Drive west, fly into AMA, then plan the canyon timing

Getting to Amarillo

Amarillo is easy to reach on a map, but the drive still rewards a little planning, especially if you want Palo Duro Canyon to stay at the center of the trip.

Arrival map

Rick Husband Amarillo Airport sets up the Amarillo arrival.

This map shows the main arrival choices before the rest of the trip gets locked in. Rick Husband Amarillo Airport is the primary approach to compare first. Palo Duro Canyon is the helpful backup or add-on choice. The lines are planning corridors, not turn-by-turn road geometry, so use live directions before you drive.

Tap a marker to see how each town fits the drive.
Solid line is the main approach; dashed lines are alternate regional approaches.

Open driving directions →

Second Star gear guide

Road Trip Essentials

Road-trip packing list

Road-trip gear for the drive in.

Phone mounts, chargers, coolers, emergency pieces, and small car organizers for the airport run, scenic approach, and ride home.

Car Phone Mounts

$25.6

Road Trip Coolers

$275

Car Emergency Kits

$49.99

Open road-trip guideMore picks on SSG →

From Dallas/Fort Worth

A long but straightforward Texas drive with enough West Texas scale to need a full day.

From Lubbock

An easy West Texas connection if you are stitching together a broader Panhandle route.

By air

Rick Husband Amarillo International (AMA) is the convenience play if you want to skip most of the highway time.

Arrival tips that actually help

Daylight matters: Palo Duro Canyon is more rewarding when you give yourself time before sunset.
Wind and sun are real: pack for exposed outdoor time, even when the city feels calm.
Use the hotel to simplify the day: a central overnight can save more time than it costs.
Keep the itinerary tight: Amarillo is better with one strong purpose than with too many scattered stops.