Three nights in America's second-largest canyon for Navigators and Adventurers — a straight drive up from Spring, no overnight stop. Red rock, roadrunners, and two serious hike days under the short November sun.
| Duration | 3 nights, campsite in the canyon |
|---|---|
| Who | Navigators and Adventurers |
| Big day | Lighthouse Trail via the Givens, Spicer & Lowry (GSL) Trail — the park's rugged backcountry route to its signature formation, ~9+ miles round trip. |
| Challenge day | Rock Garden Trail — floor-to-rim and back, ~5 miles and 600+ ft of climb, the only trail up the full canyon wall. |
| Daylight | Sunset is about 5:45 PM CST in November — both hikes start early. |
| Park | Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, TX |
3-day forecast — Palo Duro Canyon
Burn bans (campfire rules)
Typical November (canyon rim): highs near 60°F, lows near 33°F. The canyon floor runs warmer by day with colder pockets at night.
Book early. Palo Duro is among the most-reserved parks in Texas — November campsites go months out. The troop reserves as a group; watch announcements for the sign-up window.
Ice closes the canyon. The switchback road down the canyon wall becomes hazardous or closes outright in winter weather — if ice enters the forecast, the badge above goes red and leadership adjusts.
Water crossings flood after rain. The park road crosses the Prairie Dog Town Fork several times; after heavy rain those crossings can run deep enough to close the park floor.
Short days are part of the plan. With sunset near 5:45 PM, both hike days start early and every Trailman carries a headlamp — no exceptions.
Panhandle November swings 30 degrees between noon and midnight — the sleep system and the layer system carry this trip.