10Palo Duro Canyon has been wowing people for at least 12,000 years, when natives found shelter within this rugged chasm in the southern high plains.

 

Palo Duro Canyon

“The canyon is gorgeous, and there are so many other things to do in the area—Elkins Ranch Jeep tours, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Amarillo … But the canyon itself is my pick.” —DIANE TERRY, BRADY

Measuring 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and 800 feet deep, Palo Duro dazzles visitors with rocky shades of pink, lavender, and orange, along with geologic formations like the aptly named Lighthouse. Palo Duro Canyon State Park provides public access for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and observing the rare scenery. During the summer, the park hosts the outdoor musical drama TEXAS, a lively telling of regional history set against the backdrop of a 600-foot cliff.

For more information, contact Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 806/488-2227.

Texas Highways Readers' Choice Top 40 Travel Destinations

From the July 2014 issue

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