Palo Duro

The Grand Canyon of Texas

State: Texas County: Randall County Founded: 1876 Abandoned: 1930s Peak Population: Ranch town

Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and 800 feet deep. In 1874, the US Army defeated the Comanches here. Charles Goodnight established the first Panhandle ranch in the canyon. CCC-built structures from the 1930s remain.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Spring-Fall

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: Half day

Quick Facts

  • Second-largest US canyon
  • Last Comanche battle
  • Goodnight's first ranch

Location

Address: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX

Coordinates: 34.9167, -101.6833