Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife

Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife The second-largest canyon in the U.S., a Texas State Park built by the CCC in the 1930s.
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Home to rich history, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes for outdoor recreation.

Good morning from PDC! ☀️Here’s your trail status this morning (9/12/26):Open trails:LighthouseGiven Spicer LoweryCapito...
09/12/2026

Good morning from PDC! ☀️

Here’s your trail status this morning (9/12/26):

Open trails:
Lighthouse
Given Spicer Lowery
Capitol Peak
Upper Comanche
CCC
Triassic
Big Cave

There are still a few wet spots along the open trails. If you come across one, please help us reduce extra erosion by going around it as much as possible. We appreciate it! 💚

We’ll be clearing roads and checking trail conditions periodically throughout the day. We’ll post updates if any additional trails open!

🏃‍♂️ The annual Sad Monkey Trail Run is happening this morning and will be utilizing Upper Comanche and the road. Please watch for runners and give them plenty of room!

🏹 And don’t forget, our second annual Explore Bowhunting event is happening today from 10 AM–1 PM at the Old West Stables! Come check out archery, bowhunting demonstrations, wildlife education and more!

It’s going to be a busy Saturday in the canyon!

Seriously, there’s nothing like the colors that pop at PDC after a good rain! 🚧 Update 2pm- CCC, Triassic, and Big Cave ...
09/11/2026

Seriously, there’s nothing like the colors that pop at PDC after a good rain!

🚧 Update 2pm- CCC, Triassic, and Big Cave are open!
All trails are still closed. (9/11/26) We’ll continue checking conditions regularly.

🚗 The road from just past the Lighthouse parking lot to the Cactus Day Use Area is currently closed as parts of it are still under mud/water.

🦂 Tonight’s Scorpion Hike is also cancelled due to trail closures.

All that said, we couldn’t be more thankful for the rain! We’ll keep you posted here with updates.

🌧️ Park Update 🌧️We got A LOT of rain in a short amount of time! Both the canyon rim and floor received about 1.5 inches...
09/11/2026

🌧️ Park Update 🌧️

We got A LOT of rain in a short amount of time! Both the canyon rim and floor received about 1.5 inches of rain in the last hour. (See WTMesonet for details!)

🚧 All trails are currently CLOSED.

We’ll continue monitoring conditions and will post updates here when anything changes.

09/10/2026

There’s a whole different world happening in the canyon after dark!

This little pocket mouse was caught on video doing some nighttime exploring. Pocket mice get their name from the fur-lined pouches on their cheeks, which they use to carry food like seeds. Perfect for a late night snack!

Want to see what else comes out after dark? Join us tomorrow night for our Scorpion Hunt! 🦂 We’ll head out with UV flashlights to see what we can find. See our event page for more details!

And a quick trail update: we got a bit of rain last night, (9/9) but not enough to affect trail conditions, so all trails remain open!

Have a great day and stay hydrated! 💚

We’re getting ready for our second annual Explore Bowhunting event!Join us THIS SATURDAY, September 12, from 10 AM–1 PM ...
09/09/2026

We’re getting ready for our second annual Explore Bowhunting event!

Join us THIS SATURDAY, September 12, from 10 AM–1 PM at Old West Stables for a great lineup of fun, hands-on activities for the whole family!

The event is open to the public and free with regular park entrance fees or a Texas State Parks Pass. Check out the schedule for all we have planned!

A quick note about the archery range:
🎯 Open to all ages
🎯 Participants must be at least 4 feet tall
🎯 A signed waiver is required the day of the event

We’ll see you Saturday!

Happy Labor Day from Palo Duro Canyon! (9/7/26)All trails are officially OPEN! 🙌It’s going to be another hot one, so sta...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Palo Duro Canyon! (9/7/26)

All trails are officially OPEN! 🙌

It’s going to be another hot one, so stay hydrated, take plenty of shady breaks, and know your limits!

Nothing like a Palo Duro sunrise to start the day! 💚 Trail Update (9/5/26)Open Trails:⭐️ Lighthouse⭐️ Givens, Spicer & L...
09/05/2026

Nothing like a Palo Duro sunrise to start the day! 💚

Trail Update (9/5/26)

Open Trails:
⭐️ Lighthouse
⭐️ Givens, Spicer & Lowry
⭐️ Upper & Lower Comanche
⭐️ Rockgarden
Capitol Peak
CCC & Triassic
Pioneer Nature Trail
Big Cave

It’s gonna be a hot one! National Weather Service has issued a heat warning so those with a ⭐️ above will be closed from 11am-5pm!

Get out early, stay hydrated, and have a great Labor Day weekend!

📸 Photo: Mike Inman

Friday Morning Update! (9/4/26)We got quite a bit of rain last night! The canyon floor received 0.75 inches, and the rim...
09/04/2026

Friday Morning Update! (9/4/26)

We got quite a bit of rain last night! The canyon floor received 0.75 inches, and the rim received 0.34 inches.

🚧 Currently, all trails are closed except CCC, Triassic, and Big Cave.

🥾 This morning’s Women’s Hike will now meet at the Triassic Trailhead (halfway down the hill)!

We’ll regularly check trails and post updates here. For everyone’s safety and to protect your park, please stay off closed trails. Thank you for understanding!

09/01/2026

Explore Bowhunting is coming to Palo Duro Canyon State Park!

Join us Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM–1 PM | Old West Stables

🎯 Archery practice led by TPWD Archery Specialists, NASP-certified park staff, and volunteers

🎯 Field-dressing demonstrations, camo hide-and-seek, wildlife education, and more!

🎯 Texas Master Naturalists, TPWD Wildlife Biologists, and other experts will be on-site to share their knowledge and skills.

Whether you’re new to bowhunting or an experienced hunter, come learn something new and enjoy the experience with us!

More information can be found on our event page!

This post is a bit delayed, but we’re all still adjusting to Nathan Londenberg not being around!We are excited for Natha...
08/30/2026

This post is a bit delayed, but we’re all still adjusting to Nathan Londenberg not being around!

We are excited for Nathan as he begins a new chapter in retirement after more than 18 years with TPWD. He started his career right here at Palo Duro Canyon as the Assistant Superintendent/Park Police Officer. Nathan then promoted to Sea Rim State Park where he served as the Superintendent/Park Police Officer, and then closed out his career where it began by returning to Palo Duro Canyon fully devoted to serving as one of our Park Police Officers.

Around here, Nathan was known as “The Rock.” He was someone our staff could count on—steady, dependable, calm in the chaos, and always willing to go the extra mile for the park and the people in it.

Nathan, thank you for the years of hard work, dedication, and friendship. You’ve left a lasting mark on Palo Duro and on the people who had the privilege of working alongside you.

We’re happy for you, but we sure are going to miss you around here. Honestly, we already do!

Congratulations on your retirement, Nathan!

Address

11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX
79015

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 10pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 10pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 7am - 10pm
Sunday 7am - 10pm

Telephone

+18064882227

Website

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