📷 Photo by Pretty Pink on UnsplashTexas Panhandle canyons
Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon and the bison of Caprock Canyons.
- Distance
- 176 km (109 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 57 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 5
- States
- TX
- Updated
- May 21, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 176 km (109 mi) with 5 stops, from Amarillo to Quitaque. About 1 h 57 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Texas
Route description
Amarillo sits on historic Route 66, with shops and diners along Sixth Avenue. Just west of town, beside I-40, the ten Cadillacs of Cadillac Ranch stand nose-down in a field, covered in layers of spray paint; bring a can and add your own. Expect a muddy walk from the parking area after rain.
I-27 runs south to Canyon, home of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, one of the largest history museums in Texas. TX-217 leads east to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where a road descends from the flat plains into the second-largest canyon in the country, with red and yellow walls. The Lighthouse Trail leads to a well-known rock formation, and an outdoor musical is staged in the canyon in summer.
From Canyon, head southeast through farmland to the edge of the Caprock escarpment and on to Quitaque. Caprock Canyons State Park, just north of town, is home to the Texas State Bison Herd, which roams freely through the park. A rail trail with a tunnel runs through the area.
Summer heat in the canyons is intense, so hike early and carry plenty of water. Low-water crossings can flood after storms. Spring and fall are the best seasons, and state park campsites and day passes can be reserved in advance.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Amarillo
TX - 218 km
Cadillac Ranch
OdditiesAmarillo, TXTen Cadillacs buried nose-first in a wheat field and layered with decades of spray paint. Bring a can and add your own coat.
- 329 km
Canyon
TX - 429 km
Palo Duro Canyon
NatureCanyon, TXThe second-largest canyon in the country, cut into the flat Texas Panhandle.
- 5101 km
Quitaque
TX
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Amarillo → Palo Duro Canyon · 47 mi · 0 h 50 minOn the way: Cadillac Ranch, Canyon.Overnight nearby, for example: Sagebrush Campground (3 mi); Overnite RV Park (18 mi).
- Day 2: Palo Duro Canyon → Quitaque · 63 mi · 1 h 07 minOvernight nearby, for example: Big C RV Park (< 1 km); R.V. Park (< 1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Texas Panhandle canyons?
2-day road trip of about 176 km (109 mi) with 5 stops, from Amarillo to Quitaque. About 1 h 57 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Texas Panhandle canyons?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 57 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Texas Panhandle canyons start and end?
It starts in Amarillo and ends in Quitaque.
Which states does Texas Panhandle canyons pass through?
Texas.
Where can you camp along Texas Panhandle canyons?
OpenStreetMap lists 85 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Big Texan RV Ranch, KOA Journey and Route 66 R.V. Ranch.
When is the best time for Texas Panhandle canyons?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
