Palo Duro Canyon Is One Of The Most Beautiful Natural Spots In Texas

When we think about beautiful desert spots in Texas, Big Bend is usually the first to come to mind. That isn’t surprising considering the immense splendor of the Chisos Mountains, but it often causes us to overlook other places that are equally as beautiful in their own right. Palo Duro Canyon is one such place. It may not tower as magnificently as Big Bend or be quite as large in area, but its brilliant red rocks and vibrant plant life make it unique and a surefire addition to any 2017 Texas travel bucket list.

The Palo Duro Canyon, or “hard wood” in Spanish due to the abundance of juniper trees in the area, has been open to the public for over a century.

Flickr/atbaker

It 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.

Flickr/barbarabrannon

Boasting its status as the second largest canyon in the nation, second to only the Grand Canyon itself, it’s truly a miracle that such a breathtaking place exists right here in Texas.

Flickr/steevithak

Visitors to the park can camp in tents or RVs (the sites have electricity and water), hike, bike, rent horses, picnic under the canopy formed by enormous cottonwood trees, and explore the Interpretive Center & Gift Shop for hands-on exhibits and souvenirs.

Flickr/gdhart

Every summer night, the moving musical drama “TEXAS!” plays out under the stars in a beautiful red rock amphitheater.

Flickr/hisgett

And during the day, you won’t be able to get enough of the stark contrast between dry, dusty rock and thriving, lush greenery.

Flickr/cyclewidowpatti

The entire family will enjoy the experience. Make sure you take lots of pictures to remember the fun! “The Lighthouse” rock is one of the most popular photo ops in the park.

Flickr/royluck

No matter your agility level, age, or any other factor that might inhibit your desire to visit the canyon, everyone can appreciate its splendor in some way.

Flickr/davehensley

Have you ever been to Palo Duro Canyon? If you decide to take a trip there, here’s an idea of what the town has in store for you.