Places to Ride: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Places to Ride:Â Palo Duro Canyon State Park
When the kids are out of school and the high temperatures in Houston can melt the grips off your handlebars, we frequently head to the mountains in the west. In doing so, many of us go within 30 miles of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second largest canyon system in the United States. At the bottom of the canyon exists 12 miles of singletrack in some of the best scenery found in Texas.
Sure, it will be hot but if you overnight there on your way you should be able to get an early or late ride in to duck the worst of it. Be wary of simply parking at the top of the canyon and riding down if you get there before the park opens for the day during the summer. The climb out will be hot and steep. Do not bother detouring off our route to ride here if it has rained recently as the clay in the soil will make riding slippery and probably bike damaging. Enjoy.
The Facts:
- Hours: change throughout the year but earliest opening is 8am
- Entry Fee:Â $5 / person
- Camping: tent and cabin available – reservations may be made through Texas State Parks at 512-389-8900
- Miles of Trails:Â 12
- TPWD info link:Â http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon
- TPWD Map link:Â http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_…