Dinosaur Valley State Park
Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs! Discover ancient tracks in the Paluxy River and explore scenic trails in this unique Texas gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs! Discover ancient tracks in the Paluxy River and explore scenic trails in this unique Texas gem.
"Walking along the riverbeds and seeing real dinosaur tracks was an unforgettable experience."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for walking on slippery river rocks to see the dinosaur tracks. Protect your feet!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Texas heat is intense. Stay hydrated, especially when hiking or wading in the river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Dinosaur Footprints
Paluxy Riverbed
Walk in the tracks of giants! See 113-million-year-old footprints of Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon preserved in the riverbed.
Paluxy River Trails
Various trailheads
Explore over 20 miles of hiking trails, many shaded, offering stunning views and access to the river for swimming and picnicking.
Picnic and Play Areas
Designated picnic spots
Enjoy a family picnic with grills and restrooms available. Many areas are shaded and perfect for a relaxing break after exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Water Shoes are a Must!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for walking on slippery river rocks to see the dinosaur tracks. Protect your feet!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Texas heat is intense. Stay hydrated, especially when hiking or wading in the river.
⏰ Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving at opening.
📱 Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone while wading in the river to capture those amazing dinosaur track photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for walking on slippery river rocks to see the dinosaur tracks. Protect your feet!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Texas heat is intense. Stay hydrated, especially when hiking or wading in the river.
⏰ Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving at opening.
📱 Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone while wading in the river to capture those amazing dinosaur track photos.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider sun-protective clothing for your time outdoors.
🩱 Swim Gear Recommended
The Paluxy River is great for cooling off. Pack swimsuits for kids and adults!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dinosaur Valley State Park for its unique prehistoric footprints and beautiful river setting. The park offers a great mix of hiking, swimming, and picnicking, making it a fantastic family-friendly destination. While the Texas heat can be intense and water shoes are essential for exploring the riverbed, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and historical significance.
"If you're planning a visit, make sure to arrive early! While parking is sufficient, it can get limited as everyone arrives for the day.
The location boasts a spacious picnic area equipped with grills and tethers for your furry friends. You'll find plumbing for restrooms in the picnic area, along with portable toilets at the entrances to most trails.
The water is stunningly clear, allowing you to spot everything from dinosaur footprints to seashells. The trails are clean and well-maintained, with connections that let you choose between long treks or shorter loops. Most trails are shaded, providing a welcome break from the sun.
That said, it does get quite hot, so be sure to bring extra water and layers for sun protection. There’s also a charming little store that offers all the essentials.
Overall, this place is fantastic for everyone, from seasoned hikers to toddlers just looking to splash around in the water."
Alisha Winegarden
"Dinosaur Valley State Park is a true gem!
The park offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty and fascinating history. Walking along the riverbeds and seeing real dinosaur tracks was an unforgettable experience. The trails are well-maintained, and there are plenty of spots for picnics and relaxing by the water. It’s a perfect place for families, hikers, and anyone who loves nature and a bit of prehistoric adventure. Highly recommend visiting!"
Parvin Khalilov
"It's a nice place to cool off in the water. I took my shoes off and walked across the slippery rocks to see the dinosaur tracks. I was amazed at how big they were! They offer life jackets to use for safety in the swimming area, too. It's a very clean park that offers several hiking trails, horseback riding, and picnic areas. They also have a fun souvenir store. I can wait to go again."
Erika Mcgehee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dinosaur Valley State Park is located in Glen Rose, Texas, about 1.5 hours southwest of Dallas. You can drive directly to the park entrance at 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043. +1
Yes, the park is well-marked and easily accessible by car. Glen Rose is known as the 'Dinosaur Capital of Texas,' so signs often point the way. +1
The most common and convenient way is by car. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 1.5 hours from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Dinosaur Valley State Park. Driving is the most practical method.
From Dallas: ~1.5 hours. From Fort Worth: ~1 hour. From Austin: ~3.5 hours. From San Antonio: ~4 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is typically $8 per person, but it's always best to check the official Texas State Parks website for the most current pricing and any potential reservation requirements.
Reservations are often recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to guarantee entry. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for current reservation policies.
Park hours typically vary by season, but generally, the park is open from 8 AM to 10 PM. It's advisable to confirm the exact hours on the official Texas State Parks website before your visit.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the park entrance, but it's highly recommended to book online in advance, especially during peak times, to avoid disappointment.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or through Texas State Parks passes. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for details on passes and potential discounts.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most famous dinosaur footprints are located in the Paluxy Riverbed. You'll need to wade into the river, so water shoes are a must!
The visibility of the tracks depends on the water level. During periods of drought, more tracks are exposed. They are often submerged, especially after heavy rain. 
You can hike, camp, picnic, swim, fish, and mountain bike. The main attraction is seeing the dinosaur footprints in the Paluxy River. +1
Yes, the river is generally safe for swimming, especially in designated areas. Life jackets are available for safety in the swimming area. Be mindful of the current and slippery rocks.
Yes, the park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks. Many trails are shaded. +1
Yes, dogs are allowed in Dinosaur Valley State Park but must be on a leash at all times. They are not permitted in park buildings or swimming areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants inside the park itself. However, there is a charming store that offers essentials and souvenirs.
The nearby town of Glen Rose offers various dining options, from casual eateries to local cafes. Loco Coyote Grill is a popular spot mentioned by visitors.
Absolutely! The park has spacious picnic areas with grills, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed meal.
Yes, there's a small store within the park that sells essentials, snacks, and drinks.
Glen Rose offers a range of dining, including American comfort food, BBQ, and local Texan cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The Paluxy Riverbed with the dinosaur footprints is a prime photo spot. The scenic hiking trails and river views also offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, especially when the water levels are low, revealing the tracks clearly. A waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing shots while wading.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photography, with softer shadows and a more golden hue.
The overlooks along the hiking trails offer expansive views of the Paluxy River Valley, perfect for capturing the park's natural beauty.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Texas State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the park's specific regulations regarding drones before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to wear swimsuits and water shoes so they can safely wade in the river and get up close to the tracks. The park offers picnic areas with grills, making it easy to enjoy a family meal surrounded by nature. Beyond the tracks, the park has hiking trails suitable for various ages and abilities, and the river is a great spot for splashing and cooling off.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Beyond hiking, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The Paluxy River is a focal point for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the natural landscape.
🚗 Day-Trippers from DFW
It offers a unique blend of outdoor activity and prehistoric wonder that can easily fill a day. Plan to arrive early to maximize your time, especially to see the dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River before the midday heat sets in. Focus your day on exploring the riverbed for tracks, enjoying a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas, and perhaps a short hike along the river trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing Prehistoric Giants
Recent discoveries, highlighted by social media creators, have revealed even more tracks that were previously hidden beneath sediment and water due to drought conditions.
+2 This makes visiting after periods of low rainfall particularly exciting for uncovering new fossil evidence. Visitors are encouraged to wear water shoes to safely navigate the riverbed and get up close to these ancient marvels. While the tracks are the main draw, the park's geology offers a glimpse into the Cretaceous period, when this area was a shallow sea. The exposed rock formations and the river itself are testaments to millions of years of geological history.
Exploring the Trails and River
The Paluxy River itself is a central feature, providing a refreshing escape during warmer months. Visitors can swim, splash, and even fish in its clear waters.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the park offers camping facilities, including RV sites and tent camping, often located near the river.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Essential gear includes water shoes for navigating the riverbed and plenty of water to combat the Texas heat.
The park provides picnic areas with grills and restrooms, making it ideal for a day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit