big horn sheep in the canyon as well, but did not see any during our visit.

    Weather you drive an RV or like to tent camp, Palo Duro has it all.  Modern, clean restrooms with showers and running hot and cold water. There are six campgrounds to choose from, we stayed at the Sagebrush camp area in site 143.  Each site has a very nice covered picnic table and plenty of room between sites.

  There is a visitor center, horse stables and an opportunity to ride horses through the canyon ran by private operators just outside the park.  The Trading Post in the park sells food and runs a small concession stand, the food is good but a bit pricey.

  A visit to this park is a must if you are in the area. For veterans with a rated 60% or more disability you get in free along with your spouse if you have your VA paperwork with you. In fact, if you show the park authorities this you will get a lifetime entrance card to al Texas State Parks. Like I said before, everything is bigger and better in Texas, and I believe it now.