There’s a reason Palo Duro Canyon is called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Stretching for over 120 miles through the Texas Panhandle, Palo Duro is among the largest in the country (you can probably guess which is first). As you wander through this dramatic landscape of multicolored rock walls and winding trails, you might feel the spirit of the Old West calling to you. And is there any better way to embrace that spirit than by riding horseback?
Palo Duro Riding Stables is a long-running, family-owned business that has welcomed visitors since 1962, now in its third generation under Jesse Sorenson, with fourth-generation members helping continue the legacy. Booking a tour here is simple: call beforehand, then you’ll pull off the highway a mile before the state park entrance. With the Palo Duro Riding Stables and the family of horses grazing nearby, it’s hard to miss.
Your first greetings are usually from friendly dogs, followed by the owners themselves, eager to match riders of all experience levels. Once on the trail, you’ll ride through old, towering cottonwoods, past spring water seeps in the canyon walls, and along paths that reveal the rugged geology and quiet beauty of this immense canyon.
After your ride, stop by the Palo Duro Canyon Visitor Center to see the vast landscape you traversed through telescopes and explore art in the small gallery. Make reservations at paloduroridingstables.com. To plan your trip to Amarillo, head to visitamarillo.com.