Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX

July 1, 2025 - The following trails have reopened:
* Lighthouse
* CCC
* Big Cave

All other trails are closed due to recent rain. Check back for updates.

PARK HUNT DATES:
Dec. 3-4, 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 13-14
The park is closed at the Old West Stables starting at 10PM the night before the first day of the hunt and will reopen at 8AM the day after the hunt ends. The Rim Cabins, Visitor Center, scenic overlook, Mack Dick Pavilion, Trading Post, Glamping, Sagebrush Camp Loop, and Old West Stables will all remain open during this time. The only trails accessible during this time will be the Pioneer Nature Trail Loop and the CCC/Triassic Trails.

Dec. 10-12, 13-15, 16-18
The use areas that buffer the back country will be closed during this time. The affected area closures include the Equestrian area, Sponsored Youth Group Area, and Backcountry hiking and camping. All trails except those in the backcountry area will be open during this time.

The Park will return to normal operations at 8AM on December 19, 2025.

SUMMER TRAIL SAFETY:
Temperatures in the canyon are often 5-10 degrees hotter than on the rim. Outdoor activities during this time can be dangerous. Stay safe!
• Avoid hiking during the heat of the day.
• Stay on trails.
• Drink 1 liter of water per person, per mile.
• Hike with friends.

The following trails will close from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on days when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. Please observe these closures for your safety.
* Lighthouse
* Comanche
* Givens, Spicer, Lowry (GSL)
* Rock Garden

Check local weather or contact the park for more information.

LATE ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS:
All campers are required to check in at the park Headquarters before occupying a site.
If you will arrive after 4:00PM, please contact the park at 806-488-2227 ext. 220 for late arrival instructions.

Once you arrive at the park: as you pull forward, the stone building on the left (Headquarters) will have maps and brochures on the porch. Feel free to take any of these you need to navigate to your site.

If all of your license plate information is in the reservation system (this includes trailers), we will print your permits and your packet (including maps) will be in the little yellow mailbox marked “Camping Packets / Late Arrival Check In” on the porch of the Headquarters building.

If we do not have all of the license plate information there will not be a packet in the mailbox. Please check in with Headquarters by 9:00AM the next morning and bring the license plate information for all vehicles and trailers associated with your reservation.

FOR CABIN/PAVILION/GROUP HALL:
If you have a reservation and will be arriving at the park after 4:00pm, call the park at 806-488-2227 ext 220 prior to office closure for late arrival instructions.