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Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a spectacular dog-friendly attraction near the Texas Panhandle in Canyon, TX. It was formed by millions of years of water erosion, is 120 miles long, as much as 20 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet. Its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level. It's often claimed that Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States. Visitors and their leashed dogs can admire beautiful colorful cliffs that surround the valley and one of the park's most famous rock formations known as The Lighthouse. Please note that dogs are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. Visit Website

Or call (806) 488-2227 or email PaloDuroCanyonSP@tpwd.texas.gov for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Palo Duro Canyon State Park has received a rating of 4.9 out of 5 bones by 11 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 2,316 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Liz
    Feb 29, 2024
    Absolutely AMAZING

    We drove 16+ hours to PDC because of finding this post and it was worth every minute. We loved every single thing we did and that our dog could come with us!!

  • T
    Feb 3, 2024
    Beautiful place for a hike

    Jaw-dropping beauty. Well done park. Dog friendly. There were 3 Texas Longhorns at the entrance.

  • Grace
    Aug 18, 2023
    Beautiful views and excellent hiking options.

    Stopped here in the middle of a cross country road trip to see the sights and hike the hikes. My pups loved the new scenery and the hike we chose was very manageable to get back on the road. Potentially easy to get lost along some parts of the trail so let the pups mark the path and you’ll be good to go! happy hiking

  • Sierra
    Jul 6, 2023
    We had so much fun!

    We did a bit of hiking and then drove around after it got too hot. Pups had a blast! Would definitely visit again!

  • Audrey
    Apr 1, 2023
    Truly dog friendly

    We drove in to check it out, and the volunteer at the front entrance was sweet blowing kisses to our dog. No dogs unless carried into the gift store (close quarters). It looks awesome for athletic dogs and people. Unfortunately we and Mochi aren’t! we saw all breeds all enjoying the back to nature experience.

  • Sally
    Jul 20, 2021
    Palo Duro

    The canyons were closed because of rain and safety issues from slides and damage. But the nice guy in the booth steered us to the North Rim. Kind of a drive, but it was nice to get out of the car and see the canyon, take some pix and walk the dog. Some day I want to go back and do the hikes, etc. It's pretty.

  • @advbeagles
    Sep 21, 2020
    Beautiful red scenery!

    Do prepare and bring tons of water for your pup. There is little to no shade on the trails.....so go out early or late. Watch out for critters too...big spiders for sure out there!

  • Jennifer
    Nov 1, 2019
    Great hike but prepare your pup

    We took our dachshunds (4.5 yrs old) on a day hike. We traversed the Upper Commanche to South Soapberry spur to the Kiowa. It was about 8 miles/3.25 hour hike. Our dogs are experienced trail hikers so please ensure your dog is ready to go. Bring lots of water as there isn't much shade on this trail, and there are ledges, lots of ups and downs, rocky trails. But yet it's so much fun and the landscape is beautiful. Always be weather aware as some of the trails are in canyons and flash flood prone.

  • Frank
    May 5, 2019
    Great Walking Trails

    Had an amazing time with our boy Murphy. Great views and great weather. We had a blast on the CCC trail.

  • Joy
    More than a year ago
    You need to go here!

    Amazing! Two adults & two labs hit the CCC trail for over two hours taking in the unbelievable view while hiking.

  • Amanda
    More than a year ago
    Beautiful!

    This is a beautiful place for hiking. The park provides a trail map upon entry. Pick a trail and enjoy the scenery. Your dog will love it too! If you have the ambition and time, hike the lighthouse trail. It's by far the most popular, and you can enjoy picturesque views from the summit point!

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Palo Duro Canyon State Park