|
Home >
Travel >
State Parks >
Texas >
Palo Duro Canyon
State Park |
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
|
|
11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX 79015
806/488-2227
pdc@palodurocanyon.com
History: Palo Duro Canyon State Park consists of 16,402 acres in Armstrong and
Randall Counties, south of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. The land was deeded
by private owners in 1933. From 1933 until 1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) sent six companies of young men and military veterans to Palo Duro Canyon
to develop road access to the canyon floor as well as the visitor center,
cabins, shelters, and the park headquarters. The hard work of these dedicated
individuals was important in the establishment of Palo Duro Canyon State Park
which officially opened on July 4, 1934.
Man has inhabited Palo Duro Canyon for approximately 12,000 years. The Clovis
and Folsom people first resided in the canyon and hunted large herds of mammoth
and giant bison. Later on, other cultures such as the Apaches, Comanches, and
Kiowas utilized the canyon’s abundant resources.
Early Spanish Explorers are believed to have discovered the area and dubbed the
canyon "Palo Duro" which is Spanish for "hard wood" in reference to the abundant
mesquite and juniper trees. However, an American did not officially discover the
canyon until 1852 when Captain Marcy ventured into the area while searching for
the headwaters of the Red River.
In 1874, Palo Duro Canyon was a battle site during the Red River Wars. Col.
Mackenzie, under orders from the US Government, apprehended the Native Americans
residing in the canyon by first capturing 1,400 horses and then later destroying
the majority of the herd. Unable to escape, the Native Americans surrendered and
were transported to reservations in Oklahoma. Then, from 1876 until 1890, most
of the canyon belonged to the J.A. Ranch and was operated by Col. Charles
Goodnight.
Caņoncita Ranch added to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Texas Parks and Wildlife
has purchased 2,036 acres adjacent to Palo Duro Canyon State Park along the
park's southern boundary. Read more...
Activities: Park activities include camping, horseback riding, hiking, nature
study, bird watching, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
While in the park, stop by and enjoy our Visitor Center located on the Canyon
Rim. This rustic native stone building was constructed by the CCC in 1934 and
houses a Museum and Museum Store. The store is located in the Visitor Center and
features books, potter, jewelry, and educational items pertaining to the Canyon. |
|
|
|
