Palo Duro Canyon SP Will Remain Open This Winter
November 30, 2007 by Paris and John
Filed under News and Festivals
This winter season, Palo Duro Canyon State Park will remain open through the winter months. In recent years, the park closed facilities past Water Crossing #1 to public access, including many trails and campgrounds. The park also reduced staffing and hours at the front gate.
Camping & Cabins: All campsite and cabin reservations are handled through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s central reservation system at 512-389-8900 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
Winter Hours: Winter hours for Palo Duro Canyon State Park are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The park may close occasionally due to weather. The direct phone number for the park is 806-488-2227.
TEXAS: One part of the park that will be closed this winter is the outdoor musical drama TEXAS which always closes in the winter. Its 2008 season starts in early June. For information call 806-655-2181 or visit www.texas-show.com.
About the Park: Palo Duro Canyon State Park has grown in recent years to more than 26,000 acres, one of the largest in the state park system. It is located about 25 miles southeast of Amarillo at the end of State Highway 217. The canyon is one of the largest canyons in the U.S., stretching for miles in a northwest/southeast direction. Within the state park, the canyon’s maximum depth may reach 1,000 feet.
Activities include camping, from primitive to RV, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping (bring your own horse or, weather permitting, join a trail ride from the private stable in the park) and star gazing (the stars are very bright during the winter months). Visitors can also stay overnight in cabins on the canyon rim or in the Cow Camp located at the end of Park Road 5.
