Explore Off-Road in the Canyons & Plains of the Texas Panhandle

With rugged landscapes that range from red-banded cliffs to sprawling grasslands and plains, the Texas Panhandle is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. To explore the area to the fullest, ditch the pavement and set off down remote dirt roads in search of adventure.

From mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon and paddling in cliff-lined coves to camping under starry skies away from it all, this guide will take you through this wild and exciting region of the Lone Star State.

Ready to hit the dirt road? The all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport brings trail-ready capability and rugged style to your off-roading adventures. The vehicle is packed with elevated technology and available accessories to handle the tough terrain you’ll encounter on a road trip through the Texas Panhandle. Keep reading to start planning your journey with this powerful SUV.

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Mountain Bike in Palo Duro Canyon

At approximately 120 miles long by 20 miles wide and up to 800 feet deep, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the country. Explore the incredible range of mountain bike trails in and around the canyon, with terrain suited for riders of all levels.

In Palo Duro Canyon State Park, choose from five bike-friendly, multiuse trails and one technical mountain bike-only trail that winds along the canyon floor. The stratified redrock cliffs and towering hoodoos provide a stunning backdrop for the ride. Keep an eye out for wildlife — including Texas horned lizards, wild turkeys, roadrunners, and more.

Or head to the canyon rim, where there is more than 10 miles of singletrack and an additional 20 miles of bike-friendly doubletrack and dirt roads at MERUS Adventure MTB trails. Perched atop the redrock escarpments, these trails offer stunning views of the region’s unique landscape and the canyon below.

Paddle the Panhandle

Get out on the water at one of many lakes in the Texas Panhandle. At Possum Kingdom State Park, clear blue waters and more than 300 miles of shoreline bordered by dramatic cliffs make for an intriguing paddle. Navigate hidden coves and around protruding rock formations as you explore the 17,000-acre lake.

Then make your way to the southeastern corner of the lake, where you can continue your journey down one of the most scenic stretches of the Brazos River, which flows under high granite bluffs before opening up to reveal spectacular views of the Palo Pinto Mountains.

In the northern part of the Panhandle, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is an oasis amid the region’s arid grasslands. The lake is prone to high winds, but non-motorized vessels can find a quiet refuge to paddle in the Spring Canyon Basin.

The basin’s wetlands are one of seven unique habitats around the lake that support migratory birds and other wildlife. After your paddle, don’t miss a chance to go for a spin on the recreation area’s OHV trails at Blue Creek or Rosita Flats.

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Adventure Off-Road

Speaking of OHV trails, beginners and seasoned off-road drivers can put their skills to the test at the off-road trails at MERUS Adventure. As one of the most unique trail systems in the region, this 5,500-acre park offers more than 30 miles of hand-built trails that combine a dynamic mix of obstacles, from sharp ascents and descents to rocky terrain that demands precision and skill.

Grab a multiday pass and book one of 140 remote campsites on the property to explore on your own. Green trails throughout the park are the perfect level for stock off-road vehicles, like the Honda Passport. Or get tips for handling your vehicle and navigating rugged terrain from an experienced off-roader.

Camp in the Great Wide Open

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Panhandle’s sprawling prairie landscapes with an overnight stay at Caprock Canyons State Park. Choose drive-in sites with full hookups or primitive hike-in sites. Either way, you’ll have a chance to pitch your tent beneath the stunning Caprock Escarpment this popular park is known for.

During the day, explore trails through dramatic redrock landscapes and spot Southern Plains bison on the grasslands. After the sun goes down, direct your gaze upward. As a Dark Sky Preserve, the park offers exceptional views of the cosmos with minimal light pollution.

Looking for a more secluded spot? Opt for Lake Marvin in the Black Kettle National Grasslands or Copper Breaks State Park — both near the Oklahoma border. These remote areas offer a quiet place to escape the crowds and connect with nature.

Make a Pitstop at a Quirky Roadside Attraction

Punctuate your off-road adventures with cultural experiences you can only find in the Texas Panhandle. Across the region’s vast landscapes, the last remaining Texas longhorn herds graze. Keep an eye out for the iconic symbols of the state’s western heritage in pastures throughout the Panhandle, including at Fort Griffin Historic Site along the historic Great Western Cattle Trail, where the largest herd resides. Or get a chance to observe smaller herds at Copper Break, Palo Duro Canyon, and San Angelo state parks.

Then, cruise Highway 40 — known as the Main Street of America because of its connection to the Historic Route 66 — to hit a variety of unique locales, including the Leaning Tower of Texas, the Historic 6th Street District and colorful murals throughout downtown Amarillo, and plenty of entertaining roadside art.

If you’ve worked up an appetite on the road, you’re in luck. The Texas Panhandle is home to some of the most iconic Texan-sized meals. Stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch, where you can tuck into a 72-ounce steak — free of charge if you can finish the full meal in one sitting — and other Texan meals of more reasonable portions.

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This article was sponsored by the all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport.