Heavy rains force temporary closure of Palo Duro Canyon trails, park fees reduced to $5

CANYON, Texas (KVII) — Six days into May, more than three inches of rain have fallen at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The weather is having quite an impact on one of the more popular tourist attractions in the Texas Panhandle.

“Trails are closed, they will be for quite a few days please follow those signs that are posted about trail closures,” said Mysti Pace, park interpreter at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. “We have gates at the front of every trailhead. When you come out if you are planning to still come out it’s a great view from the road but stay off the trails.”

“We’re from Paducah, Kentucky, and we just had torrential rains,” said Cathy Henson, a park visitor. “Three inches of rain don’t deter us. We’re enjoying ourselves and were enjoying the views, they’re spectacular.”

“We have a trail crew that comes out and helps replace bridges that may have gone out and repair any kind of damage done to the trails,” said Pace.

After a couple of days of rain, that traditionally means the sun will be coming back out. It should be anywhere between four to five days to a week or potentially even longer before the trail reopens.

Pace said they need warm weather combined with sunshine and a light to strong wind for two or three days before the trails dry out.

Since the trails are closed admission to the park is reduced from $8 to $5 till the park can safely reopen the trails.