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1-Day Canyon Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Canyon in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Canyon, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Canyon is the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” where you can hike, bike, ride horses, and see striking rock formations and colorful canyon walls. The town is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, one of the largest history museums in Texas, covering regional art, culture, and archaeology. A compact downtown with local shops and cafes gives it a classic small–Texas–town feel, and its location just south of Amarillo makes it an easy stop on a wider Panhandle road trip.
With favorites like Bar Z Winery, Combine City, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees.0 To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Canyon?
  • 2-Day Canyon Itinerary
  • 3-Day Canyon Itinerary
Visiting Canyon? See our Canyon Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
  • Canyon in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Palo Duro Creek Ranch with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Canyon without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

4.8
(10431)
•
4.6
(2407)
State park
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Canyons
Palo Duro Canyon State Park spans an impressive 60 miles of ravine that boasts towering 800-ft cliffs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking the numerous trails and taking in the musical 'Texas' at the park's amphitheater. It is advisable to arrive early to beat the heat and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug repellent as necessary.
Drove the Scenic Route. Amazing views, wonderful staff. We had a great time. Definitely highly recommend should you be in the area. Total time with stopping to see many views and lunch at the Trading Post, easily two to two and half hours. Highly recommend the Cheese Burgers and Fries.
Scott M — Google review
We camped 3 nights at the Juniper Campground! The campsite, restrooms, camp hosts, and wildlife visitors were ALL absolutely delightful!! We did several nice hikes and enjoyed them all!! Instead of the Lighthouse Trail, we decided to make it a loop with Givens, Spicer and Lowry to the Lighthouse and Paseo del Rio! We were glad we did! The Lighthouse portion a of that loop was really the least scenic!! What a wonderful place to explore! Texas State Parks does a GREAT JOB!! Thank you!!
Susan D — Google review
We really enjoyed hiking! We did the CCC Trail and the Rock Garden both were absolutely gorgeous. The Rock Garden was very challenging but definitely had the wow factor! We had a really great time. The roadrunner was so cute such a perfect touch of nature in the park.
Alejandra D — Google review
Beautiful area. The biking loops were pedally and fun. There’s a bike rack on the lighthouse trail before the steep section. The campgrounds are nice, the one we popped into had water, flushing toilets and showers. We didn’t find out the overnight price. Lots of space on a Monday in November.
B B — Google review
Absolutely beautiful state park in America’s second largest canyon. Well preserved and maintained, with a road that goes from the rim—and the visitors center—to the bottom, without too many hairpin turns. There’s even a Trading Post that sells food and drink in the canyon (including ice cream!). In terms of hikes, highly recommend Lighthouse Trail—2.8 miles in and 2.8 back—as well as the big cave at the end of the paved road. Super beautiful, mostly flat, and doable with kids.
Jon K — Google review
My family enjoyed visiting the canyon. The big cave was pretty cool to walk, too. Most of the trails were closed off though. The amphitheater had a show that was pretty neat. The gift shop has tons to choose from. There is plenty of wildlife to walking around
Tamara S — Google review
Lots of hiking trails, there were showers and bathrooms at multiple different camp sites. This place gets very hot in the summer. You need to pack at least a half gallon or more per a person. Always bring water for your dog.
Austin — Google review
Located south of Amarillo Texas, and quite a ways off the beaten path is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This State Park can give many National Parks a run for the money. What an amazing place. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States and the park offers wonderful facilities facilities including a cliffside visitors center, gift shops, restaurant, amphitheater, campgrounds including a camp store, restroom and shower, facilities a scenic drive through the park with stunning views of the canyon and miles of hiking trails. We camped in the canyon and had an awesome stay. Palo Duro Canyon State Park was well worth the trip. A must see if you are in the Amarillo area.
Ray W — Google review
Canyon, TX 79015, USA•https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon•(806) 488-2227•Tips and more reviews for Palo Duro Canyon State Park
17 min · 6.6 mi
2

Palo Duro Creek Ranch

4.9
(244)
•
4.2
(69)
Sights & Landmarks
Entertainer
Ranches
Palo Duro Creek Ranch offers a thrilling Jeep (Humvee) tour of the Palo Duro Canyon, providing an opportunity to explore the canyon's bottom and learn about its history. The tour guide, Case, is praised for his knowledge and care during the trip. Visitors recommend this exciting adventure for families who are ready to hold on tight and experience the roller coaster-like ride through the beautiful canyon. The sunset views from the canyon are highlighted as a must-see during this exhilarating excursion.
One of the best tours I've ever been on and hands down best one in the US!! Highly recommend the jeep tours with Palo Duro Creek Ranch!! The canyon views were stunning and the jeep ride felt like an adventure through Jurassic Park and Uncharted!! It was a real life roller coaster through the canyon and it gave us such a huge adrenaline rush! We did the 1 hour tour but will definitely do the 2 or 3 hour tour the next time we visit! KC was amazing tour guide and jeep driver! Very friendly and he was very knowledgeable about the history of the canyons and I loved learning about the history! Spectacular views! One of the most adventurous tours! You have to do this tour when you visit Palo Duro! Please book online in advance since the tours might book out quick.
Frances R — Google review
Absolutely incredible experience! We went on the 3-hour Jeep tour of Palo Duro Canyon today and it was AMAZING! This is hands down the best way to truly experience the canyon. You’ll see areas and viewpoints that you simply can’t access any other way. The ride was fun and adventurous—exactly what you'd want in a place like this—and the guide was knowledgeable and fun. If you're visiting the canyon, don’t miss this—book it online right now. We loved every minute of it!
Bob B — Google review
Highly recommend this jeep tour! Our driver/ tour guide Case was extremely knowledgeable regarding the history, landscape & wildlife of Palo Duro Canyon and his love for the canyon was evident. The tour takes you on trails (not roads!) through private property and includes incredible views not visible from the State Park. Beware that this is an extremely rough ride and the steep terrain is not for the weak of heart, as Case takes you on quite an adventure! He is extremely personable, witty and engages easily with guests. He offers a step ladder to help guests in and out of the back of the humvee and personally offers a helpful hand to assist guests when necessary. The only problem was that we only booked the 1hour tour. We will definitely return and book the 3hour tour next time! Thanks for an excellent experience, Case!
Paige V — Google review
We had such a wonderful time hiking at Palo Duro Creek Ranch today! Case was so kind and helpful, and we enjoyed the views, flowers, and animals immensely! What a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your beautiful ranch with visitors!
Darla W — Google review
We booked the 3 hour jeep tour. It was incredible! I have a bad knee and am not as fit as I once was, so I couldn't hike the trails at the state park, but this tour took us over all the rugged terrain all the way to the bottom of the canyon and back up. Our driver, Case, was very knowledgeable, funny and a perfect gentleman. When we would stop at amazing view points, he always had a helping hand out for those of us that needed it. Just don't forget to bring your sunscreen and bug spray!
Leslie H — Google review
Case was an amazing jeep tour guide. He’s passionate about his land and the canyon, was happy to answer all of my many questions and doled out humor at every twist and turn. And those views!!! We only had time for the 1 hour tour but wish we had been able to take one of the longer ones! Definitely highly recommend!
Heather F — Google review
A true Texas style tour! Case was very personable and knowledgeable. We off-road a lot and wasn’t sure on how much we would enjoy the tour…did not disappoint at all!!
Kristin — Google review
Our family of 5 had a great time with Case on the 2 hour jeep tour. He was a wealth of knowledge and provide a true Texas experience. The ride is exciting and fun from the ranch all the way down to the bottom of the canyon with stop along the way to enjoy the views and take pictures. Highly recommend!
Wesley C — Google review
11301 TX-217, Canyon, TX 79015, USA•(806) 488-2100•Tips and more reviews for Palo Duro Creek Ranch
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30 min · 20.2 mi
3

Combine City

4.1
(12)
•
3.2
(16)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Combine City, located in Amarillo, is a quirky and lesser-known attraction that features a collection of half-buried combine harvesters. Situated along Claude Highway south of the city, this unique site was created by local farmer Orville Ladehoff who decided to plant broken combines on a two-acre plot of land. While visitors cannot interact with the combines like at Cadillac Ranch, they can still admire them from outside.
A tongue in cheek comparison to Cadillac ranch, this is a quirky attraction to the Route 66.
Rohini — Google review
This was definitely not a city of Combines, just a few knackered Combine’s in a field close to the road. Not worth the detour, as it looked like the farmers old equipment parking lot. Took no photo and can’t be considered a Route 66 attraction or viewing
Craig D — Google review
Took lots of logistics to haul in all those combines for this display!
Larry S — Google review
It's a really cool display of rusty combines. Worth driving by.
S D — Google review
That's a good place to see machines sticking out of the ground
Vince D — Google review
Very nice and really cool. Gotta chuckle at this spectacle. Must see!
Scott R — Google review
Fun take on Cadillac Ranch. No parking really, but you can make it work.
Richard G — Google review
Don’t go out of your way for this
Rhyan M — Google review
36RM+P9C, Lake Tanglewood, TX 79118, USA•Tips and more reviews for Combine City
25 min · 11.4 mi
4

Bar Z Winery

4.6
(171)
•
4.2
(32)
Winery
Nightlife
Event venue
Wine bar
Bar Z Winery is located off the beaten path with a large sign pointing out the entrance and a long driveway leading to a Quonset Hut building. The tasting room, located at the rear of the building, offers a fun atmosphere and a nice patio overlooking the canyon. The winery uses Texas-grown grapes to produce very good wines. Visitors can enjoy delicious reds and beautiful views while relaxing with a glass of wine on the patio, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
What a great wine tasting. Great atmosphere nice and relaxing. They even allow pets. What a great way to spend the day superior wine, tasting, and superior view.
Brandi N — Google review
Ok, im from California, so forgive the wine snob.......No need. The Red flight had very generous pours. We really enjoyed the 2018 Pinot and the 2018 Cab. 2018 Fav was a bit too fruit forward my tastes. The Rousanne was slightly tart for my wife.
Martin ( — Google review
My wife found this winery through an organization called Harvest Host and since it was on our way west and we were pulling our Airstream, we decided to stop, drink some wine and camp over night. The wine was quite good, the staff was equally good and the view was beautiful, since the winery has a view of the Palo Duro Canyon. If you're a member of HH or Boondockers Welcome, you can camp overnight. There are no hookups.
David G — Google review
Beautiful view, delicious wine and an awesome host - we had a wonderful time. Thank you!
Jerry G — Google review
We stopped to spend the night, just passing through Amarillo. It was great. The staff was incredibly accommodating., wine was excellent. They even let us bring our dogs inside because it was windy and cool outside. Monty was great, a old music lover for sure. Customers were bringing in old vinyl albums and Monty played them all. I only have negative, the music was too loud. But , overall loved the evening. We will definitely stop again on our way to Colorado. Thank you Monty and Payton. .
Jo M — Google review
Our group was visiting the Palo Duro Canyon in Amarillo TX and this was the only winery in the area. This was our first experience with Texas red wine....it was awful. We tried multiple reds and they were sour tasting. The Pinot Noirs were very dark, more so than Melbacs' and Cabernets that we are familiar with. I just hope that other Texas red wines are better than the ones at this location.
Mike W — Google review
Bar Z has made my list of places to hangout with friends and family. Last week was my first time out and I was super happy at how welcoming the place was with a relaxed atmosphere, good service- plus dogs are welcome! Regarding the wines, I am not a wine expert, but I really enjoyed both the Pinot and the “Howling Cow”. (One thing to note is that the pours are quite generous, so be prepared for a “healthy” serving with each glass.) As a local, I will be bringing anyone visiting here
Erin H — Google review
Bar Z Winery is also a Harvest Host. They allow RV'ers to spend the night if they cover into the winery and taste and purchase. That is a fantastic way to travel across the country. Loved their wines
J L — Google review
19290 Farm to Market 1541, Canyon, TX 79015, USA•http://www.barzwinery.com/•Tips and more reviews for Bar Z Winery
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