Discuss: Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Shannon · 11-19-2001, 07:20 PM

Share you comments or questions about Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in Canyon, Texas.

12-17-2001, 10:32 PM

Is there any climbing opurtunites in Paloduro Canyon? If so how extensive are they and what kind of climbing is it?

12-28-2001, 11:21 AM

What is the weather usually like in late March and early April?

12-28-2001, 06:25 PM

Late March, early April in the Panhandle. Should be mostly nice. If you are not familiar with Texas weather, you should know anything can happen though. A blue norther can sweep in and drop temps from 80 to 30 in hours. That should be early enough to avoid most of the spring tornado season.

01-01-2002, 11:12 PM

Be sure and check that the park is open before you go. The following is from the TPWD site:

Please Note: From December 2001 through February 2002, the Texas Department of Transportation will be performing major repairs to the roadway going down the hill into Palo Duro Canyon. Because of this, no vehicles or persons will be permitted to go beyond the rim of the Canyon. This pertains to vehicles, bicycles, horses, and foot traffic.

Shannon · 01-03-2002, 06:40 PM

Thank you for posting that, as I wasn't even aware of the road closure. This weekend, I'll add a link to the Texas Parks & Wildilfe Department's (TPWD) events page for each of the parks we have reviewed, to further assist in trip planning.

It's always a good idea to check TPWD's Events Calendar before scheduling a trip -- that way, you can coincide your visit with special events you're interested in, or as in the case of Palo Duro, avoid a visit when the park is inaccessible for some reason (construction, hunting, etc.)

Thanks again! It is user contributions like that which help us make this site more informative and useful to Texas visitors and outdoors enthusiasts.

01-09-2002, 11:28 AM

Where do I rent horses to go horseback riding?Do you have horses to rent or do I have to rent them somewhere else and bring them to the park?Please reply, I don't know because you don't have info up about that.thanks to anyone who helps!

Shannon · 01-15-2002, 10:40 PM

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's site has information on the equestrian facilities at Palo Duro Canyon SP, an excerpt of which provides the following information:

Quote:

Come and experience Palo Duro Canyon up close and personal, the way the cowboys did: On Horseback. The Old West Stables, located inside the canyon, offers guided tours to Timber Creek Canyon and the famous Lighthouse formation. Please call (806) 488-2180.

TPWD also maintains a useful at-a-glance listing of parks with equestrian facilities and/or opportunities.

After hiking to the Lighthouse formation and back during the peak of summer, I dare say checking out the park on horseback is a perfect way to enjoy it!

Shannon · 03-10-2002, 04:59 PM

Texas Parks and Wildlife has purchased 2,036 acres adjacent to Palo Duro Canyon State Park along the park's southern boundary. Read more about this excellent addition!

10-28-2002, 04:56 PM

We've been to the canyon twice this year. My family loved it. The campsites are great,loved the bathrooms with heat and showers.
This was my first time at a state camping facility our first visit was
a day pass only but we decided to come back and camp.

11-04-2002, 12:33 PM

If you go to Paloduro be sure not to miss the play "Texas". It is fantastic. A towering 600 ft cliff serves as the backdrop for the open-air theater in the box canyon. It's a huge production now, started in the 60's I think. Even if you don't like musicals you will love this one. It opens as the sun goes down and you see 2 lone riders silhouetted on the ridge with giant American and Texas flags waving above them as they run the edge of the ridge. It gave me chills! Very powerful... It's renowned for it's spectacular sound and light show. At one point you will swear it's about to pour rain as you hear the thunder rolling in. Even my kids loved it, in fact my 5 yr old son couldn't take his eyes off the show and actually cried during one scene. All ages will learn a little about Texas history and love every minute of it. Check out the colors splashed on the canyon walls as a fireworks display marks the finale at the end of each performance. If you go, you can't miss this!

Shannon · 11-04-2002, 07:16 PM

I wholeheartedly agree about the outdoor musical, "Texas". Justin and I saw it about 5 years or so ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. To read more about the musical, visit their official website at http://www.texasmusicaldrama.com/.

Enjoy!

08-28-2004, 06:25 PM

We were really sorry to see that the Sad Monkey Railraod was gone, we wish they'd reconsider and bring it back.

08-29-2004, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

Share you comments or questions about Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in Canyon, Texas.

Is backcountry hiking a possibility in Palo Duro?

Shannon · 05-02-2005, 08:06 PM

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has arranged to purchase 7,837 acres in Armstrong County to be added on the southeast side of Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Read More...