Where is Palo Duro Canyon State Park,Canyon, Texas?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in Texas, USA. It lies between Amarillo and Canyon and is situated in the Texas Panhandle. It is famous for its colorful canyon landscapes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Location Map,Canyon, Texas

Top Attractions Inside Palo Duro Canyon State Park

  • Palo Duro Canyon – Second-largest canyon in the U.S., offering dramatic cliffs and scenic vistas.
  • Lighthouse Rock – Iconic rock formation popular for photography and hiking.
  • Rock Garden & Hiking Trails – Trails winding through colorful rock formations and canyon landscapes.
  • Camping & Cabins – Facilities for tent camping, RVs, and rustic cabins within the park.
  • Texas Outdoor Musical – Summer performances held at the outdoor amphitheater in the canyon.
  • Horseback Riding Trails – Trails offering scenic rides through rugged terrain.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot deer, bobcats, birds, and other native wildlife in natural habitats.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Facts

Official NamePalo Duro Canyon State Park
LocationCanyon, Randall County / Armstrong County, Texas, USA — Texas Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon
Latitude & Longitude34.9889° N, 101.8613° W
Total AreaApprox. 29,182 acres (≈118 km²)
Established / OpenedEstablished 1934, opened as Texas State Park in 1934
Managed ByTexas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
RegionTexas Panhandle / Caprock Escarpment / Palo Duro Canyon
AddressPalo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
Zip Code79015
Area Code806
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptCanyon landscapes, hiking, rock formations, wildlife observation, camping, scenic vistas, outdoor recreation
Main Sections / AreasVisitor Center, Lighthouse Rock, Rock Garden, hiking trails, camping areas, equestrian trails, scenic overlooks
Famous AttractionsLighthouse Rock formation, Caprock hiking trails, panoramic canyon views, birdwatching, equestrian trails, outdoor concerts & events
Annual VisitorsApprox. 150,000–200,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Vehicle or Daily Pass Required
Ticket Price RangeVehicle daily pass: ~$6–$8 per adult; camping: ~$20–$35 per night
Ticket OptionsDay-use vehicle passes, camping reservations, group shelters, equestrian trail permits, guided tours
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation; summer for equestrian and cultural events; winter for fewer crowds
Nearby AirportRick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) – ~30 miles (48 km)
TransportationCar access via State Park Road 5, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding trails, parking at visitor center and campgrounds
Official Websitehttps://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon

Distances from Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Canyon, TX Downtown – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Panhandle Plains Historical Museum – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Amarillo, TX Downtown – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Route 66 Historic District – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Cadillac Ranch – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Caprock Canyons State Park – 170 km (105.6 mi)
  • Lake Meredith National Recreation Area – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Amarillo Zoo – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Helium Centennial Tower – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Wildcat Bluff Nature Center – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Downtown Canyon Visitor Center – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Palo Duro Lake – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Clarity Ranch – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Ridgecrest Golf Club – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Amarillo Botanical Gardens – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Texas Air & Space Museum – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Caprock Canyons Trail – 170 km (105.6 mi)
  • Lake Tanglewood – 40 km (24.9 mi)