Dinosaur Valley State Park
Glen Rose, Texas
Around 113 million years ago, dinosaurs walked in the muddy edge of an ancient ocean, and left footprints that are still visible today. The mud was the perfect composition to preserve the prints, and they were likely exposed during a flood millions of years later. The two types of tracks visible are Sauropod tracks (large elephant-like tracks) and Theropod tracks (smaller with three-toed pattern). There are five different track site areas in the State Park to view prints, and they are not always visible since they are in the riverbed.
Walk down to the Paluxy River to find the five sets of dinosaur tracks. One site is temporarily closed while repairs are being made for stability.
Explore over 20 miles of trails on the park, bring your mountain bike, or geocache at this State Park. You can bring your own horse to explore 100 acres or take a guided tour with Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company horseback tours for ages 3 and up.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is excellent bird and wildlife watching, and is home to endangered wildlife such as the golden-cheeked warbler, the black-capped vireo and the Texas horned lizard (horny toad).
Campsites are available at this beautiful park, and facilities include trailer/motorhome hookups, primitive walk-in campsites, further distanced hike-in campsites, and also group camping. Restrooms with showers available, picnic tables also provided. Book early at this popular spot and reservations can be made online. Check out the park’s events page for family-friendly events including Star Party.
Download the Dinosaur Valley State Park app for digital dinosaur track maps on your GPS-enabled smartphone to help you locate the different areas of tracks.
Special-needs:
- The trails to the dinosaur tracks are rugged and rocky, and are not wheelchair friendly. Check with park rangers for accessing trails marked as easy.
Know before you go:
- The Paluxy River usually recedes during summer months for best visibility of submerged prints. Check the park’s Facebook and Twitter feeds for current hiking trail closures and dinosaur track visibility.
- Download the free Dinosaur Valley State Park app.
- Book all camping and tour reservations in advance.
- Take plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellant.
- Bring water sandals to explore the Paluxy River and athletic shoes for hiking and exploring trails.
How to get there:
Dinosaur Valley State Park
1629 Park Rd 59
Glen Rose, TX 76043
(254)897-4588
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley
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