To explore Texas's state parks is to experience some of the best that our state has to offer in the way of natural wonders, cultural histories, and fascinating attractions. Pinpointing the best state park to explore in Texas is a tall order, but Palo Duro Canyon is certainly a contender. The iconic Palo Duro Canyon -- second in size only to the Grand Canyon itself -- is often described as the best natural wonder in Texas, if not the southwest, and its vast red rocks and endless miles of trails place the park squarely at the top of any Texan's bucket list. Below you'll find some key information for planning your visit, including fun things to do at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park camping, and tips for any traveler. Let's get exploring, shall we?

About Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Lovingly referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the entire U.S.

There's so much to adore about this rugged, desolate place. For starters, it boasts all the same beauty of the Grand Canyon itself, but with far fewer people.

Without the incessant chatter of tourists, you can truly immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the breathtaking scenery to the fullest extent possible.

The Palo Duro Canyon, or "hard wood" canyon in Spanish is called so due to the abundance of juniper trees in the area. It has been open to the public for over a century.

The park spans over 29,000 acres of the most beautiful portions of the canyon and is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and over 800 feet deep.

Take a quick tour of the beauty that is Palo Duro State Park when you watch the video footage below:

Things to Do at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

If you're looking for memorable adventures at Palo Duro State Park, you'll find no shortage.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities, with over 30 miles of trails to choose from.

You can camp, either old-school style in a tent or in a cabin (like the one pictured) with electricity, water, and a view that'll take your breath away.

You can bird watch, study the diverse plant and animal life, or simply sit and enjoy the stillness that only the peak of a canyon can bring.

You can ride your bike, or even your horse, and admire some of the best sunsets in the state.

During the summer, catch a performance of the outdoor musical, TEXAS.

Kicking off with a barbecue dinner, the show details the stories, struggles, and triumphs of early settlers of the Lone Star State. You can expect singing, dancing, fireworks, and lots of laughter! The musical runs Tuesdays through Sundays at the park's Pioneer Amphitheater.

No matter which activity you choose, don't forget to bring your camera with you for the endless photo ops that await!

The Lighthouse Rock is one of the most popular photo ops -- and hiking trails -- in the park.

Palo Duro Camping State Park Hiking

Over 30 miles of trails wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore via foot, mountain bike, horse, or vehicle.

The trails vary in length and difficulty, so there's something for all ages and skill levels.

At just under a mile long, the Palo Duro Canyon Caves Trail is perhaps the shortest and sweetest hike in the whole park.

Don't let its length fool you, however - this easy trail might be over in a flash, but it's still a worthwhile adventure.

The terrain along the Palo Duro Canyon Caves Trail changes rapidly - and quite a few times, to boot - as you trek further along the path.

Trees line the walkway in certain areas, while other segments of the trail feature nothing but rugged canyonlands as far as the eye can see. We're partial to the latter, as it allows you to see the main attraction that looms ahead in all its glory.

You'll feel like a true spelunker as you clamber up jagged rock faces and discover the vast labyrinth of interconnected caves.

All ages - but especially children - will have an absolute blast tunneling ever deeper into every nook and cranny of the cavernous abyss.

Some of the caves are more like slot canyons, their narrow openings showcasing different aspects of the surrounding landscape.

Much like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike, and each one paints its own unique picture.

As if to save the best for last, the final cave is the largest of them all.

You can actually walk all the way through, and an opening at the end takes you back to where you started. Bring a headlamp if you really want to get into character!

The end of the trail presents two options: either climb up the canyon to see the entire park laid out before your eyes, or head down and embark on some of the base trails closer to the main road.

Choose your own adventure - there's no right or wrong.

For those seeking a longer hiking adventure, the aforementioned Lighthouse Trail is just under six miles round-trip.

It leads to the iconic rock formation of the same name, which juts out from the canyon floor as if to tickle the clouds. Make sure to bring along plenty of water, as most of the heat-related deaths and injuries in the park occur on this trail.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Camping

If you're looking to extend your visit overnight, several options are available for Palo Duro State Park camping.

Campers can choose from campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, or backpack camping areas, as well as cabins on both the canyon rim and floor.

The campsites with electricity are Mesquite, Sagebrush, Juniper, and Hackberry, and the tent-only campsites are in the Fortress Cliff area.

There are also primitive campsites available that are hike-in only. You'll need to hike at least half a mile from the parking to the area without designated sites.

For more information about camping, be sure to visit the official Palo Duro Canyon State Park website.

How to Get There

Palo Duro Canyon is located southeast of the city of Amarillo and northeast of the city of Lubbock.

You'll find the state park on Park Road 5 in the small Panhandle town of Canyon.

The exact address is 11450 State Highway Park Road 5, Canyon, TX, 79015, and gate hours are 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.

Tips for Your Visit

One of the best tips for visiting the park is to plan the perfect time to go -- and you might consider visiting during the off-season.

Some people might think visitors aren't allowed during winter, but the canyon actually remains open year-round, save for extreme adverse weather events, of course. It's much less crowded than during peak summer months (you can enjoy "glamping" here as well!), so this time of year is a perfect opportunity for those who prefer solitude to enjoy the scenery.

Although weather conditions are fluid, you can safely expect at least a light dusting of snow through late February.

The average low temperature in winter in this part of the state is about 20 degrees, so make sure to bundle up!

Snapshots like this are so spectacular because they showcase inherent juxtapositions in the snow-covered landscape.

Red rocks and cacti, two things typically associated with a bone-dry desert, are blanketed in a thick, eye-catching world of winter white.

Cabins are closed through the end of February, so day hiking will have to suffice until then.

The hiking trails here start at just half a mile in length, so rest assured there are plenty of options that won't leave you stranded in the dark.

For more information, you can visit the official Palo Duro Canyon State Park website. Have you ever visited the Palo Duro Canyon? If so, what's your favorite thing about the park? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below -- we would love to hear from you! Before embarking on your adventure, be sure to check out our ultimate hiking essentials packing list.