Palo Duro Canyon was created by wind erosion and water erosion from the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. This stream carved out a colorful, rugged canyon; some 800 feet deep and 110 miles long; exposing layers of earth.
The canyon was home for pre-historic Indians nearly 12,000 years ago and was officially discovered by Captain R.B. Marcy in 1852. In 1874, it was the scene of a decisive battle between the Comanche and Kiowa Indians and the U.S. Army troops. It was also the site of an early ranch started by Charles Goodnight in 1876.
"Texas", the nation's most popular outdoor drama, is performed evenings, during the summer months in an open-air theater nestled at the bottom of a 600' canyon wall. The Kwahai Indian Dancers also stage theie annual Indian Summer Ceremonials in September and October on the outdoor stage.
