Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Detailed hiking guides for Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas, including official trail distances, access, terrain, hazards, and turnaround planning.
Use the sections and guides below to explore this subject in a clear, practical order.
Explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park
CCC Trail
A historic descent across four CCC bridges and roughly 500 vertical feet through four geologic layers to the canyon floor.
Read this guideCapitol Peak Trail
A multiuse loop through rolling canyon country around Capitol Peak with changing views and optional difficulty lines.
Read this guideGivens, Spicer, Lowry Trail
A challenging workout through sculpted badlands and open canyon scenery on one of the park’s signature routes.
Read this guideJuniper / Cliffside Trail
A scenic traverse beneath canyon walls where moving water has carved small percolation caves into the cliffs.
Read this guideLighthouse Trail
The park’s best-known route crosses open canyon floor to the iconic Lighthouse hoodoo, with a steeper final approach.
Read this guidePaseo del Rio Trail
An easy river-side route passing the Cowboy Dugout and interpreting ranch life in the canyon during the 1880s.
Read this guidePioneer Nature Trail
A short family-friendly loop to the river with chances to see horned lizards and canyon vegetation.
Read this guideRock Garden Trail
A strenuous 600-foot climb from a boulder field to the Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail on the rim.
Read this guide