Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaur Valley State Park encompasses 1,524 acres along the Paluxy River in Somervell County near the town of Glen Rose in North Central Texas. The park is world-famous for preserving dinosaur tracks in the limestone bedrock of the Paluxy River, making it one of the premier locations on Earth to observe actual dinosaur footprints left approximately 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The tracks include those of both carnivorous theropods like Acrocanthosaurus and massive herbivorous sauropods, providing extraordinary evidence of dinosaurs that once inhabited this region when it was a coastal mudflat along an ancient sea. Beyond the dinosaur tracks, the park offers scenic Texas Hill Country landscapes, river recreation, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Two fiberglass dinosaur models, a Tyrannosaurus rex and an Apatosaurus, serve as iconic park landmarks and photo opportunities. The park attracts paleontology enthusiasts, families, and outdoor recreationists from across Texas and beyond.

The park's diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife typical of the Cross Timbers and Hill Country ecotones. White-tailed deer are abundant and frequently observed throughout the park, particularly near dawn and dusk. The Paluxy River and its riparian corridor provide habitat for raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and ringtails. River otters have occasionally been reported in recent years as populations expand in Texas river systems. The park is home to numerous bird species including great blue herons, green herons, and belted kingfishers along the river, while woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, and various warblers inhabit the wooded areas. Turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks are commonly seen soaring overhead. The park hosts various reptiles and amphibians including several turtle species, numerous lizards, and both harmless snakes and occasional venomous species like copperheads and rattlesnakes. The Paluxy River supports populations of fish including sunfish, bass, and catfish. Small mammals like squirrels and cottontail rabbits are abundant and provide prey for predators.

Dinosaur Valley State Park features vegetation characteristic of the Cross Timbers region, with mixed oak-juniper woodlands dominating much of the landscape. Post oak, live oak, cedar elm, and Ashe juniper are the primary tree species creating a varied canopy across the park. The riparian zone along the Paluxy River supports sycamore, pecan, cottonwood, and willow trees that provide shade and stabilize the riverbanks. Understory vegetation includes various shrubs, vines, and smaller trees including Texas persimmon, roughleaf dogwood, and agarita. Grassland openings feature native grasses such as little bluestem, indiangrass, and various muhly species, though invasive grasses have encroached in some areas. Spring brings impressive wildflower displays with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, various coneflowers, and other native species creating colorful meadows. The park's plant communities provide food and cover for wildlife while contributing to the scenic quality valued by visitors. The vegetation has changed significantly since the Cretaceous Period when dinosaurs left their tracks in what was then a subtropical coastal environment dominated by ferns and early flowering plants.

The geology of Dinosaur Valley State Park centers on the Glen Rose Formation, a limestone layer deposited during the Lower Cretaceous Period approximately 113 million years ago. During this time, the region was a coastal environment along the shore of a shallow sea that covered much of central Texas. The dinosaur tracks were formed when dinosaurs walked across mudflats or shallow water near the ancient shoreline, leaving footprints that were then covered by additional sediment and eventually fossilized through lithification into limestone. The tracks are preserved as natural casts where sediment filled the impressions and hardened. Erosion by the Paluxy River has removed overlying layers, exposing the track-bearing limestone in the riverbed where they can be observed today. The tracks are most visible when river levels are low and the limestone bedrock is exposed. The Glen Rose Formation limestone is relatively soft and weathers more easily than some other rock types, contributing to ongoing erosion but also making the tracks accessible. The geological setting provides extraordinary evidence of ancient life and past environmental conditions.

The park experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters typical of North Central Texas. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s to low 100s Fahrenheit, with high humidity making conditions feel even warmer, though the Paluxy River provides cooling recreation opportunities. Annual precipitation averages around 32-35 inches, distributed throughout the year with slightly higher amounts in spring and fall. Spring thunderstorms can be intense, occasionally producing heavy rainfall, lightning, and hail. The Paluxy River can rise rapidly during and after heavy rains, making the dinosaur tracks inaccessible and creating potentially dangerous conditions in the river. Flash flooding is a risk during intense storms. Winter temperatures are generally mild with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, though periodic cold fronts bring freezing temperatures and occasional ice or snow. Spring offers ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and wildflowers, making it the most popular season for visiting. Fall also provides pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Summer heat is intense but draws many visitors for river wading and swimming.

The Glen Rose area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with various indigenous peoples utilizing the resources of the Paluxy River valley. Documented historical occupation began with Anglo-American settlement in the mid-1800s, with the town of Glen Rose established in 1849 and becoming the county seat of Somervell County. Ranching and farming developed as primary economic activities. The dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River were known to local residents for many years before gaining scientific and public attention. In the 1930s, tracks were "excavated" by cutting them out of the riverbed and selling them to collectors and museums, a practice that removed many important specimens before such activities were regulated. Scientific studies of the tracks began in earnest in the 1930s and 1940s, establishing the site's paleontological significance. The tracks attracted enough interest that protecting them became a priority. The area became a destination for both legitimate scientific research and, unfortunately, various fringe theories and hoaxes attempting to dispute established science.

Dinosaur Valley State Park was established in 1972 when the State of Texas acquired the land to protect the extraordinary dinosaur tracks and provide public access to this significant paleontological resource. Prior to state acquisition, the tracks were on private land and had suffered from both natural erosion and human impacts including commercial "mining" of tracks. The park's creation ensured permanent protection of the tracks and regulated access to prevent further damage. The two iconic fiberglass dinosaur models, originally created for the 1964 World's Fair in New York, were acquired and installed in the park in the 1970s, becoming beloved landmarks despite not being scientifically accurate representations. Park development included trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and educational exhibits about dinosaurs and paleontology. Over the decades, the park has balanced recreation with resource protection, implementing measures to protect the tracks from excessive foot traffic while allowing visitors to view and even wade among them when conditions permit. The park has been continuously improved with updated facilities and interpretive programs while maintaining the focus on the extraordinary fossil resource.

The park's premier attraction is the dinosaur tracks themselves, visible in the limestone bedrock of the Paluxy River when water levels are low enough to expose the riverbed. Multiple track sites exist throughout the park with the most accessible near the main river crossing. Visitors can wade in the river to view tracks up close, an experience available at few other locations worldwide. The park features several hiking trails including the Dinosaur Track Trail, a short path leading to track viewing areas, and longer trails like the Cedar Brake Trail and Denio Creek Trail offering backcountry hiking experiences through varied terrain. The two large fiberglass dinosaur models provide popular photo opportunities, especially for families with children. The park's scenic river valleys and limestone bluffs offer beautiful vistas. River activities including wading, swimming in designated areas, and primitive paddling attract many visitors during warm months. Wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities abound along the river corridor and throughout the park's varied habitats. Interpretive programs and exhibits educate visitors about dinosaurs, paleontology, and the Cretaceous environment.

Dinosaur Valley State Park offers comprehensive visitor facilities including multiple campgrounds with sites ranging from those with water and electrical hookups to primitive backpacking campsites. Modern restroom facilities with hot showers serve the developed camping areas. Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, many located along the river or in shaded areas. A park store provides camping supplies, drinks, snacks, and educational materials about dinosaurs and paleontology. An amphitheater hosts interpretive programs during peak seasons. The park is located approximately 4 miles west of Glen Rose on Park Road 59, about 90 miles southwest of Dallas-Fort Worth. Glen Rose offers various tourist amenities including restaurants, lodging, and other attractions. The park office provides information, maps, and assistance to visitors. Day-use and overnight entry fees are charged. The park is popular year-round but especially busy during spring and summer. Advance reservations are recommended for camping during peak seasons and holidays. The river areas require sturdy footwear due to rocky conditions, and visitors should check water levels before attempting to view tracks.

Dinosaur Valley State Park's primary conservation mission focuses on protecting the irreplaceable dinosaur track resource from natural erosion and human impacts. Park management carefully monitors track conditions and implements access controls to prevent damage from excessive trampling. Educational programs teach visitors about the scientific value of the tracks and the importance of preservation, encouraging responsible behavior. Natural erosion by the Paluxy River continues to slowly wear down the tracks while occasionally exposing previously buried tracks, presenting ongoing management challenges. The park protects significant areas of Cross Timbers and riparian habitat that support diverse native species. Invasive species control efforts target plants that degrade native ecosystems, with particular attention to riparian areas. The park participates in wildlife monitoring programs and collaborates with researchers studying track preservation and paleontology. Water quality in the Paluxy River is monitored, though upstream influences from the broader watershed affect local conditions. Sustainable recreation management balances public access with resource protection, maintaining trails to prevent erosion and restricting access to sensitive areas. The park serves as an outdoor classroom for learning about paleontology, geology, and conservation.