KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Yes, there is a scenic drive of about 16 miles that takes you to the floor of the canyon and that features beautiful views of the scenery.

Summer heat can be extreme, with temperatures on the canyon floor reaching 140°F or higher. Plan outdoor activities for cooler hours, carry plenty of water, and avoid long trails during the heat of the day.

There is no public consumption and/or display of alcohol (can, bottle, cup or any other container) permitted in campsites or day use areas. Violation of this law results in a Class C Misdemeanor and a fine from $50 to $500.

Children under 18 are not allowed to ride in the back of a pick-up truck. The park road is a state highway and all traffic laws are enforced.

There is a Junior Ranger program available for children ages 4-12. There are activities they must complete and have signed by a ranger before they can receive a sleeve patch at the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters. The activity brochure can be requested at the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters.

Reservations are strongly recommended because the park often fills. To check availability and reserve a campsite or cabin, visit Texas State Parks reservations or call (512) 389-8900.

Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days, after which they are required to leave the park.

The park welcomes special events in the canyon; however, they must be approved and planned through the park superintendent. There may be a fee charged for use of certain areas of the park. Contact the park superintendent for information.

“Texas” officially opens the first weekend in June and runs through mid-August each year, with shows happening Tuesdays through Sundays. For ticket information and reservations call (806) 655-2181 or visit texas-show.com.

Hiking, road biking, mountain biking, a scenic drive, camping, picnicking, wildlife and wildflower viewing, backpacking, horseback riding and park provided educational programs and hikes are all available in Palo Duro Canyon.

There is a Wildlife Viewing Blind located behind the Palo Duro Trading Post that provides a quiet place to watch birds. A water feature is in place along with feeders. Photos are posted on the walls for those who need help with identification. Any of the trails throughout the park have the potential to be excellent bird watching spots.

Park Hosts are volunteers who supplement the park staff and serve as representatives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The primary duty of the Park Host is to serve in the assigned camping loop as the “First Line” of the park: assisting in changing sites, resolving minor problems, giving directions, and maintaining a high level of safety and cleanliness in the loop. Radios are provided to the Park Hosts so that contact with Headquarters can be maintained.

Hosts will serve a minimum of 24 hours per week. Hosts are required to serve a minimum of 1 month and can stay up to six months without Superintendent approval. Hosts will be given “Days Off” during the week when they may feel free to venture out and explore the surrounding areas.
In return for their services, Hosts are given designated campsites with water, electricity, and sewer hook-ups. They will also have access to wi-fi at designated places in the park, and laundry facilities are also available.

For information and to apply, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/help-parks/park-host For specific questions, please contact the park interpreter and volunteer coordinator Jeff Davis at jeff.davis@tpwd.texas.gov.
As a part of the application process, all hosts will be required to consent to a criminal background check to help ensure the safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff.

Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash and attended at all times. Only service animals are allowed inside state vehicles and buildings. No animals may be kept unattended outside in crates, tied to a post, inside a vehicle, etc. Park regulations require pet droppings be picked up and deposited in dumpster.

Visitors may bring their own horses and ride only on the trails marked for equestrian use. They may also camp in the equestrian area and use the pens provided for their horses. Riders must stay with their horses at all times while camping or otherwise using the park facilities. Horses may not be ridden on the road or to the restrooms. A current negative Coggins test is required for each horse. All white markings must be correctly drawn on the Coggins test papers. If doubt exists from the park employee comparing horse to papers, the horse will not be allowed into the park.

Contact the park to discuss wedding locations, approval requirements, and current facility availability. The Lone Star Interpretive Theater is not available to rent. Current park information is available on the official park website.