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Palo Duro Canyon State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 11,034 Google reviews · Running trail in Canyon, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 30 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Palo Duro Canyon State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Big ravine with 800-ft cliffs, multi-use trails, campsites & the musical "Texas" in an amphitheater.
What runners say about Palo Duro Canyon State Park
“Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful natural places I’ve ever visited.”
“The trail is also very easy to follow so you know where you need to go.”
“The colorful rock formations, scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere make Palo Duro Canyon a destination worth experiencing more than once.”
A beautiful piece of our great state. I arrived early on a Sunday to try and catch the sunrise (around 7:15am) and the gates were open but the office was not yet so make sure to pay online ($8 per adult). Decided to walk the Lighthouse Trail after all the good things I've heard of it.
We visited this beautiful state park during Labor Day weekend in 2025. It was still hot and sunny in Texas September. Make sure you bring enough water and snacks when hiking. (There is a sign for water suggestion in the trial head too). We did the 2.8 mile light house trail.
Holy cow this was fantastic, I will be coming back. The rocks the shrubs wildlife and just overall experience was ok phenomenal. I camped for 2 nights and did around 30 miles of hiking in that time it was great I highly recommend the lighthouse trail into the givens trail as well as the upper commanche especially if…
Beautiful area. The biking loops were pedally and fun. There’s a bike rack on the lighthouse trail before the steep section. The campgrounds are nice, the one we popped into had water, flushing toilets and showers. We didn’t find out the overnight price. Lots of space on a Monday in November.
Trail conditions & character
“The views were amazing I would recommend if wind is in the forecast bring a scarf or some type of face covering or you will end up with sand in your mouth.”
“The hike was moderate, but at the very end there was a pretty steep climb but doable.”
“The colorful rock formations, scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere make Palo Duro Canyon a destination worth experiencing more than once.”
“They had porta pottys at the site they were clean when we went the actual restrooms were not too far away.”
“The hike was around 8 to 9 miles and we carried atleast 2 lit of water and some snack.”
“The hike was around 8 to 9 miles and we carried atleast 2 lit of water and some snack.”
“They have many rest stops and reminders to stay hydrated which also serve as marker points.”
“The trails are fabulous, not rocky like San Angelo.”
Plan your run at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance30 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetpwd.texas.gov
- Phone+1 806-488-2227
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Canyon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Lighthouse Rock
4.9 ★★★★★ 414 reviews
Popular 6-mile trail (easy to moderate) with striking rock formations and panoramic views of the canyon.
Canyon Trails At Buffalo Hill
4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
Hunsley Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 102 reviews
Playground featuring swings, slides and metal toys, plus an exercise path.
Southeast Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 255 reviews
Popular spot featuring a pond with a dock for fishing as well as a dog park.
Rick Klein Park North
4 ★★★★☆ 119 reviews
Green space offering a playground with swings and picnic tables, along with a walking trail.