Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon, The Grand Canyon of Texas…If that doesnt make you want to visit then i don’t know what will! Maybe the promise for beautiful sights, clean campgrounds, friendly rangers and unique hikes will attract you to this park!
Approximately 120 miles long and up to 800 feet deep and is considered the second largest canyon in the United States.
I personally stayed at the Hackberry campgrounds at site #021 and it was perfect for my vehicle. I felt like I had privacy but was able to talk to other campers if I wanted too! Also It was right next to the bathrooms which was very nice as well. It is dog friendly! So do bring your furry best friend to enjoy the adventure with you! Just keep them on a leash for their safety and others safety.
Places to Stay
Campsites
Campsites with electricity
Junipor- Has 18 campsites. 26$ nightly.
Mosquito/ Sagebrush – Has 47 campsites. 26$ nightly
Hackberry- Has 32 campsites. 26$ nightly
Campsites with water
18 sites. 16$ nightly.
Walk In campsites
12$ nightly. There are no designated spots for the primitive sites. Its first come first serve to approximately 40 sites depending on the weather.
Group Campsites
Wolfberry-250$ nightly. Maximum of 8 people per site including kids. Up to 72 people are allowed in this area and only two vehicles per site.
For more information on the Campsites visit here
Cabins on the Rim
Sorenson Rim Cabin
125$ nightly, 2 night minimum. 4 people per site. No pets, cooking, (except microwave) or smoking allowed inside the cabin. No fires are allowed in the fireplace if a burn ban is in effect.
Goodnight Rim Cabin
110$ nightly, 2 night minimum. 4 people per site. No pets, cooking, (except microwave) or smoking allowed inside the cabin. No fires are allowed in the fireplace if a burn ban is in effect.
Lighthouse Rim Cabin
110$ nightly, 2 night minimum. 4 people per site. No pets, cooking, (except microwave) or smoking allowed inside the cabin. No fires are allowed in the fireplace if a burn ban is in effect. This cabin is currently going under repairs as of Oct 18 2020.
Other Options
Cabins Cow Camp
Site # 1, 2, 3 and 4. 60$ nightly.
For more information on the Cabins visit here
Glamping or Luxury camping
Visit PaloDuroGlamping.com For more information on Glamping
Explore Palo Duro
With over 30 miles of driving, hiking, biking and even horseback riding, you can see all kinds of views from inside the canyon and on the rim. You can also bird watch and search for geocaches and there are multiple places you can stop and do some art or photography.
Meela and I settled down in our campsite for a few before heading back up the canyon to make a phone call to Mama to let her know we made it. Please note that you will more than likely not have phone service down in the canyon. But on our way back down we did stop at a quick trail called the CCC trail where you can walk across a bridge like structure. Looking off one side at the upcoming traffic from the bottom and looking to the other side to see the traffic coming down into the canyon. You can freely walk across getting close to the edges and climbing on top of the little mountain and seeing a beautiful 360 view!
First Time Camping Alone
This was Meela and my first time camping alone. I think its very healthy to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
After settling back into camp we cooked up some rice and chicken with fresh peppers and lime. Uncle Bens ready rice is a great meal to have camping! Lots of flavors to choose from.
My Dad and I built out the back of my SUV Rogue. Making a bed platform that doesn’t effect my car at all and can be taken out and stored when we are finished with this trip. In all honesty, if you are not claustrophobic then this is a great way to save money on the road! Im short enough that I can outstretch my legs and Meela either sleeps curled up by my feet or sleeps stretched out beside me. If you want to check out my post on my build for my SUV click here
Important Items
The bright light you see in the picture above is a 2000 Lumens light from the eP 360 makers. Its a great item to have camping! It has 3 different lights and the two on the sides can detach and still illuminate.
You can purchase it at
Amazon
Costco
Another important item is the Mini Solar Generator made by 4Patriots. Its great to charge your phone, laptop and camera’s. You can charge it with its Solar panel or through an AC cord. I think its nice to have both options. Its only 8lbs and has 300-Watt capacity. Check out the link here
Wild Life
You can see animals such as mule deer, cottontails, turkey, roadrunners and even the endangered species of mice called the Palo Duro mouse. As well as racoons, coyotes, Barbary sheep, bobcats and white tailed deer. And if youre lucky enough you will get to see the Texas horned Lizard!
There is also a wide varirity of birds. Great place to catch a glimpse of Canyon Towees, Golden fronted Woodpeckers and red tailed hawks.
Horseback riding
With 1,500 acres just for horseback riding, i think it’s a great place to bring your own horses (original Coggins papers required) or to ride the horses they have here with a guided tour at the Old West Stables.
Shopping
At the Trading Post at the bottom of the canyon, you can find souvenirs and food. Both meals and snacks. At the Visitors Center on the way down into the canyon you can buy pottery, books and jewelry and more. As well as find out information on the park and the history of the area.
Keep in Mind
- Do not feed the animals. This allows them to have a healthy natural diet. Plus, its prohibited.
- Do not liter! Pack out what you bring in. Don’t be a trashy person.
- Don’t pocket the past. Leave the natural rocks, flowers and other objects undisturbed.
- Acknowledge the fire ban sign at the entrance. Do not have a fire if there is a ban!
- And watch your step, your childrens step and your dogs noses for Prickly Pear Cactus! There are quite a lot out there!
- And finally, stay hydrated! Make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen and hats for shading. It does get very hot here.
Last thoughts
Here are two things Palo Duro offers.
Come enjoy a day trip or a weekend trip here at Palo Duro Canyon with your family, friends or furry besties!
Please let me know what your favorite spot is in the Canyon!
As always,
Stay Safe & Stay Hydrated!
-Dass
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