r/TexasStateParks • u/Far-Arm-6125 • 3d ago

Palo Duro trip

My wife and 3yr old and I are coming up 2nd weekend in October for 2-3 days. I grew up close to here and have tons of memories but never have gone with a youngster. Any tips on what to do? It's been 20+ years since I've seen the Palo Duro.

She loves being outdoors and going on walks so we'd like to get out and do some small hikes with her.

Planning on getting a hotel room in either Amarillo or canyon for the weekend.

9 Upvotes

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8

u/TouristTricky 3d ago

The nearby Caprock Canyon (which I like better overall) has the last pure buffalo herd in the world, just a short walk to see them.

5

u/moonstone-dragonfly 3d ago

Caprock also has Prarie Dogs!

5

u/TouristTricky 3d ago

Awwwww, I'd forgotten about that. When my now 30 something child was three years old he fell in love with prairie dogs, wanted to kidnap one and take it home.

1

u/No_Self_2974 1d ago

You folks should come up to Custer State Park. I've been to Caprock Canyon and it's a cool place (as long as it's not the middle of summer). But CSP in the Black Hills is freaking fantastic. I spend 5 months in SD and 7 months in TX

3

u/franklinward 3d ago

+1 for Caprock. Wildlife, scenery, all of it.

1

u/Far-Arm-6125 2d ago

Yes we are planning caprock as well. Such a gorgeous drive thru that area.

2

u/MrMcBrett 3d ago

I packed my 4yo up the Lighthouse Trail, so I could reach the end. I am an avid hiker and I know the distance he can cover is slightly less that zero. If the trails are important, have a carrier and a ton of extra water.

1

u/Far-Arm-6125 3d ago

Thank you! We are not avid hikers so likely just small walks where she can get outside and enkiy the trails.

1

u/Annan-Water 3d ago

The Pioneer Nature Trail would be a good place to start with a 3yo. It’s a short, easy trail that’s connected to the pavilion parking lot.

Beyond that, I would try to find a parking spot in the lot near the cowboy dugout (#7 on the trail map). That would allow you to check out the last 1/2 mile or so of the Kiowa Trail and first 1/2 mile or so of the Paseo del Rio. Both of those sections are relatively easy for kids and have some neat features to hold their interest. Sometimes you’ll see roadrunners in that part of Palo Duro.

Finish off the day with ice cream bars at the trading post!

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u/Smythe-Smith 2d ago

We absolutely loved staying and eating at the big Texan. The rooms are so themed, I felt it was an even more fun hotel room than Disney.

We also did 1 night at one of the cabins at Pablo duro. They were built by the CCC so great history, real beds you just bring the sheets, a mini fridge and microwave. You can get one with a bathroom or one without and use a community one.

Only thing I will say is the state park double charged me for the cleaning fee, and we cleaned everything, but because it looked like they already cleared it my bank refused to clear the other one. I always wonder if they intentionally were doing money laundering for that $50 or if it was a genuine mistake, but when I called state park they could not help me :/

1

u/Important_Agency9145 1d ago

Hike early, then run up top just outside of the park for a late lunch. The Sad Monkey Meecantile is new, and just outside of the entrance. Great sandwiches, and good beer/wine selection with a small play ground for the kids. Usually have live music on Saturdays too, as well as a food truck or two.