Craving wide-open skies, rolling plains, and dramatic canyon views? A road trip through the scenic drives around Amarillo delivers all that and more. Nestled in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a gateway to some of the most underrated and picturesque landscapes in the Lone Star State. From vibrant red-rock canyons to historic highways and peaceful lakeside loops, this region offers the perfect escape for anyone who loves the open road.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or adding Amarillo to a larger Texas road trip, these scenic routes are made for sunrise drives, spontaneous photo stops, and a deeper connection with the land. You won’t find crowded highways or tourist traps here—just beautiful backroads, natural wonders, and iconic Americana. Buckle up and explore the most breathtaking drives around Amarillo.
Overview of Amarillo’s Scenic Road Trip Routes
The Amarillo area is often overlooked when it comes to Texas road trips, but that’s exactly what makes it special. With its blend of rugged canyons, high plains, and quirky roadside attractions, the region is a goldmine for scenic drives that go beyond your typical sightseeing itinerary. These drives reveal the true character of the Texas Panhandle—raw, expansive, and full of surprises.
From the dramatic descent into Palo Duro Canyon to serene lakeside roads near Lake Meredith, you’ll experience a range of landscapes that transform with every mile. Amarillo also lies near historic U.S. Route 66, adding a layer of nostalgia and Americana charm to your adventure. You’ll find opportunities for hiking, stargazing, photography, and even glimpses of prairie wildlife along the way.
These scenic drives are more than just routes—they’re experiences. Each one offers its own rhythm, story, and scenery, making Amarillo a must-stop for road trip lovers ready to uncover the untamed beauty of West Texas.
Scenic Road Trip Routes Near Amarillo
1. Palo Duro Canyon Scenic Drive
One of the most breathtaking drives in all of Texas, the road through Palo Duro Canyon State Park takes you down switchbacks into the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Along the way, you’ll see dramatic red cliffs, towering rock formations, and wild Texas landscapes that look like something out of a Western movie.
Address: 11450 Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $8 per person (entry fee)
Famous For: Texas’s most scenic canyon views and hiking trails along the drive
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit early or late in the day to catch the canyon in golden light—and avoid peak heat.
2. Lake Meredith Loop
This peaceful loop circles Lake Meredith, offering lakefront views, rolling hills, and quiet picnic spots perfect for a relaxing day trip. It’s a great contrast to the canyon terrain, with serene water views and plenty of wildlife watching.
Address: 419 E Broadway St, Fritch, TX 79036
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Serene lake views, bird watching, and hidden coves ideal for picnics or kayaking
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pack a lunch and stop at Harbor Bay or Fritch Fortress for scenic photo ops.
3. Texas Route 207: Canyon to Claude
A lesser-known but jaw-dropping route, this stretch of Highway 207 runs from Canyon to Claude through rolling plains, bluffs, and colorful mesas. It’s a photographer’s dream with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views.
Address: Starts south of Canyon, ends in Claude, TX
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Stunning high plains vistas and remote beauty that feels untouched
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Fill up your gas tank before heading out—services are limited.
4. Route 66: Amarillo to Adrian
Drive west from Amarillo on the original Route 66 to Adrian, the exact midpoint of the historic highway between Chicago and Los Angeles. Along the way, you’ll pass nostalgic roadside stops, quirky signage, and wide-open plains.
Address: Start at SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX – End in Adrian, TX
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Iconic Route 66 stops, ghost-town vibes, and retro nostalgia
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop for pie and a photo at the Midpoint Café in Adrian—it marks the halfway point of Route 66.
5. Caprock Canyons Scenic Drive
Located southeast of Amarillo, this drive takes you through the Caprock Canyons State Park, home to dramatic red cliffs, bison herds, and less-crowded hiking trails. It’s a rawer, wilder alternative to Palo Duro Canyon.
Address: 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX 79255
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $5 per person
Famous For: Bison sightings, deep red rock formations, and quiet wilderness roads
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Drive slowly and look for bison crossing the road—this is their turf.
6. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center Drive
This short, scenic drive just northwest of Amarillo leads to a quiet nature preserve with walking trails, wide-open views, and sunset photo spots. Great for a quick escape into nature close to town.
Address: 2301 N Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124
Hours: Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $4–$6
Famous For: Easy trails, native wildlife, and open sky views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive an hour before sunset for soft golden-hour photos of the high plains.
7. Old Tascosa Road to Boys Ranch
A peaceful country drive following the old cattle trail that once connected Amarillo to the historic town of Tascosa (now Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch). Rolling plains, abandoned buildings, and prairie solitude make it a quiet yet scenic escape.
Address: Follow US-385 North from Amarillo to Boys Ranch, TX
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Historic West Texas trail, ghost town ruins, and open range vistas
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Watch for wildflowers and old homesteads along the way—this road is full of stories.
Packing Tips and Road Trip Hacks
- Binoculars for birdwatching at Lake Meredith and Caprock Canyons
- Extra water and snacks—many routes are remote
- Fully charged phone and portable battery
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hat
- Offline maps or printed route guides
- Lightweight hiking shoes for short trails
- Spray paint for a quick stop at Cadillac Ranch
- Tripod and camera for landscape photography
- Layers—Panhandle weather changes fast
- Don’t forget a cooler for picnic supplies
Local Tips and Seasonal Events
Best season: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Route 66 Festival: June celebration in Amarillo with vintage cars and music.
Sunset drives: Plan evening drives for cooler weather and glowing landscapes.
Gas up early: Rural roads often have long stretches without gas stations.
Wildlife safety: Watch for deer, bison, and birds on early morning or evening drives.
Conclusion
The scenic drives around Amarillo are more than just roads—they’re windows into the heart of the Texas Panhandle. They offer solitude, wild beauty, and the thrill of the open road without the crowds or chaos. From canyons to lake loops and nostalgic highways, these routes deliver freedom and wonder with every mile.
If you’re seeking a road trip that blends adventure with serenity, Amarillo’s backroads and scenic byways deliver an unforgettable ride. So start your engine, cue up your favorite driving playlist, and let the horizon pull you forward. The best Texas road trips begin where the pavement disappears into the sky.
