Texas Panhandle & Plains
- WD - Home
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Panhandle & Plains: Texas State Parks Travel Guide
The Texas Panhandle & Plains feel like another world, canyons carved by time, endless skies stretching in every direction, and wild bison still roaming free. Here, the sunsets burn red across the cliffs, and nights are so dark you can see the Milky Way spill across the horizon. It's a big country, rugged and raw, where every trail feels like a frontier.
Out here, every trail is frontier country; raw, rugged, and lit by the Milky Way.
How to Get There
Think of the Panhandle & Plains as a triangle of open spaces anchored by Amarillo, Lubbock, and Abilene.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is just 25 minutes southeast of Amarillo off I-27.
Caprock Canyons State Park sits about 1.5 hours southeast of Amarillo or 2 hours from Lubbock.
San Angelo State Park lies farther south, about 3 hours northwest of Austin or 4 hours west of Dallas.
Nearest airports:
Amarillo International (AMA) for Palo Duro and Caprock Canyons.
Lubbock Preston Smith (LBB) for Caprock Canyons access.
Abilene Regional (ABI) or San Angelo Regional (SJT) for San Angelo State Park.
Rental cars are essential: distances between parks are long, and public transit is nearly nonexistent.
Know Before You Go
Heat is real: Summer temps often climb past 100°F. Bring shade, water, and start hikes early.
Wildlife: Bison roam at Caprock Canyons; give them plenty of space. Rattlesnakes are common on trails.
Reservations: Weekends at Palo Duro and Caprock fill quickly, especially for campsites and cabins.
Gear up: Cell service can be spotty, so download maps in advance.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) brings wildflowers to the canyon floors and mild hiking weather. Fall (September–November) offers golden cottonwoods and cooler nights. Winter is underrated, quiet trails, no crowds, and big skies perfect for stargazing. Summer is best for early morning hikes and late-night campfires.
Highlights & Activities
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," with 120 miles of colorful cliffs. Hike the Lighthouse Trail (5.7 miles round-trip) or catch the summer outdoor musical at the Texas in the Canyon amphitheater.
Caprock Canyons State Park: The official home of the Texas State Bison Herd. Try the Upper Canyon Trail System for sweeping views, or bike a stretch of the 64-mile Caprock Canyons Trailway.
San Angelo State Park: Famous for its Concho River access, longhorn herd, and miles of biking trails. Great for fishing and birdwatching.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (not a state park but nearby): Perfect for boating, kayaking, and cliff-side camping.
Nearby Lodging
Inside the Parks: Both Palo Duro and Caprock offer campsites, RV hookups, and cabins. San Angelo has primitive sites and equestrian camping.
Amarillo: Chain hotels, boutique stays, and Airbnbs just minutes from Palo Duro.
Lubbock: Urban hub with everything from budget motels to upscale hotels, great as a base for Caprock.
San Angelo: Quaint B&Bs and riverside hotels near the Concho River downtown.
Nearby Food
Amarillo: Don't miss The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its 72-oz steak challenge. Local breweries like Pondaseta offer craft beer after a canyon hike.
Lubbock: Known for wine country, stop at Llano Estacado Winery. Try Evie Mae's BBQ for Texas brisket.
San Angelo: Cozy Mexican food spots like Franco's Café or riverside dining at The Grill.
