The best MTB trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
4.6
(6)
138
riders
8
rides
Mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers a unique experience within the second-largest canyon in the United States. The landscape is characterized by dramatic cliffs, hoodoos, and mesas, carved by natural forces over millions of years. Riders navigate red dirt trails that provide good traction, with some sandy sections, through a diverse environment featuring mesquite, juniper, and cottonwood trees along the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. The canyon's depth, reaching up to 800 feet, creates varied terrain for mountain bikers.
Best mountain bike trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Lighthouse Peak Trailhead – Lighthouse loop from Capitol Peak, an 10.7 miles (17.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 19 minutes to complete. This route leads towards the iconic Lighthouse formation, offering accessible riding with some bypasses for steeper sections.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Trail along the butte – Sunflower Trail loop from Goodnight Peak, a moderate 25.2 miles (40.6 km) path. This trail features varied terrain with climbs and descents through the canyon's rugged landscape.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Lighthouse Peak Trailhead – Capitol Peak View loop from Goodnight Peak, a 14.3 miles (23.0 km) trail leading through the canyon's diverse formations, often completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is defined by its distinctive red dirt trails, dramatic cliffs, and unique geological features like hoodoos and mesas. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy riverside paths to more challenging climbs.
- The routes in Palo Duro Canyon State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from a few reviews. More than 100 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.8
(4)
49
riders
This mountain biking loop offers a fantastic journey through Palo Duro Canyon, combining the flowy Sunflower Trail with other sections for a diverse ride. You'll pedal alongside the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, crossing multiple wooden bridges and enjoying views of red sandstone walls with white gypsum layers. The route provides a mix of open canyon vistas and shaded stretches under Texas cedar trees, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
Covering 25.3 miles (40.6 km) with 1441 feet (439 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate trail typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The starting point at The Civilian Conservation Corps area is easily accessible, but be aware that the trail can become muddy after rain. It's best to check conditions before heading out and carry ample water, especially during warmer periods.
The Civilian Conservation Corps has a rich historical presence in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, with their work evident in various park structures and trails. This loop integrates parts of the popular Sunflower Trail, known for its accessibility and family-friendly nature, into a longer, more challenging ride. It's a great way to experience the canyon's unique geology and riverine environment from the saddle.
40
riders
23.0km
01:50
150m
150m
The Lighthouse Peak Trailhead – Capitol Peak View loop from Goodnight Peak offers an easy mountain biking experience through the dramatic landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. You'll ride through a striking desert environment, characterized by vibrant red rock mountains and expansive canyon views, culminating in the iconic Lighthouse formation. The terrain varies from packed dirt to some loose, sandy sections and dry creek beds, with the Capitol Peak Mountain Bike Trail providing dedicated singletrack for a focused ride.
Planning your visit means preparing for the elements; the trail is largely exposed, so bring ample water, especially during warmer months. This 14.3-mile (23.0 km) loop, with a gentle 487 feet (148 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 1 hour and 49 minutes. It's best enjoyed in cooler weather or during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense sun exposure.
This route is a highlight for mountain bikers in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the "Grand Canyon of Texas," providing a unique opportunity to explore its geological wonders on two wheels. The combination of the multi-use Lighthouse Trail and the bike-specific Capitol Peak Trail offers varied riding, making it a memorable destination for those seeking accessible trails with breathtaking desert canyon views.
Sign up for free
10
riders
27.8km
02:28
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
The Lighthouse Trail, accessible from the Lighthouse Peak Trailhead loop near Old West Riding Stables, offers a truly scenic mountain biking experience through Palo Duro Canyon. You'll navigate wide singletrack composed of packed dirt and rock, with occasional loose sand and dry creek crossings. The route provides continuous views of vibrant red, white, and yellow rock formations, culminating in an up-close encounter with the park's famous Lighthouse sandstone tower.
This easy 9.9 miles (15.9 km) loop, with 388 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hours and 5 minutes to complete. It's a popular trail, so be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. Always carry ample water and wear sun protection due to the trail's open exposure, making it a great choice for a family-friendly mountain bike adventure.
Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to this must-do trail, which is also a designated National Natural Landmark. The Lighthouse Trail is a linchpin of the park's trail system, offering connections to other routes like the Givens, Spicer, and Lowry Trail for those seeking longer rides. Its iconic rock formations and diverse terrain make it a standout among Palo Duro Canyon State Park mountain biking routes.
4.0
(1)
9
riders
This mountain biking loop offers a fantastic tour of Palo Duro Canyon's diverse landscapes, combining the easy, riverside Sunflower Trail with the more rugged Lighthouse Trail. You'll pedal past small walls of red sandstone and white gypsum, through shaded Texas cedar trees, before reaching the exposed, colorful rock formations that lead to the iconic 300-foot-tall Lighthouse formation. It's an easy 8.3-mile (13.4 km) ride with just 246 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 59 minutes, making it a great option for a varied and scenic outing.
Starting from Wolfberry Campground, you're right in the heart of the action, with direct access to the trails. Both the Lighthouse and Sunflower trails are multi-use, so you'll be sharing the path with hikers and horses; always be mindful of other users. Given the open exposure on parts of the Lighthouse Trail, especially in warmer months, it's crucial to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Palo Duro Canyon is often called "The Grand Canyon of Texas," and this route showcases why, offering a comprehensive exploration of its varied terrain. You'll experience everything from serene river-level paths to the dramatic geological features like Capitol Peak and Fortress Cliffs. The ability to customize routes by connecting with other trails, such as the Givens, Spicer & Lowry (GSL) Trail, adds to the park's appeal for mountain bikers.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Other adventures in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Tips from the Community
Hey, I know exactly what you mean. At the beginning, I often doubted whether crypto trading was worthwhile. I stumbled across the Zeldrex investment platform (https://zeldrex-investment.org) and started testing its analysis tools. For users in Switzerland, the tools are clearly structured, which helped me to execute my first trades more confidently. After a few minor losses, I ventured a larger Bitcoin investment and finally made a profit. Since then, I plan my trades much more systematically.
0
0
Keep an eye out for the vibrantly hued Spanish Skirts rock formations as you hike along the flat, riverside trail. These natural rock curtains are a gorgeous geological spectacle.
0
0
This is a beautiful view, regardless if you're a geology enthusiast or not. The resistant sandstone beds of the Quartermaster and Tecovas formations are prominently exposed, while the overlying Trujillo and Ogallala formations have eroded away. This erosion creates dramatic geological features like the hoodoos, which are visible here. Massive Trujillo sandstone also caps the mesa to the north called Timber Mesa, home to the iconic formation "Santana's Face" by the Trading Post.
0
0
This convenient spot has it all - tasty food, restrooms, gifts and ice cream. The menu features tasty, quality meals that focus on meat dishes, with limited vegetarian options such as bread, salad, and fries.
0
0
Really easy trail, fitting for beginners. A lot of picture-worthy views and stops to recover while doing it, both for on-foot hikers as well as using bikes. It kinda reminds me of a few spots near Big Bend here in TX(not exactly in BB, but close-by, my folks and I used to go there to camp/shoot some cans with out Taurus guns from https://gritrsports.com/taurus/ pre-Covid)
2
0
One of the longer climbing sections on Lower Comanche that I thought was a great test of skill and power.
0
0
Not much shade on Comanche, this spot was it. Had a small stream trickling through.
0
0
One of the few places that actually had a canopy overhead. There was a small trickling stream and it was nice and cool
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers nearly 10 mountain bike routes on komoot, catering to various skill levels. Most of these are rated as easy, with a couple of moderate options for those seeking more challenge.
What are the best trails for beginner mountain bikers in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Beginners can enjoy several easy routes. The Lighthouse Peak Trailhead – Lighthouse loop from Capitol Peak is a popular choice, leading towards the iconic Lighthouse formation. Another accessible option is the Lighthouse Peak Trailhead – Capitol Peak View loop from Goodnight Peak, which offers diverse canyon formations.
Are there any challenging mountain bike trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
While there are no routes rated as difficult on komoot, you can find moderate challenges. The Trail along the butte – Sunflower Trail loop from Goodnight Peak is a moderate 40.6 km path featuring varied terrain with climbs and descents. The Trail along the butte – Upper Comanche Trail loop from Capitol Peak also offers a moderate experience with significant elevation changes.
What unique geological features can I see while mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon?
Palo Duro Canyon is known for its dramatic cliffs, hoodoos, and mesas. You can ride past stunning banded layers of orange, red, and brown rocks. The iconic Lighthouse formation is a must-see, and you might also encounter Stone Steps and the Big Cave.
Are there family-friendly mountain biking options in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Yes, the park offers trails suitable for families. The Paseo del Rio trail, mentioned in regional research, is an easy, family-friendly option along the river. Many of the easy routes listed on komoot, such as the Trail along the butte – Kiowa Trail loop from Goodnight Peak, are also great for families.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
The mountain biking experience in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Riders often praise the distinctive red dirt trails, dramatic scenery, and the unique geological features that make it feel like the 'Grand Canyon of Texas'.
Can I find circular mountain bike routes in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Yes, many of the routes in Palo Duro Canyon State Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lighthouse Peak Trailhead – Lighthouse loop from Capitol Peak and the Trail along the butte – Sunflower Trail loop from Goodnight Peak.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails?
You can expect diverse terrain, primarily red dirt trails that offer good traction. However, some sections may have sandy turns. The routes feature a mix of flat sections, gradual climbs, and descents, with some trails like the GSL Trail offering steeper but short climbs and drops.
Are there any visitor facilities or points of interest near the mountain bike trails?
Yes, within the park, you can find the El Coronado Lodge Visitor Center and a Trading Post. These provide amenities and information. The Givens, Spicer, Lowry, Paseo del Rio Trailheads also serve as key access points to the trail network.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon?
While specific weather data isn't provided, the park's desert-like environment suggests that spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for mountain biking. Summers can be very hot, and winters can be chilly, so checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Palo Duro Canyon State Park generally allows dogs on trails, but they must be kept on a leash. It's always best to check the official park website for the most current regulations regarding pets before your visit. You can find more information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon.
Where can I find information about permits and parking for mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
For information on park entry fees, permits, and parking, it's best to consult the official Palo Duro Canyon State Park website. They provide up-to-date details on all visitor requirements. Visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon for the latest information.
Most popular attractions in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
