Day Hiking America's 2nd Largest Canyon: Palo Duro Canyon - CCC Trail

Palo Duro Canyon, in northern Texas, is America's 2nd largest canyon. The CCC Trail, located in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, was used by the Civilian Conservation Corps, back in the '30s, when constructing other trails and infrastructure for the park.

The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, with an average width of 6 miles. The CCC Trail runs from the rim of the canyon to its floor, covering a distance of 1.4 miles (one way) and an elevation change of about 500 feet. Like one would when hiking at the Grand Canyon, you will pass through several different geological layers as your elevation changes.

The trail is located within a popular state park. The CCC trail, however, was far less crowded than the park's renowned Lighthouse Trail and provided some spectacular views of the canyon, from different perspectives. The park does offer a variety of trails, making it a great day hiking destination.


Where are the best day hikes in Texas? If you have an opinion or suggestion, please let us know in the comments section!

As always, our hiking and backpacking videos are filmed in 4K Ultra HD. YouTube will automatically tailor the video quality to your device, but we suggest viewing on your 4K-compatible television, or device, for best viewing results.

Please consider visiting our blog (https://outontrail.blogspot.com/) for more information on this trip, backpacking meal reviews, and photos!


Musical selections from this video:
The Mission - J.F. Gloss
Frames - Headlund
Transmittance - River Run Dry