9 Best Hikes and Trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

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Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the US, with stunning scenery and diverse trails. Here are 9  best hikes and trails to explore this Texas treasure.

The Lighthouse Trail is the most popular trail in the park, leading to the iconic rock formation known as the Lighthouse. It’s a moderate 6-mile round trip with great views.

Lighthouse Trail

#1

The Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail is a challenging 10-mile loop that traverses the canyon floor and rim. It offers scenic vistas, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail

#2

The Rock Garden Trail is a steep 5.4-mile out and back trail that climbs from the canyon floor to the rim. It passes through a colorful rock garden of boulders and hoodoos.

Rock Garden Trail

#3

The CCC Trail is a historic 2.4-mile trail that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It connects the park headquarters to the scenic overlook on the rim.

CCC Trail

#4

The Triassic Trail is an easy 2.2-mile loop that showcases the geology and fossils of the canyon. It’s a great trail for kids and families to learn about the ancient history of the park.

Triassic Trail

#5

The Pioneer Nature Trail is a short 0.6-mile loop that follows the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. It passes by a historic water pump and a cottonwood grove.

Pioneer Nature Trail

#6

The Juniper Riverside Trail is a moderate 3.7-mile out and back trail that follows the river and crosses several bridges. It’s a peaceful and shady trail with water access.

Juniper Riverside Trail

#7

The Sunflower Trail is a moderate 3.8-mile loop that loops around the Sunflower Day Use Area. It features a variety of terrain, vegetation, and wildlife.

Sunflower Trail

#8

The Rojo Grande Trail is a moderate 3-mile out and back trail that leads to the Rojo Grande Overlook. It offers spectacular views of the canyon and the river.

Rojo Grande Trail

#8

The Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail is a moderate 4.4-mile out and back trail that follows the rim of the canyon. It offers stunning views of the Fortress Cliff and the Lighthouse.

Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail

#9

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