The Texas Panhandle, the straight and narrow section in the northernmost area of the state, covers over 81,000 square miles. The land here is predominantly a high, flat, treeless plateau that transitions from flat plains to gently-rolling hills separated by canyons.
Like other states of similar structure, the Panhandle juts out at a right angle, perpendicular to the larger main section of Texas. Looking at a map of the state you will see the “Panhandle” looks somewhat like the handle of a frying pan, and hence the name.
This region of Texas is predominantly made up of flat, grassy plains and is the southernmost tip of the Great Plains that extends southward from the Central United States. The Panhandle is also referred to as the Llano Estacado, Spanish for “Staked Plains.”
Deep and striking canyons cut by numerous rivers and tributaries that snake through the area divide the eastern and western sections of the Panhandle. The eastern part of the Texas Panhandle isn’t nearly as flat as the western section. The eastern part is also lower in elevation and receives more rainfall than the western section of the Panhandle. Because it receives more moisture, the eastern section produces more brushy vegetation.
The major rivers in the Texas Panhandle include the Brazos, Canadian, Colorado, Red, and Pecos. There are also numerous aquifers in the area with the Alluvium, Cenozoic, Edwards-Trinity, Nacotoch, Pecos, Ogallala, and Seymour being the major ones.
Soil is neutral to slightly alkaline and varies in type from clay and shale to coarse sand found along streambeds. Caliche soil, having large deposits of calcium carbonate, is found two to five feet below the surface.
The area is home to many species of wildlife that depend on the Panhandle’s plentiful grasses to survive. These species include herbivores like whitetail and mule deer, pronghorns, and the American bison. There are also several species of carnivorous including foxes, coyotes, badgers, and weasels. Other species found in the area include two types of cottontail rabbits, beavers, minks, nutrias, raccoons, and opossums.
- Golfing
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
- Pioneer Amphitheater & TEXAS Outdoor Musical
- Canyon Water Park
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
- Wonderland Amusement Park (Amarillo)
- Amarillo Theatre
- Canyon Main Street (Shops and Restaurants)