Palo Duro Canyon: Agatized Wood Rockhounding in Randall County, Texas

Updated June 2026

Palo Duro Canyon is a mapped rockhounding spot in Randall County, Texas. Reported finds include agatized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Randall County
State: Texas
Coordinates: 34.97945, -101.70533

Geology at Palo Duro Canyon

This spot sits on Dockum Group, undivided, mapped as shale that formed roughly 245 to 210 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Dockum Group, undivided
Age: 245–210 Ma (Middle Triassic to Late Triassic)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 3,180 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Palo Duro Canyon

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 54°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CANYON station (13 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Bureau of Economic Geology — Texas geology
Big Bend National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Palo Duro Canyon

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Agatized Wood Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Palo Duro Canyon.

Palo Duro Canyon FAQ

Where is Palo Duro Canyon?+

Palo Duro Canyon is in Randall County, Texas, at 34.97945, -101.70533.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Palo Duro Canyon?+

Palo Duro Canyon is reported to produce Agatized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Palo Duro Canyon?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Palo Duro Canyon?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Palo Duro Canyon?+

The most comfortable months at Palo Duro Canyon are September to May.

How do I get to Palo Duro Canyon?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.97945, -101.70533 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Texas

See all 94 Texas spots →

Open Palo Duro Canyon on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.