Texas' Panhandle State Park Thrives In The Fall With Autumn Canyon Colors And Cool Temperatures

Texas is not the state you're most likely to associate with beautiful fall foliage. Vast deserts and rugged grasslands, yes, but autumn colors are generally more New England's domain than the Lone Star State's. However, Texas does have some remarkable fall coloration that's worth seeing — if you know where to look. For example, Texas' Lost Maples State Natural Area is famous for its fall foliage transformation, courtesy of the "lost maples" that give the park its name. Further north, the Texas Panhandle has its own spectacular fall display hidden in one of the state's top geological wonders. In fact, the monumental Palo Duro Canyon State Park may just be the single best Texas destination in the fall.

While Texas' rough-and-tumble Western terrain boasts plenty of canyons, Palo Duro Canyon is the state's largest, earning it the moniker "the Grand Canyon of Texas." It's a top Texas natural wonder year-round, regardless of what its trees are doing. But in the autumn, the canyon's small but eye-catching population of deciduous trees takes on rich shades of yellows that complement the ancient hues of the canyon walls. Cooler fall temperatures also mean that you can explore the canyon while getting a break from the infamous Texas heat. Plus, Palo Duro Canyon is right next to one of Texas' best small towns (and a premier fall travel stop).

Palo Duro Canyon is one of America's most remarkable canyon systems that many people have never even heard of. It measures 120 miles long, 800 feet deep, and up to 20 miles wide at places, making it the second-largest canyon in the United States. It features distinctive bands of colors that represent four geological layers going back 250 million years, so when you descend to the canyon's floor, you're essentially traveling back in time! Around these complex bands of red and brown rocks are other notable geological formations, including rocky spires called "hoodoos." All in all, the striking yet underrated Palo Duro Canyon State Park is like a less-crowded version of the Grand Canyon. 

There's no "bad" time to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but the autumn months are particularly favorable for visitors. While summer temperatures can often hit dangerous highs, fall brings cooler temperatures that let hikers explore the canyon without much risk of heat stroke. And while much of Palo Duro Canyon's landscape bears the sparse shortgrass prairies you'd expect from Texas, the canyon has a healthy population of trees growing within its water-rich floor.

Most notable for leaf peepers is the canyon's gorgeous collection of cottonwood trees, which take on a bright shade of yellow when autumn hits. Other fall foliage-bearing trees found in the park include junipers, soapberry, hackberry, mesquite, and willows. Starting around mid-October, the vibrant fall colors on these trees shine against the deep and ancient reds of the canyon walls, creating one of the country's most unique autumn displays. Palo Duro Canyon trails like the Lighthouse Trail and the Triassic Trail are great for seeing the park's geological formations framed by dazzling fall colors.  

Palo Duro Canyon State Park has several overnight options for visitors who want to immerse themselves in its fall splendor. In addition to the park's many campsites, the luxurious Doves Rest Cabins resort offers front-row seats to the canyon's fall color spectacle right from the top of the rim. Palo Duro Canyon is also right next to one of Texas' best small-town autumn getaways. The appropriately named city of Canyon is a laid-back town with trails, artsy vibes, and a vibrant downtown. 

Canyon's authentic blend of natural beauty and Old West-style Texas culture is perfect for a memorable and stress-free weekend retreat in the autumn. Fall visitors can take a breathtaking hike during the day and then enjoy a laid-back dinner or coffee break at the town's excellent dining options in the afternoon. Canyon also hosts annual fall and Halloween-themed events, including autumn harvest festivals at local farmers' markets, and family-friendly Halloween "spooktaculars." 

As part of the Texas Panhandle, the town of Canyon and Palo Duro Canyon State Park are only 20 to 30 minutes from Amarillo. The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport offers flights from bigger Texas destinations like Dallas, Houston, and Austin, plus out-of-state cities like Denver and Las Vegas. The city of Amarillo has even more fall events and activities to add to a Palo Duro Canyon visit, while also sitting at the heart of a network of unforgettable fall road trips. If you're not keen on camping out in the rugged terrain of Palo Duro Canyon, the town of Canyon also has a hospitable collection of hotels, B&Bs, and resorts.