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Palo Duro CanyonINTRODUCTION On July 4, 1934, Palo Duro Canyon State Park became the 2nd largest canyon in the US by providing 26,275 acres to the public. The Canyon is 120 miles long, and reaches widths of 20 miles. The maximum depth is 800 ft and its elevation at the rim is 3,500 ft above sea level. Palo Duro Canyon was formed by water erosion from the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. The water deepens the canyon by moving sediment downstream. Wind and water erosion gradually widen the canyon to its present size. HISTORY Spanish Explorers came to area in the 16th century and are believed to have dubbed the canyon "Palo Duro" for the "hard wood" mesquite and juniper trees found there. For over 12,000 years, humans have lived in Canyon. Early peoples were nomadic tribes that hunted large mammoth, giant bison, and other game animals. At later times, the Apache, Comanche and Kiowa Indians, also resided in the area until 1874 when Col. Ranald Mackenzie came to the area to transport the Native Americans to a reservation in Oklahoma. Col. Mackenzie and the 4th Cavalry also captured over 1,400 horses belonging to Indians in an effort to weaken them. Cut off from their only means of transportation, the Native Americans soon surrendered. Two years later, Charles Goodnight came to Palo Duro and opened the JA Ranch. At one time, the ranch had over 100,000 head of cattle. Goodnight operated the ranch until 1890. Although only a fraction of its original size, the JA Ranch? remains a working ranch today. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Park activities include camping, horseback riding, hiking, nature study, bird watching, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Palo Duro Canyon contains many diverse species of animals including the rare Texas Horned Lizard, and Palo Duro Mouse. Other species include wild turkey, white tail and mule deer, barbary sheep, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, roadrunners, and western diamondback rattlesnakes. ATTRACTIONS Caprock Canyons State Park? RESTAURANTS There are no restaurants in Palo Duro Canyon so make sure and pack in what you need. LODGING Palo Duro Canyon State Park provide various facilities for camping including 3 'luxurious' cabins with two rooms containing 2 single beds or 1 Queen bed. Linens and towels are also provided. There are also 4 service cabins. These cabins are a little more rustic offering only 2 bunk beds, basic table with chairs, but no towels or linens are offered because there are no restrooms or showers. These facilities are provided across the street and are opened to the public. Other options include the many campsites provided throughout the canyon. There are some with water and electricity; others with water only or even a hike-in primitive area with neither water or electricity. There is also a hike-in primitive equestrian visitors; backpack campsites; as well as an overflow/late arrival camping area; and a trailer dump station. 
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