You could go out the traditional way to the Grand Canyon of Texas—on foot, exploring the trails. In fact, there are several hiking trails here: 15,000 acres of canyon terrain for hiking, to be exact. Considering this canyon is 800 feet deep and 30,000 acres total, it's safe to say that to only walk through here is to miss much of its beauty and adventure. Out in the Texas Panhandle, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is the Wild West as it were: blue skies, open spaces, rocky terrain that goes on for miles. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, here are a few tours and outfitters to get you started on tackling the impossible challenge of seeing it all.
Guided Off-Road Tours with MERUS Adventure Park
If your idea of adventure involves less strolling and more “holding onto your cowboy hat,” then a jeep tour might be your speed.
There’s just something very Texas about ripping through canyon country in a massive off-road vehicle while dust trails swirl behind you. And that’s what MERUS offers, taking guests on guided adventures through remote canyon terrain most visitors never get to experience.
Available on select Saturdays by reservation, guided off-road tours take guests deep into the heart of the canyon aboard rugged 4x4 vehicles led by experienced guides through towering red cliffs, dramatic elevation changes and scenery that makes you feel like you’re in a John Wayne film.
More than an afternoon adrenaline rush, MERUS also offers hiking, mountain biking, camping and Jeep rentals for travelers wanting to build an entire weekend around canyon exploration.
Cabins are also available on their property, making it easy to turn your dusty off-road adventure into a full canyon getaway. Learn more at merusadventure.com.
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Ride on Through Palo Duro Canyon on Horseback
Of course, there may be no more classic way to experience Palo Duro Canyon than from horseback.
At Palo Duro Stables, riders can saddle up for guided trail rides through the canyon floor. Trail rides are beginner-friendly, matching to your level of experience. The slow pace offers a completely different perspective of the canyon, one where you actually hear the wind moving through the brush and notice the details hidden among the rocks and mesas.
Check out our latest article all about the horseback riding tours to learn more.
Rent Bikes at Palo Duro Canyon Outfitters
For travelers craving a little more freedom and independent adventure, biking through Palo Duro Canyon delivers.
Located conveniently near the canyon, Palo Duro Canyon Outfitters serves as a pre-adventure stop before heading into the park. The outfitter offers mountain bike rentals, gear and insights on necessary preparations and local trail recommendations.
Once inside the park, riders can cruise through rugged dirt trails surrounded by dramatic red rock formations, cactus-lined pathways and sweeping canyon vistas. Depending on the route you choose, you might ride through shaded areas beneath cottonwoods before emerging into wide-open desert scenery with panoramic overlooks stretching for miles.
The biking experience here can range from leisurely scenic rides to technical terrain that will absolutely humble your legs by the end of the day. But that’s part of the charm. Learn more at palodurocanyonoutfitters.com.
Come for a Summer Concert in the Canyon
Being the desert, temperatures can spike in the summer, making spring and fall better times to come explore the canyon. But heat never stopped Texans from having a great time, and perhaps that’s why they’ve made a tradition of an outdoor performance venue for the legendary Texas Outdoor Musical. Running through the summer season, the long-running production combines music, dancing, fireworks and Texas history inside a natural amphitheater carved directly into the canyon walls.
As the sun begins to set and temperatures cool, audiences gather beneath the stars for a uniquely Texas experience complete with dramatic canyon backdrops and larger-than-life performances. If you decide to join in the summer, be sure to get your hike in early—at sunrise when its cool—then come back at sunset for the outdoor concerts. Besides, watching live music surrounded by towering canyon cliffs is the type of atmosphere you don’t want to miss.
Plan your trip and start building your canyon adventure at visitamarillo.com.