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Educational Programs
For specific program information contact: Bernice Blasingame, (806) 488-2227 ex 106
Email:
bernice.blasingame@tpwd.state.tx.us
Bus Tours
Enjoy the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon from the comfort of your bus. Our Park offers over 16 miles of paved road. We will discuss interesting sites, wildlife, plant life, history and geology.
Time Limit: 2 hours
Outreach
Palo Duro Canyon is a wonderful place for learning and recreation and everyone should experience it in person. If for some reason, your group cannot visit the canyon, we will bring the canyon to you. Programs may include power point presentations and artifacts.
Self-Guided Tour
General Park Information: Palo Duro Canyon State Park opened on July 4, 1934 and contains 18,438 acres of the scenic and northernmost portion of the Palo Duro Canyon. The Civilian Conservation Corp of the 1930's built most of the building and roads still in use by park staff and visitors.
Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long with a maximum depth of 800-100 feet. The width of the canyon is 1/2 to 20 miles wide and has an elevation of 3,500 feet at the rim. Many have claimed that the Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the U.S. The largest canyon, the Grand Canyon, is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and 6,000 feet deep.
Palo Duro Canyon was formed by water erosion from the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. The water deepens the canyon by moving sediment downstream, wind erosion and rockslides help to widen the canyon.
History: Humans have resided in the canyon for approximately 12,000 years. Early settlers were nomadic tribes that hunted mammoth, giant bison and other large game animals. Later, Apache tribes lived in the canyon, but were soon replaced by the Comanche and Kiowa people who resided in the area until 1874. At that time, Col. Ranald Mackenzie was sent into the area to transport the Native Americans to Oklahoma. Col. Mackenzie and the 4th Calvary were able to capture over 1,400 horses belonging to the tribe. After allowing their Tonkawa scouts to select the best of the horses for themselves, the remainder were taken to Tule Canyon and destroyed. Cut off from their only means of transportation and having the majority of their possessions destroyed, the Native Americans soon surrendered. Then in 1876, Charles Goodnight entered the canyon and established the JA Ranch, which eventually supported over 100,000 head of Cattle. Goodnight operated the ranch until 1890. Although a fraction of its original size, the JA Ranch remains a working ranch.
Geology: Although the canyon is 1 million years old, the rocks exposed on the slopes date back 250 million years. Cloud Chief Gypsum is the oldest rock exposed in the canyon and can only be seem in a few areas.
Immediately above this layer, the red claystone and the white layers of gypsum and shale from the Quartermaster Formation can be seen. The red color was created by the iron oxide present in the rocks. The greater the content of iron, the redder the color. The next ascending layer is the Tecovas Formation and is composed of gray, yellow and lavender mudstone. Together with the Quartermaster, the triangular layers of the Spanish
Skirts are formed. Further up the canyon slopes, the Trujillo Formation can be seen. At this layer, red mudstone is predominant. The remaining layer, the Ogallala Formation, is located toward the very top of the canyon. Wall. This hare caprock layer is composed of sand, silt, clay and limestone.
Wildlife: Palo Duro Canyon supports a wide variety of wildlife. Park visitors will see mule deer, white tail deer, roadrunners, wild turkey, cottontails and many species of birds. Less obvious wildlife inside the park includes coyotes, raccoons, skunks, aoudad sheep, bobcats, western diamondback rattlesnakes, and several species of non-venomous snakes and on rare occasion mountain lions.
Plants: Palo Duro is Spanish for hard wood in reference to the Juniper trees common throughout the canyon. Other common tree species seen in the canyon include mesquite, cottonwood, salt cedar, willow, soapberry and hackberry. Wildflower and grass species also dot the canyon walls and floor. Commonly seen are Indian blanket, star thistle, sunflower, black-foot daisy, sideoats grama, sage and little bluestem.
Visitor Center: The Civilian Conservation Corp built the Visitor Center in 1934. In 1978, the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum developed exhibits pertaining to park geology and history. A gift shop and restrooms are also located in the Visitor Center and is supported by volunteers.
Longhorn Pasture: The pasture on the canyon rim currently contains two steers from the official Texas State Longhorn Herd from Ft. Griffin State Park.
Civilian Conservation Corps Chimney: During the development of the park, the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps used this chimney located in the recreation hall. Although the building is gone, this lone chimney on the canyon rim reminds us how the park was built.
Goodnight Dugout: Past Water Crossing #1, a replica of Col. Charles Goodnight's dugout has been erected. This is very similar to the one he inhabited while starting the JA Ranch in 1876. He later built a home further down the canyon against the south wall for his wife Mary Ann.
Historical Markers: Two historical markers are located inside the park. The first if located near the park entrance and discusses the JA Ranch. The remaining historical marker is located at the south end of the park at the t urnaround area. It discusses the Battle of Palo Duro.
Trails
Givens, Spicer and Lowry Trail: This trail is approximately 3 miles long from the trail head (across from Hackberry campground) to the intersection of the Lighthouse Trail (plus 1.5 miles to the Lighthouse). The Little Fox Trail is a 2- mile loop off the main trail. This trail is moderately difficult with several steep climbs and a total distance of 11 miles. Mountain bikers, hiker and runners are allowed on this trail.
Paseo del Rio Trail: The Paseo del Rio or Riverwalk traces the Prairie Dog Town For, of the Red River beginning after Ware Crossing # 1. This is a 2-mile roundtrip hike with plenty of shade and an even path. This trail is considered easy and suitable for all levels. Mountain bikers, hikers and runners are allowed on this trail.
Lighthouse Trail: This trail leads to the Lighthouse (pedestal rock formed by erosion), which is 310 feet high and is a National Natural Landmark. This trail is considered moderate in difficulty with a total distance of almost 6 miles and may have heavy traffic during the peak season. There are educational panels along the trail. Equestrians, hiker, bikers and runners are allowed on this trail.
Sunflower Trail: This trail offers plenty of shade and a beautiful view of satin spar gypsum (0.25 miles from trailhead). Sunflower is located before Water Crossing #5 and is 2 miles roundtrip. It is considered easy; and suitable for all levels. Mountain bikers, hikers and runners are allowed on this trail.
Rojo Grande Trail: From the Lighthouse parking lot, this trail heads south for 1.5 miles and connects with the Sunflower trail. It is a moderate hike with plenty of shade. Mountain bikers, hikers and runners are allowed on this trail.
Juniper Riverside Trail: Located at Water Crossing #6, the Juniper Trail is the latest addition to the park trail system. It is 2 miles roundtrip and intersects the Sunflower Trail. This is the trail is shady with several easy climbs.
Capital Peak Trail: This trail is not recommended for hikers and runners. The trailhead is located on Alternate Road 5 and is 4 miles total distance. There are three levels of difficulty for various biking skills (Green-Easy, Blue-Medium, Black-Hard). Horses are prohibited.
Equestrian Trail: The trailhead is located at the turnaround area (South end of park). This trail runs parallel to Alternate Park Road 5 and intersects the Lighthouse Trail. It is 4 miles roundtrip. An open riding area is located south of the turnaround.
Park Safety
Flash Flooding: During heavy rains, Palo Duro Canyon can flood over a relatively brief period of time. In the event of flooding please take the following precautions:
- Always monitor the depth at the six water crossings. If the water exceeds 6 inches, DO NOT CROSS.
- Move to high ground. Please be patient. The water will usually recede.
- Always monitor the local weather stations and heed warnings of staff.
- Use common sense and never put yourself, family or friends in jeopardy.
Rough Terrain: Please be careful of rough terrain, loose rocks and steep slopes. Proceed at your own risk. Rattlesnakes and other wildlife may be present. We strongly encourage you to u se established park trails.
Heat: Texas summers are extreme, and heat related injuries are possible. Please drink plenty of water, bring sun protection and always use caution.
Parking: Parking spaces are provided at the entrance, the Visitor Center, the Old West Stables and at each of the restrooms and day-use areas. PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK TRAFFIC.
Park Rules
Please abide by the following rules to insure your visit a pleasant one. Failure to abide by the rules may result in expulsion from the park.
- Do not harm, harass or catch any wildlife in the park.
- Do not remove, destroy or disturb any rock, earth, soil, gem, mineral, fossil or other geological deposit.
- Do not remove, destroy or disturb artifacts or cultural features.
- Do not willfully mutilate, pick, cut or remove any plant life.
- Firearms, fireworks and weapons are not permitted inside the park.
- No four wheelers or dirt bikes are allowed in the park.
- Campfires are not permitted during fire bans.
- Do not use any camping areas unless you have paid the camping fee or have been granted permission to do so by park staff. Day use areas have been provided for your usage.
- No illegal drugs or opened alcoholic beverages are permitted inside the park.
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