Grand Canyon of Texas: Palo Duro offers deeper look into history, nature

by Hilary McNamara, associate editor

CANYON- A quick trip from Levelland, Palo Duro State Park offers entertainment for all ages.

Since opening on July 4, 1934, this huge canyon, located approximately 120 miles north of Lubbock, has been offering a mountainous playground for West Texans.  Until military expeditions, the land was owned by Indians. After the Indians were all captured, Charles Goodnight, a rancher, started the JA Ranch in the Canyon in 1876.  The canyon remained in private hands for another half century but was a favorite spot for the locals.

It was not until 1934 that the State of Texas bought the upper part of the canyon and turned it into a state park. But there is still a part of the ranch that is working today.

It is said that Palo Duro is the second largest park in the United States, behind the Grand Canyon. It is 120 miles long and almost 20 miles wide. At the rim, its elevation is 3,500 feet above sea level.

Spanish explorers gave the park its name. They named it Palo Duro, which means “hard wood,” because they saw many mesquite and juniper trees. It has also been dubbed the Grand Canyon of Texas.

The park offers a multitude of outdoor activities for the whole family.

“It is one of the few places in the Panhandle where you can experience true wildlife,” says Randy Ferris, park superintendent.

There are great campsites, both for RVs and for tents. But if roughing it is not for you, there are also newly-built rock cabins that you can rent.

The park offers great mountain biking and hiking trails that are for the more advanced hikers and bikers, or for just a leisurely stroll. As you walk on the trail, the canyon’s beauty and wildlife come alive. The rich colors, deep ravines and beautiful wild flowers will make you forget that you are in the flat brown lands of Texas.

For more excitement, there is also the option to explore the canyon on horseback. The Old West Stables offers guided tours and real cowboys to take you through the canyons.

One of the more popular attractions is a hoodoo that was carved by eons of erosions. This rock formation is called the Canyon Light House. It struts up to the sky, offering a landmark for all visitors. 

Another form of entertainment is the musical drama “Texas.” The musical is staged every summer in the Pioneer Amphitheater, which is carved out of a natural basin. It features a true western story set in the 1800s and depicts the settlers of the Panhandle.

There are always many events for the public, many of which are educational and great for the family.

“Palo Duro has a little bit of everything for everyone,” Ferris says.

There will be a Full Moon Hike on May 17. This will be a chance to be able to see the canyon in a whole new light and maybe even see some of its nocturnal residents. 

The park is open daily year-round, and depending on the day, it does not close until 10 p.m., unless you are camping. For more information, visit the website at www.palodurocanyon.com.

So come take a trip back into the past, explore the canyons and learn about Texas history.