Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Carved by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, Palo Duro Canyon plunges nearly 800 feet deep and extends for 120 miles. Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” it’s the second-largest canyon in the U.S., dazzling visitors with red-rock cliffs and sweeping vistas.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Hike the Lighthouse Trail – Trek 5.9 miles round trip to the park’s most famous formation, a 310-foot natural tower with stunning canyon-top views.
• Drive the Scenic Loop – Follow the 16-mile road that winds past dramatic cliffs, hoodoos, and multicolored layers revealing 250 million years of geology.
• Ride on Horseback – Saddle up with Palo Duro Riding Stables for a guided tour through red-rock ravines and desert brush in true cowboy fashion.
• See the TEXAS Outdoor Musical – Catch this summer show celebrating frontier life, performed in an open-air amphitheater set against canyon walls.
• Stargaze Beneath the Cliffs – The canyon’s depth blocks city lights, offering dazzling night skies perfect for spotting constellations and Milky Way views.

Recommended Reading: This pocket-sized Palo Duro Canyon State Park hiking guide features 16 trails with maps, descriptions, and difficulty ratings. It’s perfect for planning your visit to the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Even better, each purchase helps support the state park.

Photo Credit: R. du Plessis/Unsplash