Dinosaur Valley State Park – Where Time Left Its Tracks
This isn’t a museum behind glass. It’s a living, breathing world of wonder.
Wade into the Paluxy River and place your hand where a 60-foot Acrocanthosaurus once stepped. The tracks are right there. Tangible. Ancient. And mind-bending. Bring the kids. Bring your curiosity. Leave your expectations at the city limits sign. There are no walls here, just open skies and plenty of space to roam and explore.
Just 90 minutes southwest of Dallas and Fort Worth, Dinosaur Valley State Park is where ancient footprints meet modern curiosity. You can hike through limestone canyons, picnic under shady oaks, or stand in the river and feel time itself press beneath your boots. Around here, science and storytelling walk side by side and everyone gets to be an archaeologist for a day.
Dinosaur Tracks Discovery in the Paluxy River
This is what put Glen Rose on the map — the real dinosaur tracks that turned a quiet river into living history. More than a century ago, locals spotted strange three-toed footprints pressed deep into the limestone riverbed. Turns out, they belonged to sauropods and theropods that walked here over 113 million years ago. Today, you can still follow their paths right where they were found.
When the Paluxy River runs low, dozens of prints reveal themselves in the sunlight — some so clear you can see claw marks. It’s hands-on history, not behind a fence or glass case. Kids call it “the best science class ever.” Grown-ups call it humbling. Either way, the Dinosaur Tracks Discovery experience is something you’ll talk about long after the river rises again.
Best Time to See the Tracks: Late summer through early fall, when the Paluxy runs low and the prints are fully visible.
Family Adventures at Dinosaur Valley State Park
Kids don’t need much convincing to visit a place called Dinosaur Valley.
Trails wind past real tracks, and rangers lead fossil talks that make bedtime stories look tame. There’s a junior ranger program, plenty of picnic spots, and a gift shop stocked with dino gear that guarantees at least one T-rex roar on the ride home.
Couples’ Escapes in Glen Rose
Call it prehistoric romance.
Walk hand in hand through sun-dappled trails where time slows down, and the only traffic jam is a family of deer crossing the path. At golden hour, the limestone cliffs glow, the river mirrors the sky, and your camera finally earns its keep.
Easy Exploration for Seniors and Relaxed Travelers
Comfort comes easy here.
The park’s paved areas and short scenic trails make it easy to see the famous tracks without rough terrain. Benches overlook the river, and the visitor center offers air-conditioned exhibits, friendly staff, and plenty of shade when the Texas sun decides to show off.
Group Visits and Guided Tours at Dinosaur Valley State Park
Church outings, scout troops, photography clubs, Dinosaur Valley fits them all.
Group shelters and open spaces make it easy to set up camp, share lunch, or swap tall tales about the “big one” that got away. Educational programs and guided tours can be arranged for larger groups that want a deeper dive into the park’s prehistoric story.
Visitor Information for Dinosaur Valley State Park
- Location: Two miles west of Glen Rose off Highway 67.
- Hours: Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM (longer in summer).
- Admission: Small day-use fee; kids under 12 are free.
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer or early fall, when the Paluxy runs low and the tracks are clear.
- What to Bring: Water shoes, sunscreen, curiosity.
Before or after your visit, stop by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center just up the road and trade dinosaur tracks for living ones. And when the day winds down, the cabins and cottages around Glen Rose make a fine place to rest tired feet.
Why Dinosaur Valley Is Legendary
The dinosaur footprints discovered here in 1907 put Glen Rose on the map — and in the Smithsonian. Sections of the limestone riverbed were cut and shipped across the country, but the originals remain right where nature stamped them. You’ll leave with more than pictures. You’ll leave with a sense of awe that sticks, because legends don’t hurry — they linger.
Know Before You Go: Quick Visitor Answers
Can you still see real dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park?
Yes. Real dinosaur footprints are visible in the Paluxy Riverbed when the water is low, usually in late summer or early fall. You can check track visibility on the park’s daily update page before visiting.
What’s the best time of year to visit the park?
Spring and fall offer mild weather, wildflowers, and clearer riverbeds for viewing the tracks. Summer brings more visitors but longer daylight hours for exploring.
How much does it cost to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park?
Admission is typically $8 per adult, and kids 12 and under are free. A Texas State Parks Pass covers entry for annual members
Are pets allowed at Dinosaur Valley State Park?
Yes, leashed pets are welcome on most trails and picnic areas. For safety, pets aren’t allowed in the riverbed where dinosaur tracks are located.
Where is Dinosaur Valley State Park located?
The park sits just outside Glen Rose, about 90 minutes southwest of Dallas–Fort Worth, along FM 205. It’s a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country.