Texas' Palo Duro Canyon

The badlands of Palo Duro Canyon are among Texas’s most famed sights, a spectrum of colors and light that inspire local artists and travelers alike. The Canyon is known for its geological wonder-sights, its hoodoos and cave systems. For explorers, this Texas treasure offers a chance to contemplate the deep time told of in the rock—and bask in the momentary pleasures of water and light.

THE TERRITORY 

The canyon itself can stretch to 20 miles wide, as deep as 1,000 feet from rim to bottom. The Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River carved this landscape, its waters waxing and waning by rainstorm and spring. From a camping base at Hackberry, travelers can follow Park Road 5 to scenic lookouts and the trail to Goodnight Peak. The Lighthouse Trail leads to the park’s most iconic sight, a 310-foot leaning tower of rock. 

THE CULTURE 

Roughly speaking, this is the country that gave birth to Western swing music, featuring romantic, high-lonesome sashays made for long, dusty drives. In a landscape that borders the Great Plains and rolling country, cowboy heritage, Indigenous history and rugged spirit swirl in the wide-open spaces. 

KEY INTEL 

Palo Duro’s biggest base camp city is Amarillo, a proudly remote outpost of independent spirit, a city of red dirt rockers and a burgeoning international food scene. The historic Route 66 District taps into Texas foodways and old-fashioned Americana.

Wayfinding: If you are coming from Amarillo, Texas 217E is the needle-straight path to Palo Duro. Park Road 5 winds among lookouts, picnic spots and campgrounds.

Base camp town: The city of Canyon, just 12 miles east of the state park, is a ready hub for outfitters, gear rentals and post-hike rejuvenation.

Slots Jackpot: While the big vistas and signature rock formations represent Palo Duro singing in major key, take time to research slot canyons and caves that repay off-the-beaten-path exploration. Pack water and take care with heat conditions in many seasons.

The MAZDA CX-50 HYBRID is the ultimate road trip vehicle. It offers a refined interior, thoughtful storage, and hybrid range so you can venture farther on every trip.¹ It's ready to help you discover what's around that next bend, whether it's paved or not.

^{1 EPA-estimated driving range of 551 miles. EPA-estimated range will vary based on vehicle and battery condition, temperature, driving habits and other factors. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual results will vary.}