Palo Duro Canyon State Park
by
Bill Montfort
When the famous Spanish explorer Francisco Vasques de Coronado left Mexico City
in 1541 to head north into the New World, his quest
was for gold. After traveling as far
as what is now Kansas, he returned disappointed and
empty-handed. Little did he suspect that he, according to legend, had
indeed found a true jewel: Palo Duro Canyon.
 Located just 20 miles south of
Amarillo, Texas, this geological marvel
is reputed to be the second largest canyon in the United States, behind
only the Grand Canyon. Even by Texas standards, it boasts some impressive
statistics:120 miles long, from a half-mile to 20 miles wide and a depth of up to 1,000 feet. One can only imagine the surprise of early travelers on this relatively flat, high plains country (3500' altitude) as they stumbled upon this awesome rent in the earth and gazed open-mouthed into its vastness. |
The result of water erosion, the canyon is only 600,000 years old, but its
exposed geologic record dates back 230 million years. Some of the rocks
and
formations, such as the 310 foot tall "Lighthouse" pinnacle, make Palo
Duro a
geology buff's dream. But, down here in the canyon, that's only the
beginning!!Opened as a state park in 1934, the canyon is one of the finest camping facilities in the country, whether for the weekender family or the hardcore RV'er. Its campground settings, overall offerings and the sheer beauty of the canyon make it hard to beat. 
Palo Duro Canyon meanders some 120 miles, giving a visitor
a stunning view of its varied geological formations. Hidden in its
vastness is a equally impressive camping facility. Surrounded by towering canyon
walls, the sites are wide and open. All have tables, firepits and a degree of
privacy from neighbors.
CAMPING:
Clubhouse | Palo Duro
|
the Interpretive/Visitor Center at the rim of the canyon is a good place to
start. Staffed by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, the Center
chronicles the paleontological and geological history of Palo Duro in a series of colorful and well-laid out displays. An impressive book section
is available for the more serious. While we were there, noted Western author
Gerald McCathern was present to explain some of the more colorful aspects of
the local history and, of course, to sell his books.
Down in the canyon, the activities abound: hiking, biking and jogging trails,
horseback riding, hay rides, education programs, even a musical drama, "Texas", in the park's amphitheatre. There's something for
everyone.