Palo Duro State Park warned hikers of the triple-digit temperatures after responding to several rescues on Thursday, June 6, according to a Facebook post from the Texas State Park. Officials temporarily closed the canyon after recording a surface temperature of 127 degrees on Thursday.
“We have had several rescues already today, stay safe and not rescued,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in the Panhandle just southeast of Amarillo, wrote in the post.
Officials also recommended the following summer hiking tips when visiting Palo Duro: wear sunscreen; carry 1 liter of water per person per mile; take lots of breaks; hike early in the morning; take electrolytes with you; and if it’s over 80 degrees it might be too hot for your dog to go hiking.
The Palo Duro staff wrote on Facebook that they respond to hundreds of rescues for heat-related illnesses each year. Last summer, a teenage boy died after being rescued from the Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park on June 21, 2023, according to officials. First responders said the teen was experiencing heat-related injuries. He was transported to a hospital where he later died.
In June 2022, officials rescued 40 hikers in one day at Palo Duro Canyon State Park due to excessive heat.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is known for its hiking trails. It is the second-largest canyon in the country and lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. The park has over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
