Originally opened on July 4, 1934, Palo Duro State Park, located in Canyon, Texas, encompasses 29,182 acres of the northernmost portion of the Palo Duro Canyon. At approximately 120 miles long, as much as 20 miles wide, and with a maximum depth of more than 800 feet Palo Duro Canyon has been credited as the second largest canyon in the United States. Originally formed by water erosion from the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, early Spanish explorers discovered the canyon and named it “Palo Duro,” which translates to English as “hard wood,” a reference to the abundance of mesquite and juniper trees.

The earliest settlers to the area, the nomadic tribes, came across the land while pursuing large game animals. Later, the Apache Indians lived in the canyon until the Comanche and Kiowa tribes replaced them. The Comanche and Kiowa resided in the canyon until 1874, when the United States Government forced the tribes from the land.

With over thirty miles of nature trails and park activities, ranging from hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, backpacking, horseback riding, and park provided educational programs, Palo Duro State Park draws in large numbers of tourists to Canyon, Texas and surrounding cities. Noteworthy among Palo Duro’s attractions, horseback riding brings in countless visitors to the park’s approximately 1,500 acres of riding trails. Outdoor theatre productions are also a significant draw. TEXAS, the outdoor musical drama and official play of the state of Texas, runs Tuesdays through Saturdays during the summer season in the Pioneer Amphitheater. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is open to the public seven days per week.