RV Destinations RVing To The Second Biggest Canyon Around

Most people think of the Grand Canyon when it comes to large gaping cracks on the earth’s surface. And rightly so; it’s the grandest, largest and most awe-inspiring canyon in the world. What most people may not know, however, is that the second largest canyon in the country next to the Grand Canyon is located just outside of Amarillo, Texas. Beginning approximately 14 miles off State Route 217, the landscape gives way from dusty plains to multi-colored sandstone walls diving deep into the earth’s surface. Here you’ll find Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Carved some 800 feet deep, Palo Duro Canyon is approximately 120 miles long and ranges from 6 to 20 miles wide in areas.

Getting into the park is relatively easy; once you get past the first few hair-pin turns. If you have a vehicle in tow, unload it at the top of the canyon to allow for more straightforward navigation down the steep cliffside. The park features several different camping and lodging options, including partial hook-up sites (20/30/50 amp and water), primitive camping, group camping, youth camping and cabins, which are also available for rental. Several of the camping loops include bathhouses. The sites tend to be larger are and can easily accommodate rigs of most sizes. Sites are spread out and offer privacy, and include a picnic table and built-in charcoal grill. Evenings can be spent watching the sunset, sitting around a fire and listening to the coyotes call to one another across the canyon.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day. Trails wind throughout the canyon and beckon hikers, bikers and horseback riders to discover geological features such as the Lighthouse Trail and the Big Cave. Stopping by The Canyon Gallery and Visitor Center at the top of the ridge is a must. This native stone building built in 1933 offers breath-taking views of the canyon, and also houses archeological and nature exhibits. The gallery store is full of Native American art, jewelry, knives, t-shirts and more. Down in the Canyon, you can find the Palo Duro Trading Post; it’s chock-full of souvenirs, camping supplies, groceries and a restaurant that boasts one of the best hamburgers around. No beef about it.

Read more about Palo Duro Canyon, plus many other destinations, in RV Destinations Magazine, a proud partner of RVnGO.

www.rvdestinationsmagazine.com

https://youtu.be/4QAlBvctDpwhttps://youtu.be/F2vhUILvzYg