The Geologic Story of Palo Duro Canyon

A concise field guide explains the geology of Palo Duro Canyon, presenting regional setting and geologic time before describing the Permian, Triassic, Tertiary, and Quaternary rock units—including the Quartermaster, Tecovas, Trujillo, and Ogallala formations—and their characteristic lithologies and structures such as gypsum veins, cross-bedding, and caliche. It reconstructs canyon development through sedimentation, erosion by running water, weathering, mass wasting, and differential erosion, and notes fossil and Pleistocene evidence. The text also summarizes prehistoric and historic human presence and provides practical park information, trails, scenic points, illustrations, a glossary, and references for further study.