From Texas cavern tours to secret passageways hiding in the most popular state parks in Texas, the Lone Star State is chock-full of fascinating caves to explore. Hidden deep within the rugged landscape of the Palo Duro Canyon are several more, and you can see them all on one easy hike. The Palo Duro Canyon Caves Trail is a short, 0.9-mile adventure that leads you to places most people have no idea even exist in the park.

At just under a mile long, the Palo Duro Canyon Caves Trail is perhaps the shortest and sweetest hike in the whole park.
AllTrails/Clark Harris
Don't let its length fool you, however - this easy trail might be over in a flash, but it's still a worthwhile adventure.
With an elevation gain of just over 80 feet, the trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels.
AllTrails/Karen Stovall
Unmarked and off-the-beaten-path, it's something of a hidden gem - an ideal introductory hike for kids to get them interested in exploring the great outdoors!
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.
AllTrails/Christopher Pickett
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.

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You'll feel like a true spelunker as you clamber up jagged rock faces and discover the vast labyrinth of interconnected caves.
AllTrails/Austin Martin
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.
AllTrails/Denise Shaffer
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.
AllTrails/Shuranda Widener
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.
AllTrails/Cathy Martindale
Choose your own adventure - there's no right or wrong.

To learn more about hiking through the Palo Duro Canyon Caves, check out the Palo Duro Canyon Caves Trail page on the AllTrails website (and be sure to download the map prior to setting off on the trail to ensure you don’t get lost.) To amplify your hiking experience even more, check out AllTrails+.

 

Have you ever hiked the Palo Duro Canyon Caves Trail? If so, what’d you think of the hike? What about the Palo Duro Caves? Have any great pictures from Palo Duro Canyon State Park photos? We’d love to hear all about your adventure and see your photos, so share your experiences with us! Tell us your thoughts, share your snaps, and then check out our previous article about Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is easily one of the best state parks in Texas.

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Palo Duro Canyon Caves

Daniella DiRienzo | June 28, 2023

Similar to the Palo Duro Caves Trail, are there any other easy hikes in Texas with big payoffs?

Here are some easy hikes with big payoffs in Texas:

  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Located near Fredericksburg, this natural area features a relatively easy hike to the summit of a massive pink granite dome. The views from the top are breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
  • Pedernales Falls State Park: Located near Johnson City, this park boasts a scenic hike along the Pedernales River, leading straight to its namesake - the iconic Pedernales Falls.
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area: Nestled in Vanderpool, this park offers easy hiking trails that wind through beautiful canyons and lead to overlooks with stunning views of the maple trees.

 

Aside from the Palo Duro Caves, are there any other caves in Texas?

There are several caves in Texas. Here are some of the most well-known caves in Texas:

  • Carlsbad Caverns: Although primarily located in New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park extends into Texas. It boasts an expansive subterranean cave system that’s known for its stunning limestone formations.
  • Natural Bridge Caverns: Situated near San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is one of the biggest cave systems in Texas. Visitors can explore its impressive underground chambers and formations via guided tours.
  • Inner Space Cavern: Inner Space Cavern, which is nestled in Georgetown, boasts an interesting story. The limestone cave was actually discovered during the construction of a highway. Today, guided tours are available, enabling the public to enjoy its intricate formations.

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The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA