Upper Comanche Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

more stats

3.2 miles

Distance

435 ft

Climb

-425 ft

Descent

00:29:47

Avg time

10 ft

Altitude change

2,841 ft

Altitude min

2,937 ft

Altitude max

2,919 ft

Altitude start

2,930 ft

Altitude end

0.1%

Grade

-31.5%

Grade max

35.3%

Grade min

5,079 ft

Distance climb

1 mile

Distance down

1 mile

Distance flat

00:29:47

Avg time

Upper Comanche Details

Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Canyon, Texas
Difficulty Rating

Blue Rate
Local Popularity
85 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 90 in E-Biking
- 90 in Trail Running
- 80 in Hiking
Global Ranking
#35807 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #17306 in E-Biking
- #82658 in Trail Running
- #87888 in Hiking
Trail Type

Singletrack
Direction

Downhill Primary
Popular Direction Shown
Climb Difficulty

Blue
Physical Rating

Moderate
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

Yes up to Class 1

So, you want to ride the full length of the canyon and maybe skip some of the crowds? Great, the Comanches have you covered! The first section, Upper Comanche, starts at the Mack Dick Group Pavillon. It's a gentle start--a pedal across the canyon floor through rock outcroppings and cedar stands. There will be a dip or two, a brief climb or three, and a certified sandy spot or four. The real fun begins once you reach the canyon wall. The singletrack winds up and along a narrow ledge featuring blind corners and what is fair to call a drop-off in spots. Depending on the time of year and the time of day, you may encounter another trail user. Yes, turkeys count as trail users. A friendly, "Rider up" or bell ding wouldn't hurt. Once you traverse the ledge, it's another sprint across the canyon floor. Dips. Rocks. Sandy spots. You could bail out at the Hackberry Campground, but why do that? Oh, you need to use the restroom? Understandable, but otherwise, skip the bail out and tackle the first true climb--a mild switchback behind the campground. It's a minor struggle, compared to what awaits on Middle Comanche. Save your break for the "window rock" feature. You're forgiven for taking a pic of your bike propped up, all nice and framed by the rocks. However, there is no forgiveness for a selfie. There's a little rock notch near the window feature that has some spice. Heartburn? You'll reach a trail map soon enough. At the map, take the Soapberry Spur to the road for relief. Just know the relief isn't instant--you'll have to work a bit. Up for more? Middle Comanche is next.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week

4 rides
25 miles average

6 Months

87 rides
22 miles avg distance

All

295 rides
Last: Jul 15, 2026

c1	c2	c3	c4
January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December

update trails status or condition

Upper Comanche Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Jun 19, 2026 @ 3:47pm (America/Chicago) Jun 19, 2026
	Jun 12, 2025 @ 2:41pm Jun 12, 2025
	May 31, 2025 @ 10:17am May 31, 2025
	Apr 30, 2024 @ 6:53am Apr 30, 2024
	Mar 2, 2024 @ 8:13am Mar 2, 2024	About as good as UC geta