The Best Hiking & Trails in Amarillo

Palo Duro Canyon leads as the second-largest canyon in the country, offering the 16-mile scenic loop drive and trails for every level.

By The Scoop Editorial Team · How we pick · Updated July 2026

Visiting Amarillo? Peak season runs spring and fall, when Amarillo's Hiking & Trails stay busy from early in the day.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

★★★★★ 4.8 · 10994 reviews

Open 7:30 AM–10 PM daily

The second-largest canyon in the country sits 25 minutes south of Amarillo, dropping 800 feet into layers of red rock that stretch for miles. The 16-mile scenic loop winds from rim to canyon floor, passing trailheads for everything from short nature walks to the iconic Lighthouse Trail. Families camp at Hackberry or Mesquite campgrounds and wake to sunrise over the bluffs. The visitor center stocks trail maps and local pottery, while the trading post near the amphitheater serves burgers through the afternoon. Facilities stay clean, staff answer questions without hovering, and the wildlife blind near the entrance draws photographers tracking roadrunners and hawks. Arrive before ten on weekends or you'll circle for parking.

"…great place, very kid friendly. Bathrooms and shower were very clean…"Verified review

Best for: families wanting a full-day canyon experience

Call Now (806) 488-2227

Canyon, TX 79015

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Hiking & Trails in Amarillo — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Canyon, TX 79015

2No. 2 in Amarillo

The Lighthouse Rock

★★★★★ 4.9 · 413 reviews

The 300-foot sandstone tower stands at the end of a six-mile round trip that stays flat until the final push. Most of the trail follows packed dirt through open canyon floor, then the last quarter mile pitches upward over loose rock and exposed ledges with no rails. Guests rest at benches spaced along the route, then scramble the final slope for panoramic views across Palo Duro. The formation itself glows orange in morning light. Hikers who start at dawn beat the heat and catch the canyon waking up. Plan three to four hours for the full loop.

"The Lighthouse Trail is a must-do! It's a 6-mile round trip that's mostly flat until a steep, rewarding scramble at the end."Verified review

Best for: hikers ready for a moderate challenge with payoff views

Call Website

State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon

The Lighthouse Rock, Hiking & Trails in Amarillo — The Lighthouse Rock

State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon

3No. 3 in Amarillo

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

★★★★★ 4.7 · 231 reviews

Open 9:30 AM–4:30 PM, closed Sun & Mon

A nature preserve on the northwest edge of town offers concrete sidewalks and dirt trails through mesquite groves and across bluff faces with views in both directions. Roadrunners dart across the parking lot at sunrise. The trails stay quiet even on weekends, and the landscape feels remote despite sitting minutes from Soncy Road. First-time guests enter free. Rattlesnakes appear during warmer months.

"Quiet, peaceful trails with beautiful outlooks…"Verified review

Best for: peaceful nature walks without the canyon drive

Call Website

2301 N Soncy Rd, Amarillo

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, Hiking & Trails in Amarillo — Wildcat Bluff Nature CenterPhoto: Tibor Tamas

2301 N Soncy Rd, Amarillo

4No. 4 in Amarillo

Lighthouse Trailhead

★★★★★ 4.8 · 92 reviews

Open 24/7

The wide pea-gravel trail covers nearly six miles round trip with 568 feet of elevation gain, concentrated in the steep final section to the lighthouse hoodoo. Families stop at shaded benches along the way. The parking lot offers water but no restrooms, and the trail has no shade or refill stations. The descent gets slippery where loose sand covers rock, so boots help.

"Easy for kids and elderly…"Verified review

Best for: families tackling a longer hike with kids

Call

Unnamed Road, Canyon

Lighthouse Trailhead, Hiking & Trails in Amarillo — Lighthouse TrailheadPhoto: ?!

Unnamed Road, Canyon

5No. 5 in Amarillo

The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon

★★★★★ 4.7 · 59 reviews

A massive shallow cave carved into canyon rock sits about 500 yards from the park road, reachable via multiple short trailheads. The walk stays easy until you reach the base, then requires light scrambling over red rock to climb into the opening. Inside, the temperature drops noticeably and the formation frames views back across the canyon. The whole trip takes under an hour.

"Definitely recommend checking this out if you have a little time. We probably spent an hour enjoying the area and taking pictures…"Verified review

Best for: quick side trip during a canyon visit

Call Website

State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon

The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon, Hiking & Trails in Amarillo — The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon

State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon

How Amarillo's Top Hiking & Trails Compare

How Amarillo's top Hiking & Trails compare across key factors
Business	Hours	Known for
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Top Pick	7:30 AM–10 PM	families wanting a full-day canyon experience

The Lighthouse Rock	Not listed	hikers ready for a moderate challenge with payoff views
Wildcat Bluff Nature Center	9:30 AM–4:30 PM	peaceful nature walks without the canyon drive
Lighthouse Trailhead	Open 24 hrs	families tackling a longer hike with kids
The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon	Not listed	quick side trip during a canyon visit

What People Are Saying

★★★★★

Hiked a couple easy miles but there are trails for all levels of difficulty. Beautiful scenery and good facilities…

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

★★★★★

Lighthouse Trail is mostly easy and almost flat the entire way. The last 15 minutes are moderately challenging…

The Lighthouse Rock

★★★★★

…trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful views, making it perfect for walking, hiking, and exploring…

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

Hiking & Trails in Amarillo

Spring and fall bring the biggest trail crowds near Amarillo, when the weather sits between brutal summer highs and winter cold snaps. Palo Duro Canyon pulls visitors from across the Panhandle and beyond. Parking lots fill before midday on weekends during pleasant weather. The high plains climate means full sun exposure on most trails, little natural shade, and dramatic temperature swings that can turn a comfortable morning hike into a furnace by noon. Summer heat regularly exceeds 90 degrees, making early starts essential for longer routes like the Lighthouse Trail. Dust storms and sudden wind gusts are common year-round.

What to Know Before You Choose

Check trail distance and elevation gain before committing, because the flat approach to most canyon hikes hides steep final sections that demand real effort.
Start early during warm months to finish before midday heat makes exposed trails dangerous, and carry double the water you estimate since there are no refill stations once you leave the trailhead.
Wear boots with aggressive tread for loose rock and sand on descents, where tennis shoes turn slippery and increase the risk of ankle rolls.
Confirm parking availability at popular trailheads on weekends, where lots fill by mid-morning during peak season.
Bring layers because high plains weather shifts fast, with morning chill giving way to afternoon heat and sudden wind gusts dropping temperatures again.
Watch for rattlesnakes in warmer months, particularly on trails with mesquite cover and rocky terrain, and give wildlife space rather than approaching for photos.
Plan three to four hours for longer routes, factoring in rest stops and summit time, so you're not rushing the descent when fatigue sets in.
Verify park entrance fees and operating hours before driving out, since some trailheads close at dusk and state park passes are required for canyon access.

Questions Amarillo Locals Ask

What is the best hiking trail near Amarillo?

Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers the most variety, from easy nature loops to the challenging Lighthouse Trail. The park sits 25 minutes south in Canyon and features over 30 miles of trails through the second-largest canyon system in the country. Most visitors start with the scenic drive, then choose a trail based on time and fitness level.

How long does the Lighthouse Trail take in Amarillo?

The Lighthouse Trail covers six miles round trip and takes most hikers three to four hours to complete, including time at the summit. The trail stays mostly flat until the final steep scramble up loose rock to the 300-foot formation. Start at sunrise during warmer months to avoid midday heat, and bring more water than you think you need.

Are there easy hiking trails near Amarillo for families?

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center on the northwest side of Amarillo offers concrete sidewalks and short dirt trails perfect for kids and casual walkers. The Big Cave trail at Palo Duro Canyon delivers a fun scramble in under an hour. Both provide nature experiences without the distance or elevation gain of the longer canyon hikes.

When is the best time to hike Palo Duro Canyon?

Early morning during warmer months avoids the worst heat and catches sunrise colors on the canyon walls. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for all-day hikes, though weather on the high plains can shift quickly. Arrive before ten on weekends to secure parking, especially at popular trailheads like Lighthouse.

Do I need a park pass to hike near Amarillo?

Palo Duro Canyon State Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, good for the full day and covering access to all trails and the scenic drive. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center offers free admission for first-time visitors and affordable annual memberships for repeat trips. Most trailheads within Palo Duro have parking lots with restrooms and water.

What should I bring for hiking in Amarillo?

Carry twice the water you think you'll need, especially on exposed canyon trails with no shade or refill stations. Wear boots with good tread for loose rock and sand on descents, and bring sun protection including a hat and sunscreen. The high plains climate means rapid temperature changes, so pack layers even in summer.

Are there rattlesnakes on Amarillo hiking trails?

Rattlesnakes appear on trails during warmer months, especially in areas with mesquite and loose rock like Wildcat Bluff and the canyon floor. Watch your footing, avoid tall grass, and give snakes space if you encounter one. Most bites happen when hikers step over logs or reach into crevices without looking first.

Can I camp near the hiking trails in Amarillo?

Palo Duro Canyon State Park operates two main campgrounds, Hackberry and Mesquite, with clean bathrooms, showers, and sites ranging from basic tent spots to full hookups. Mesquite sits farther back in the canyon and offers quieter sunrise views. Book ahead for spring and fall weekends when campsites fill quickly.

Show all 8 questions

Still deciding? You can't miss with Palo Duro Canyon State Park, our top pick. Call Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Visiting Amarillo? Make a trip of it Art Galleries in Amarillo Amarillo Bakeries Best Bars in Amarillo The Amarillo BBQ Guide Breakfast & Brunch in Amarillo Amarillo Breweries

Got a correction, a tip, an opinion, or a town you want us in? Reach out, we read everything.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Top of the Town

Call Now