Trip Overview
In May 2026 (current planned dates - subject to change - are May 15-17), the Plano Photography Club will travel to West Texas to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Caprock Canyons State Park.
May is an ideal time to visit, with vibrant spring colors often visible in the cacti and desert foliage, clear skies for panoramic shots, and comfortable temperatures for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Geology
Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons are both carved into the same Caprock Escarpment on the eastern edge of the Llano Estacado, and many geologists and local sources treat them as different segments of one large canyon system rather than totally separate features.
They are about 100 miles apart in the Texas Panhandle, with Palo Duro Canyon to the northwest near Canyon, Texas and Caprock Canyons to the southeast near Quitaque, but both owe their dramatic topography to streams cutting east off the High Plains into the Red River watershed over millions of years.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, known for its dramatic 800-foot-deep ravines, stunning multi-colored rock formations, and sweeping vistas that provide endless opportunities for both landscape and nature photography.
On the other hand, Caprock Canyons is a complex of side canyons and breaks along the same escarpment cut by tributaries flowing toward the Red, Brazos, and Colorado rivers. Local coverage notes that the Caprock Canyons area can be thought of as another section of the larger Palo Duro canyon system, illustrating how extensive that system is across the Panhandle.
Today, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway are separate state parks that showcase different parts of this shared landform.
Palo Duro is generally deeper and wider and is better known for its large amphitheater-like vistas and extensive trail network, while Caprock Canyons is a bit more remote and is especially known for its roaming Texas State Bison Herd and prairie dog colony within similar red-rock canyon scenery.
About Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon is the most spectacular and scenic landscape feature in the Panhandle of Texas.
Palo Duro Canyon | traveltexas.com
The Spanish name Palo Duro means "hardwood" and refers to the hardwood shrubs and trees found in the canyon. Palo Duro Canyon was carved into the eastern Caprock Escarpment of the High Plains during the past ninety million years by the headwaters of the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and by attendant weathering.
The head of the canyon lies fifteen miles southeast of Amarillo in Randall County, and the canyon extends sixty miles southeast through Armstrong County and into Briscoe County. It reaches depths of 800 feet from rim to floor (approximately 3,500 feet to 2,400 feet above sea level) and average widths of more than six miles.
The steep sides of Palo Duro Canyon consist of bright, banded layers of orange, red, brown, yellow, grey, maroon, and white rocks that represent four different geologic periods and a time span of more than 240 million years. Fossils of long-extinct animals and plants have been found embedded in the rock layers. Adding to the canyon's scenic grandeur are numerous pinnacles, buttes, and mesas, each protected by a cap of erosion-resistant sandstone or other rock.
The natural vegetation of the canyon consists of a variety of grasses and other xerophytic vegetation such as prickly pear, yucca, mesquite, and juniper. Cottonwood, willow, and salt cedar grow along the banks of Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River.
What to Expect in May
Weather & Conditions
- Typical high temperatures: 80–81°F (27–28°C). Lows: around 52–56°F (11–13°C).
- Humidity averages about 53%, with moderate to strong winds and roughly 2.4in of rainfall—the highest monthly average for the year.
- Mornings and late afternoons are pleasant, but bring sun protection and plan for potentially hot midday conditions, especially on canyon trails.
Crowds & Accessibility
- Spring is considered one of the best times to visit. The weather is generally mild, wildflowers are in bloom, and the park is lively but not as congested as during summer.
- Be mindful that late May can start to feel hot by midday; plan photo sessions for early mornings or golden hours.
Photography
Opportunities
- Landscape Photography: The park offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, particularly from overlooks and the iconic Lighthouse Rock formation, where the interplay of natural light and layered canyon walls creates striking compositions.
- Golden Hour: The best light occurs just after sunrise or before sunset—shadows and colors are accentuated, transforming the textures and mood of the canyon.
- Wildflowers: May is peak season for blooming wildflowers, adding vibrancy and texture to foregrounds.
- Wildlife and Nature: Wildlife such as deer, small mammals, and various birds roam the area, making candid shots possible, especially in quieter sections during hikes.
- Geological Features: Unique formations, colorful rock strata, and dramatic cliffs are accessible from multiple trails, including the Rock Garden, Givens, Spicer & Lowry, and Lighthouse trails.
- Varied Trail Settings: Grassy rims, forests, desert trails, and the winding Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River provide diverse backdrops for landscape, macro, and nature photography.
- Panoramic Vistas: Scenic overlooks and plateaus offer wide, unobstructed views, which are ideal for sweeping shots and HDR techniques.
- Night Sky: The open skies offer superb opportunities for astrophotography under dark and starry Texas skies.
Popular Locations
Practical Tips
- Start Early: Mornings offer cooler air, fewer visitors, and gentle light. Beat the heat and pick sunrise or golden hour for best results.
- Permits: If you plan organized or commercial shoots, check if a photography permit is required with the state park.
- Stay Flexible: May can bring unexpected showers—clouds may enhance sunsets, but be ready for quick weather changes.
- Carry Essentials: Water, sunblock, a hat, and lightweight gear are highly recommended for fieldwork.
- Respect the Environment: Trails vary in length and difficulty; research locations ahead and avoid venturing off marked areas for the best preservation and safety.
Final Thoughts
Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons in May are both hospitable and lush.
The combination of layered rock formations, spring wildflowers, open skies, and diverse habitats makes it an inspiring canvas for all types of photographers.
Attendees will find ample opportunities for landscape, nature, and creative photography against the backdrop of Texas’s grandest canyon.