Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Texas

kellertx5er wrote:
Stayed in PD Canyon on the way to Grand Canyon some years ago. It is well worth the visit but I don't think I could do two weeks there.

Highlights include VERY tame deer, turkeys wandering through the CG, unusual rock formations. Panhandle weather in March can be highly variable- it's anyone's guess.

Be aware that cell coverage on the canyon floor is mostly non-existent, at least it was three years ago. Best get an update. We were amazed to be able to receive local TV signals through the antenna.

Lastly and MOST important. Check the Texas school calendars and AVOID the spring break week. Site availability will increase 3x.

There is plenty to do if you like hiking, horseback riding, watching sunrise/sunset in the canyon, the big museum in Canyon, and the attractions in Amarillo.

Spring Break is fine because the park is so spread out, but you'll need get reservations a good six months ahead of time. We're veterans of four Spring Break trips and have never felt like the park was packed...unlike Garner SP, for example.

jolooote wrote:
I've read on other posts the drive DOWN into the canyon is quite an adventure on its own. Steep & winding.

That is true, but it is a SHORT drive down into the canyon. Use tow/haul mode, low gear, and exhaust brake if you have it. It's only a problem if there is snow/ice.

One of the nicest things about Palo Duro is TEXAS, the outdoor musical play that is put on with the canyon wall as a backdrop.
Unfortunately, it's only there from June through August.

Stayed in PD Canyon on the way to Grand Canyon some years ago. It is well worth the visit but I don't think I could do two weeks there.

Highlights include VERY tame deer, turkeys wandering through the CG, unusual rock formations. Panhandle weather in March can be highly variable- it's anyone's guess.

Be aware that cell coverage on the canyon floor is mostly non-existent, at least it was three years ago. Best get an update. We were amazed to be able to receive local TV signals through the antenna.

Lastly and MOST important. Check the Texas school calendars and AVOID the spring break week. Site availability will increase 3x.

I've read on other posts the drive DOWN into the canyon is quite an adventure on its own. Steep & winding.

Does look like a great getaway spot... Have never been there... Might just add this to my bucket list of places to go check out.



Roy Ken

We have spent four Spring Breaks (mid-March) at Palo Duro, and no two have had the same weather. I recommend the Mesquite camping area; they have quite a few long sites down there. The Juniper area is the first loop, and though it also has 50 amp and large campsites, I prefer the Mesquite loop. That is where we stayed last month; it is the best camping area for scenery, though you can't go wrong anywhere in the canyon. Just specify your length when you make your reservation. All the campsites are on the canyon floor, which is why I prefer staying here as opposed to Caprock Canyon State park. Get reservations EARLY because Texas parks fill up for spring break season.

If you are going to spend two weeks in March there, be prepared for four seasons. Weather on the High Plains is interesting and can change on a dime. Also, get your reservations early. We had the pleasure of snow for two of those trips. As long as you don't have to drive up out of the canyon during winter precipitation, snow there is a real treat! This past march we had a cold front blast through with gusts over 50 mph, so that was interesting as well. The very next day I sat outside with just jeans and a t-shirt and enjoyed the view.

There are plenty of sights to see in the area, such as the Panhandle Plains Museum nearby in canyon, and of course in Amarillo there are museums and the Big Texan Steak Ranch.