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| How hot does it get in the summer in the canyon? |
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Summertime temperatures can be brutal in the canyon. Temperatures range in the 90's to 100 degrees. It is always advisable to engage in activities in the morning or late evening due to the high heat. Visitors are encouraged to drink plenty of water and not overextend themselves physically. Do not attempt the long trails in the heat of the day. |
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| Are alcoholic beverages allowed in the park? |
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There is no public consumption and/or display of an open container of alcohol(can,bottle,cup or any other container)in campsites or picnic sites. Violation of this law results in a Class C Misdemeanor and a fine from $50 to $500. |
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| Can children ride in the back of a pick-up truck? |
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Children under 18 are not allowed to ride in the back of a pick-up truck. The park road is a state highway and all traffic laws are enforced. |
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| Is there a Junior Ranger program available for children? |
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Beginning March, 2008, there is a Junior Naturalist program available for chidren ages 5-12. There are activities they must complete and have signed by a ranger before they can purchase a sleeve patch at the cost of $3 which will be sold at the Interpretive Center/Gift shop. The activity brochure can be requested at the Interpretive Center. |
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| Is a reservation always required for a camp site or a cabin? |
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A reservation is required but one can call the park headquarters office and see if there are sites available. There are cancellations all the time and it is possible to get a camp site or even a cabin. |
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| How does one plan special events in the canyon? |
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The park welcomes special events in the canyon; however, they must be approved and planned through the park superintendent. There may be a fee charged for use of certain areas of the park. Contact the park superintendent or the education director for information. |
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| When does the musical drama ''Texas'' begin? |
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''Texas'' officially opens June 2nd and runs through August 17, Mondays through Saturdays. For ticket information and reservations call (806) 655-2181. |
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| How many miles of trails are in the park? |
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There are approximately 30 miles of marked trails in the park. |
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| What types of activities are available in the park? |
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Hiking, road biking, mountain biking, camping, picniking, wildlife and wildflower viewing, backpacking, horseback riding and park provided educational programs and hikes are all available in Palo Duro Canyon. |
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| What are Park Hosts and what are their duties? |
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Park Hosts are volunteers who supplement the park staff and serve as representatives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The primary duty of the Park Host is to seve in the assigned Camp Loop as the ''First Line'' of the park: assisting in changing sites, resolving minor problems, giving directions and acting as the park's ''Eyes and Ears'' in the loop. Radios are provided to the Park Hosts so that contacat with the Headquarters can be maintained. |
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| How many hours do Park Hosts work and what compensation do they receive? |
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Hosts will normally serve a minimum of 24 hours per week for singles and 36 hours per week minimum for couples. Hosts will be given ''Days Off'' during the week when theymay feel free to venture out and explore the surrounding areas.
In return for their services, Hosts are given designated campsites with water, electricty and sewer hook-ups. |
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| How does one apply for being a Park Host? |
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To receive an application, write to the following address and request one:
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX. 79015
As a part of the application process an Authorization and Consent for Disclosure of Criminal History Information sheet will be included and required. |
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| Are pets allowed in the park? |
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Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash and attended at all times. They are not allowed to run loose on the trails or in the camping areas nor are they allowed in any of the park buildings unless they are a service animal. |
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| Can we rent horses from the stables and ride anywhere we want in the park? |
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The riding stable only provides horses for guided rides. |
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| Can we bring our own horses and ride in the park? |
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Visitors may bring their own horses and ride only on the trails marked for equestrian use. They may also camp in the equestrian area and use the pens provided for their horses. Under no circumstances may horses be placed in the pens and riders camp elsewhere. Horses may not be ridden on the road or to the restrooms. A current negative Coggins test is required for each horse. All white markings must be correctly drawn on the Coggins test papers. If doubt exists from the park employee comparing horse to papers, the horse may not be brought in. |
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