Travel

Palo Duro Canyon Trails: A Guide to 30+ Miles of Easy to Advanced Hikes

by Katelynn Kellogg

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, stretching approximately 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and reaching depths of around 800 feet. This natural wonder is a paradise for hikers, offering a variety of trails that showcase its breathtaking geology, vibrant flora, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has a trail that will suit your adventure needs.

Palo Duro Canyon picture of the red rock canyon walls with blue skies and red sand along the pathway.

Hiking Trails Overview

There are 17 named hiking trails in Palo Duro State Park totaling over 30 miles of trail. Some of the trails are easy, some moderate, and quite a few are listed as difficult for experienced hikers. A full, comprehensive list can be found on the Trails Map.

All trails in Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon Easy Trails

Paseo Del Rio Trail

  • Distance: 1 mile (one way)
  • Description: This trail is perfect for families and beginners. It follows the river and offers a peaceful walk with plenty of shade.

Cottonwood Trail

  • Distance: 1.4 miles (one way)
  • Description: This trail is perfect for a stroll. There are shaded sections for breaks from the sun and it’s fairly flat the whole way. This short trail connects with many other trails and can be used to get from one to the other.
Along the Cottonwood Trail, the ground was so dry it was cracking into large craters in the ground.

Palo Duro Canyon Moderate Trails

Lighthouse Trail

  • Distance: 2.72 miles (one way)
  • Description: One of the park’s most popular trails, the Lighthouse Trail leads to the iconic Lighthouse Rock formation. The trail offers scenic views of the canyon and is moderately challenging due to its length and rocky sections. The last .1 mile of the hike is a rock climb up to the top. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is little shade.
Selfie with the lighthouse trail main attraction, a stone lighthouse looking structure, in the background.

Capitol Peak Trail

  • Distance: 3.5 miles (loop)
  • Description: This loop trail offers diverse scenery, including views of Capitol Peak and interesting geological formations. The trail is moderately challenging with some elevation changes and rocky areas.

Palo Duro Canyon Challenging Trails

Lower Comanche Trail

  • Distance: 4.4 miles (one way)
  • Description: L.C. is the longest trail in the park and has minimal shaded areas. The trail is listed as difficult because it traverses through peaks and valleys in the park. During the wetter seasons, you may have to cross a few streams along the trail, but in the summer months, it’ll most likely be all dried up. For a moment of rest, stop in the shade of a Rocky Mountain juniper, the tree that gives the “Hard Wood” Canyon its name.
Red sanded trail with an L.C. marker to indicate the Lower Comanche Trail. Blue skies and lots of plants and bushes along the trail.

Rock Garden Trail

  • Distance: 2.39 miles (one way)
  • Description: This steep and rocky trail climbs from the canyon floor to the rim, offering spectacular views and a good workout. It’s a strenuous hike but highly rewarding for those who reach the top.
Massive rocks stacked on top of each other that look like they fell off the canyon roof at some point now creating a rock garden (or graveyard if you will).

Tips for Hiking at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Before you set out on your hiking adventure, here are some essential tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

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  • Stay Hydrated: The Texas sun can be intense, especially in the summer. Always carry plenty of water and drink frequently. I typically carry a 3L bladder in my day pack for any hike over 5 miles.
  • Wear Appropriate Footwear: The trails can be rocky and uneven. Sturdy hiking boots or trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended.
  • Check the Weather: Conditions can change quickly. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and avoid hiking during extreme heat or storms.

Fun Fact –
There are multiple stands across the park, mostly at trailheads, that have thermometers and sunscreen dispensers so you’re adequately prepared to endure the heat.
There’s also a list of safety tips on each pole.

Pole with a thermometer on top and a hand pumped sunscreen
  • Pack Essentials: Bring a first-aid kit, sunscreen, a sun protectant shirt layer, hat, sunglasses, and potentially a neck/head wrap, a map, and snacks.
  • Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed the animals. Always observe from a distance.
  • Leave No Trace: Help preserve the beauty of the park by carrying out all trash and leaving the natural environment undisturbed.

All Trails in Palo Duro Canyon

On my last visit, May 2024, all the trails had an abundance of flowers along the trail which attracted butterflies, bees, and a lot of ants!

Odd dead looking bush that is all white and whispy.
Orange Flowers growing along the trails at Palo Duro Canyon.
Yellow Cluster of Flowers growing amongst the cacti at Palo Duro Canyon.
Small purple flower on a prickly bush along the trail at Palo Duro Canyon.
Yellow Daisy looking floweres at Palo Duro Canyon
Cluster of White Flowers growing along the trail at Palo Duro Canyon.

The trail’s main visitors though were lizards! I saw at least 30 lizards along the way, always faster than I and scurrying away from me. However, I did see this cool bright blue one and even a horned lizard! I’ve never actually seen a horned lizard in real life before so that was a first!

Horned Lizard sitting on in the sand on the side of the trail. It's brown speckled.


Exploring the hiking trails at Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an unforgettable experience. Not many people even know a canyon of this size is in Texas! From easy strolls to challenging climbs with breathtaking views, there’s a trail for every hiker. I hope this guide helps you plan your next adventure and discover the wonders of Palo Duro Canyon.