Explore Palo Duro Canyon After Dark

One of the best things about our area is Palo Duro Canyon. We have one of nature's most beautiful creations in our backyard. During the summertime, it can get dangerous to be in the canyon in the middle of the day due to the heat. Because of that, PDC has a few events coming up that show you the beauty of the canyon outside the heat of the day.

Scorpion Hike: What to Know Before You Go

If you like creepy crawly things, then you don't want to miss out on this hike, perfect for the arachnid lover.

On Thursday, July 23, join PDC experts as you go on a hike to learn all about the scorpion. You will meet at the Soapberry Day Use Area. Park rangers will then give you a brief overview of the scorpion and how to look for it with an ultraviolet flashlight. Then they will take you on a 1-mile hike along the Paseo del Rio searching for these stinging creatures.

What to Bring for the Scorpion Hike

Comfortable walking shoes/boots
Water
Headlamp/flashlight - preferably ultraviolet

Moonrise Hike: A Different Side of the Canyon

If you don't want to deal with the blazing sun while hiking the canyon, you'll want to see Palo Duro Canyon in a different light, the moonlight.

Coming up on Thursday, July 30, you'll get to experience PDC at night. PDC transforms into something different once the sun goes down, and here is your chance to experience this wonder. The hike will begin at 9:30 pm at the Juniper Dirt Parking Lot.

Arrive at PDC early because the drive from the gate of PDC to the Juniper Dirt Parking Lot is 20 minutes.

What to Bring for the Moonrise Hike

Comfortable clothing
Plenty of water
Flashlight (red light is preferred, but not necessary)

PDC staff will take you on a short hike to watch the moon rise over the canyon wall, followed by a night hike where you can learn about the canyon in the light of the moon.

If you are looking for great ways to experience Palo Duro Canyon outside the heat of the day, these two events are perfect opportunities to explore.

Palo Duro Canyon Caves, Trails, And Panhandle Beauty

Palo Duro Canyon is full of beautiful trails and many surprises. Here's a look at some of the trails and caves in Palo Duro Canyon.

Gallery Credit: Charlie Hardin

The Wonders of Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle

Often called the Grand Canyon of Texas, it's easy to feel small when surrounded by the towering land. Palo Duro offers stellar hiking and biking, camping, and even cabins to plan more of a family or lovers getaway. Explore it on foot, on wheels, on horses, etc. Cap off the day with an authentic taqueria meal in Amarillo, if you can stand the smell. They don't call it "Cow Town" for nothing.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

LOOK: Vintage Postcards of Palo Duro Canyon

These vintage postcards of Palo Duro Canyon are a true look into the past.

You may recognize quite a few of the iconic landmarks found in the canyon, but there's still others that you just might have not seen yet! Key word...."yet."

Take a trip into the past with these spectacular vintage postcards, you'll be inspired to take a hike!

Gallery Credit: Charlie Hardin