Geological age ~252–201 million years ago (exposed strata)
Epoch Triassic (Carnian–Norian); Tecovas Formation (~225 Mya) and Trujillo Formation (~218 Mya); canyon incision began Pliocene (~5 Mya)
Taxa 308 plants, 97 birds, 353 insects, 23 mammals, 8 fungi, 31 reptiles, 7 amphibians, 25 arachnids
Most observed Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) (Meleagris gallopavo) (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis) (Geococcyx californianus) (Machaeranthera tanacetifolia)
Native lands Comanche (Nʉmʉnʉʉ) · Kiowa · Southern Cheyenne · Arapaho; earlier Apache; canyon occupied 12,000+ years; Battle of Palo Duro Canyon 1874 ended Comanche and Kiowa presence on the Southern Plains
Ecology Chihuahuan Desert transition; juniper-mesquite canyon scrub; cottonwood riparian corridor; pronghorn, mule deer, aoudad sheep
Hydrology Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River; ephemeral tributaries; canyon springs
Acreage 29,182 acres
Conservation Texas State Park; National Natural Landmark
Endangered species none documented
GPS 34.8873° N, 101.6713° W
Palo Duro Canyon State Park I · 2026-01-07
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park II · 2026-01-07
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park III · 2026-01-07
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park IV · 2026-01-07
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park V · 2026-01-07
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← Caprock Canyon State Park
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park →
Public Lands Institute — ongoing project
CC0 Public Domain
