Trippin' Again: Plenty to explore at Palo Duro Canyon

Editor's note: As we begin to see COVID-19 in our rear-view mirrors, travelers are cautiously returning to the roads. This series offers destination options for eastern New Mexico-area residents looking to get away for a few days.

Many have heard and wondered at the mention of the Grand Canyon. With an average depth of 1,600 meters, it still remains one of the largest canyons of the world. Yet, a similar beauty lies just two hours away from Clovis-Portales: Palo Duro Canyon.

While Palo Duro Canyon does not match the Grand Canyon in length or depth, it is still the second-largest canyon in the country. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. Palo Duro Canyon is a ruggedly beautiful attraction painted with a colorful history.

For 12,000 years the canyon has been inhabited by people. The Clovis and Folsom people were the original residents, hunting mammoths and large bison. Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa people also passed through and used the canyon for its resources. You can see remnants of the various cultures by viewing the rock art and bedrock mortars that were left behind.

The Palo Duro Canyon not only saw the product of life, but also war. The Red River War took place from June 1874 to spring 1875 between the U.S. Army and southern Plains Indians. The reign of Native Americans over the Panhandle ended shortly after a decisive battle on Sept. 28, 1874.

The land of Palo Duro Canyon was bought by the state in 1933. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) spent the next few years building the park. The men built the winding roads that run through the canyon and all of the park's original improvements. These include the El Coronado Lodge, the cabins within the canyon, as well as the trails. The park opened in 1934 before it was finished, and has slowly shaped into the destination it is now.

While Palo Duro Canyon is full of history, it is also home to many of nature's wonders. With such diverse habitats, the canyon is home to various wildlife species. Some of the animals that call this place home are the Texas longhorn, golden-fronted woodpeckers, Mississippi kites, coyotes, and bobcats. Two threatened species also find residence here: the Palo Duro mouse and the Texas horned lizard.

What it offers:

You can explore the Grand Canyon of Texas by foot, bike, car, or even horse. There are more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to explore. You can even camp, geocache, or bird watch.

You have two options when it comes to horseback riding. 1. You can bring your own horse. 2. You can schedule a guided tour by reservation when you call (806) 488-2180.

Fees and hours:

The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adults pay $8, and children 12 and under enter free. Reservations are recommended. You can do that by calling (512) 389-8900, or visiting tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon .

Where is it:

The state park is about an hour and 45-minute drive northeast of Clovis. The entrance address is 11450 Park Road 5 Canyon, TX 79015. Do keep in mind that Texas is in a different time zone.

TEXAS Outdoor Musical:

While the Canyon is known for being the second largest canyon in the country, it is also advertised as the location of TEXAS. The musical is a family friendly show that portrays fictional characters within authentic history. The show brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle. Music, dancing, and fireworks all take place within the canyon's Pioneer Amphitheater. The show runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the summer. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.texas-show.com/ .

More information:

For more information, call (806) 488-2227.