RANDALL COUNTY, TEXAS (KVII-TV) — Rangers at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Randall County had to perform swift water rescues on Monday, to get visitors to high ground after relentless rainstorms moved across the park in less than 24-hours. Roads inside the park are re-opening but all trails are closed till further notice.
“Everyone’s used to Texas weather being very bi-polar however the panhandle has its own creature of bi-polar weather up here,” said Haley Richardson, Trails & Resources manager.
Now that were in the month of June, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is going to see on average around 2,000 visitors a day. Technically the park did not close down on Monday. They had to hold people at the entrance and that was there own personal safety and they will do so again if the park experiences another significant rainfall event.
“The weather changes at a drop of a hat so it’s something that we just have to be prepared for,” said Richardson.
Concerns over floodwater and potential damage to the grounds from people hiking is why all trails are currently closed. Trails and Resources manager at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Haley Richardson, tells ABC 7 News, flash flooding in the canyon and on the rim creates a river that can easily sweep away vehicles so until the weather co-operates the trails will remain closed for now.
“Really to get them back open we need the sun to come out,” said Richardson. “We need warmer weather and to kind of avoid rain for several days. It’s just some sun get some wind out here to dry out the trails and make it safe to utilize that.”
“As much as we wanted to do the trails I feel like safety is so important its so slippery even the little path to our tent area was super slippery,” said Emma Helmstadter, camper/visitor.
“We’re staying in a cabin down in the bottom part of the valley and were kind of disappointed but were going to drive on the roads and stop at the scenic outlooks,” said Sara Helmstadter, camper/visitor.
At night be sure to check the weather and the staff at the park is sending out push alerts throughout the day on the park’s social media platforms.
