Amarillo’s primary attraction is Palo Duro Canyon — the second largest canyon in the United States. It’s a spectacular place to visit and equally spectacular for running and trail running. The canyon is known for its incredible rock formations and incredible colors — especially around sunrise or sunset. Notes: Admission fee required. Also, many of the trails are very exposed and the heat can be brutal. Carry water and take the right precautions.
The place is also a treat for runners because there is such a variety of trails, and many are fairly level. The most popular, and great for running (especially when not too crowded) is the Lighthouse Trail, which leads to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation. It’s 5.6 miles out and back and and fairly flat, except for the 0.5 mile steep hill approaching Lighthouse rock. It winds through small bushes and cacti, and features great views of the canyon.
Aurélie Vilmer
There are several other terrific trails for running, ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. Something for everyone! See the trail map and descriptions, which detail length, features, and degree of difficulty. For shade, we recommend the Rojo GrandeTrail. For a running challenge, the Givens, Spicer, Lowry Trail is a 10k out and back named for the runners who helped carve out the trail.
Our thanks to ************@***il.com” data-hovercard-owner-id=”150″>Aurélie Vilmer for suggesting this spot and for her wonderful photos.
Aurélie Vilmer
Amarillo’s primary attraction is Palo Duro Canyon — the second largest canyon in the United States. It’s a spectacular place to visit and equally spectacular for running and trail running. The canyon is known for its incredible rock formations and incredible colors — especially around sunrise or sunset. Notes: Admission fee required. Also, many of the trails are very exposed and the heat can be brutal. Carry water and take the right precautions.
The place is also a treat for runners because there is such a variety of trails, and many are fairly level. The most popular, and great for running (especially when not too crowded) is the Lighthouse Trail, which leads to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation. It’s 5.6 miles out and back and and fairly flat, except for the 0.5 mile steep hill approaching Lighthouse rock. It winds through small bushes and cacti, and features great views of the canyon.
Aurélie Vilmer
There are several other terrific trails for running, ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. Something for everyone! See the trail map and descriptions, which detail length, features, and degree of difficulty. For shade, we recommend the Rojo GrandeTrail. For a running challenge, the Givens, Spicer, Lowry Trail is a 10k out and back named for the runners who helped carve out the trail.
Our thanks to ************@***il.com” data-hovercard-owner-id=”150″>Aurélie Vilmer for suggesting this spot and for her wonderful photos.
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Essentials
Depends on trail chosen. Lighthouse Trail is 5.6 miles out and back
Lighthouse Trail is 398 foot (121m) gain -- all of that in last 0.5 miles
Depends on trail chosen.
Most trailheads easly reachable by car; the Canyon is 30 min south of Amarillo
The best spot for a run in downtown Amarillo is to enjoy some of the attractive residential streets between Taylor and the I-40 that recall the city's economic heyday. The highlight is S Polk St., which features attractive, historic buildings and homes.
One of our favorite places for running in Amarillo. Located 8 miles west of downtown, the Nature Center features 6 miles of easy-to-moderate trails for running, showcasing the area's native grasslands. Add on with the Old Soncy multi-use path.
John Stiff Memorial Park is the largest park in Amarillo for running. There are 4-5 miles of paths, including an 0.8 mile loop around McDonald Lake. For a longer run, connect to The Greenways park & neighborhood.
Cliff-lined lake located 70 miles north of Amarillo, featuring spectacular scenery and popular for boating, fishing, and hiking. Trail running ranging from easy to strenuous. Some sections along the lake/river, others rolling hills through canyons and mesas.
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Essentials
Depends on trail chosen. Lighthouse Trail is 5.6 miles out and back
Lighthouse Trail is 398 foot (121m) gain -- all of that in last 0.5 miles
Depends on trail chosen.
Most trailheads easly reachable by car; the Canyon is 30 min south of Amarillo
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!