Palo Duro Canyon State Park with the Carful of Kids

Along the rim of Palo Duro Canyon, 30 miles southwest of Amarillo, Texas.

The carful of kids were last seen in Boulder, Colorado, taking some kid-friendly tours and learning about weather and tea. We have been on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains and into Canada for nearly a month seeing some epic scenery. Since we are back in our home state of Texas, we need a unique place to spend the night.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (11450 Park Road Five) is located 30 miles southwest of Amarillo, off of Interstate 27. It is open daily and the admission for every one over 13 is $5 and kids 12 and under are free.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to the second largest canyon in the U.S. At 120 miles long, 20 miles wide and 800 feet deep, it's the Grand Canyon of Texas. With its beautiful red and orange striations, this is a great stop on a road trip.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1933 to 1934. The CCC did extensive work constructing public lands during the Great Depression as a part of the New Deal.

The CCC built the road into the canyon, the cabins that dot the canyon floor and the cabins along the rim. They also built a lodge that is now the Visitors Center.

This area has a long history of human existence that began around 12,000 years ago. The Apache, Comanche and Kiowa used this area extensively. On September 28, 1874, Colonel Mackenzie and the fourth U.S. Cavalry invaded and captured the Comanche Indians' horses and winter supplies. This battle, later call the Battle of Palo Duro, lead to the surrender of Quanah Parker at Fort Sill.

This is Cabin 4 in the Cow Camp Loop.

The carful of kids have a reservation for one of the CCC-built cabins in the Cow Camp Loop at the bottom of Palo Duro Canyon. One of four stone cabins ($60/night plus the daily adult entrance fee), my carful of kids love them. Of course, it is hard to keep my boys from climbing the walls.

Each cabin has been updated with modern conveniences while keeping its historical integrity. Each unit has a pair of bunk beds with electricity and an air-conditioning and heating window unit. The inside of the cabin is rustic enough to satisfy the adventurer in your family.

This cabin features two rooms with a pair of bunk beds; you will find a window unit and an overheat light.

Outside of each cabin is a picnic table with a fire pit and hanger for your lantern. If there is a burn ban in affect, which happens in a drought; you can plug your electric skillet into their electrical outlet.

The restrooms with showers are located nearby in the Mesquite Camp Area. Palo Duro Canyon State Park also features 79 electric sites with water and numerous walk-in sites along with an equestrian camping area.

The cabins are clustered together but obscured from each other.

The carful of kids love this park and we have visited several times during our road trip adventures. The cabins can't be beat for their backdrop, historic appeal and price.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park has recently added an event center that is available for rent. It blends seamlessly into the surroundings and is an asset to the park. Another favorite summer of the park is the annual musical production, Texas! performed at the Pioneer Amphitheater, Tuesday through Sunday.

After a great night in our cabin, the carful of kids are ready to see their pets and sleep in their own beds. We really appreciate the time you spent with us as we explored the national parks of the Rocky Mountains.

Up Next: Our Winter Break road trip to ski Lake Tahoe

Know before you go:

• Make reservations months in advance for the CCC Cabins of Palo Duro Park.

• During the summer, the temperature at the bottom of the canyon can be very hot.

• There is a store at the bottom of the canyon but no gas station.

• The rim cabin are not the best option for kids due to their siting along the rim of the canyon.