Texas Panhandle canyons

Route description

Amarillo sits on historic Route 66, with shops and diners along Sixth Avenue. Just west of town, beside I-40, the ten Cadillacs of Cadillac Ranch stand nose-down in a field, covered in layers of spray paint; bring a can and add your own. Expect a muddy walk from the parking area after rain.

I-27 runs south to Canyon, home of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, one of the largest history museums in Texas. TX-217 leads east to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where a road descends from the flat plains into the second-largest canyon in the country, with red and yellow walls. The Lighthouse Trail leads to a well-known rock formation, and an outdoor musical is staged in the canyon in summer.

From Canyon, head southeast through farmland to the edge of the Caprock escarpment and on to Quitaque. Caprock Canyons State Park, just north of town, is home to the Texas State Bison Herd, which roams freely through the park. A rail trail with a tunnel runs through the area.

Summer heat in the canyons is intense, so hike early and carry plenty of water. Low-water crossings can flood after storms. Spring and fall are the best seasons, and state park campsites and day passes can be reserved in advance.