Lone Star Travelers Blog » Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Most Popular Texas State Parks

joanie7 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:00:35 +0000

2011 Texas State Park Visitation Stats Released

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Swimming at Inks Lake State Park

Despite record-breaking heat, a relentless drought and wildfires that struck several parks, overall visitation to Texas state parks increased slightly to 7.7 million during the fiscal year that ended on Aug. 31, according to a report from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s State Parks Division. Once again, Garner State Park near Concan topped the list with 370,369 visits. Rounding out the Top 10 most visited state parks were: Cedar Hill (282,133), Ray Roberts Lake’s Isle du Bois unit (278,204), Palo Duro Canyon (271,445), Battleship TEXAS (254,250), Brazos Bend (236,037), Enchanted Rock (218,084), Huntsville (208,912), Lake Casa Blanca (190,774) and Inks Lake (177,907). Ray Roberts Greenbelt, a non-revenue-generating park, recorded 352,116 visits.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon Texas

joanie7 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:10:52 +0000

Palo Duro Canyon is said to be the second largest canyon in the United States. At 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide and a maximum depth of 800 feet, it is commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas. The northern most section is located in the midst of 291 acres of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas. For frontier era history buffs Palo Duro Canyon State Park contains part of the battlefield site of the 1874 raid by Colonel Ranald S. MacKenzie where he attacked and destroyed a large Indian encampment that brought an end to the Red River Indian War. The visitor may enjoy the spectacular scenery at Palo Duro Canyon State Park simply by driving along the 16 miles of paved roadway that winds through the park. With stops at the interpretive center featuring exhibits on the history, geology and wildlife of the canyon, the Palo Duro Trading Post for a light meal or snack while browsing the souvenirs, and a look at the Pioneer Amphitheater where the outdoor musical drama “Texas” is performed in the summer months you will have a sense of the wonder this park holds for the visitor. 30 miles of hiking and biking trails are also here for your enjoyment. Overnight visitors many choose from primitive campsites at $12 per night or RV sites with water and electricity from $22-$25 per night. Request a space in the Hackberry Camp Loop at $22 per night for 30 amp service, in the Mesquite Camp Area (20 sites) or in the Sagebrush Camp Area (closest to the park headquarters and entrance gate with 28 sites) for either 30 or 50 amp service at $25 per night. All camping areas require navigation down a steeply graded road to the canyon floor. If you have a larger RV or trailer check with a park ranger first. The daily admission fee of $5 per person is in addition to the camping fee. (this fee is waived if you have a current Texas State Parks Pass) Note: When we visited the park in June 2009, on two different occasions, we found the restrooms to be not clean and the campgrounds in general need of maintenance attention. Equestrian trails and campsites are available as well, and at the Old West Stables you may rent a horse or sign up for a guided horseback ride. Cabins set on the rim of the canyon are well worth the $110-125 cost per night just for the spectacular view. Campers please note that there are 6 river crossings on the south end of the park (mostly primitive camping and hiking areas) that are subject to flash flood conditions. For those who would like to stay outside the park the West Rim RV Park is just outside the park entrance. The latest available rate is $20 per night. westrimrvpark.com Also the Palo Duro RV Park in Canyon Texas at $28 per night. 806-488-2548 Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located 21 miles from Amarillo, Texas, take FM 1541 south to TX 217, travel 8 miles east. It is 12 miles east of the town of Canyon, Texas on TX 217. palodurocanyon.com 806-488-2227

Palo Duro Canyon State Park acquires Fortress Cliffs Ranch

joanie7 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:03:28 +0000

A purchase totaling 5.22 million dollars by a coalition including the Trust for Public Lands and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department brings 2,912 acres of the former Fortress Cliffs Ranch to the protection of the Grand Canyon of Texas, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 2nd largest canyon in the United States. In a sigh of relief as big as the West Texas winds outdoor lovers rest easy that 6 miles of scenic cliffs along the northeastern edge of Palo Duro Canyon State Park are protected forever against developers. 240 million years of geologic history will be preserved for future generations as they may study the multitude of animal and plant fossils as well is evidence of 12,00 years of human habitation. We will all still see the ghosts of the American Indian roaming the buttes and mesas in search of buffalo as well as the haunting images of these Indians fighting to preserve their way of life.

Texas Musical Drama 2008 Palo Duro Canyon State Park

joanie7 — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:58:48 +0000

The Official Play of the State of Texas has returned for it’s 41st season anniversary to Pioneer Amphitheater at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays until August 17th so you still have time to get out to the panhandle and enjoy this family oriented show. Song and dance brings to life the story of early settlers to the area. Ticket prices range from $11.50 – $27.50 with discounts for children under 10 years of age and seniors. You may purchase a package that includes a steak dinner catered by the Big Texan Steak Ranch for an additional $15.95 for adults and $11.95 for children under 10 years of age. The steak dinner is from 6P.M. until 8P.M. and the musical performance is from 8:30P.M. until 10:30P.M. For more information go to www.texas-show.com or call 806-655-2181. Note: Palo Duro Canyon is the 2nd largest canyon in the nation. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a 1/2 hour drive from Amarillo.

Watch the Texas Musical Drama 2008 commercial.