Sat 15 Aug, 2009
The first glimpse of a minor finger canyon carved into the vast expanse of prairie 20 miles southeast of Amarillo catches travelers off guard. Though it is a remarkable sight, seemingly misplaced amid the otherwise unbroken flatness, it is merely a modest preview of what awaits visitors inside the gates of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Once a visitor enters the parks 18,438 acres, the full majesty of the canyon reveals itself. Many claim it is second only to the Grand Canyon in scale: more than 800 feet deep and 20 miles wide at some points.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually, offering some of the best opportunities in Texas for all varieties of outdoor activities, from mountain biking to bird watching. Outdoor enthusiasts come from all over the world year round for an afternoon or for a week to interact with nature in their personal way. Whether they choose to revel in solitude, picnic in a cottonwood grove, enjoy a full schedule of events and educational opportunities, or explore the park via miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, Palo Duro Canyon State Park provides haven for everyone, no matter how active or relaxed their interests. Artists are drawn by the canyons painted landscapes, especially during the spring wildflower season, and the birding is exceptional through out the year, with the canyons habitat being home to the brilliantly colored painted bunting, the bald eagle and a number of hawk species.
Hikers and mountain bikers are attracted to the park by its network of trails of varying length and difficulty, while others enjoy experiencing the canyon on the dedicated equestrian trails. Backpackers with overnight ambitions can camp at any of the two primitive campgrounds, and those on horseback can enjoy a night at the parks equine camp. For those who prefer a compromise between an RV and a tent, the park boasts two rustic cabins renovated with modern heating and cooling and four additional primitive cabins.
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