Things to Do in Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, is best known for the dinosaur footprints preserved in the Paluxy River. You can also hike, swim, camp, explore the river and see life-size dinosaur models.

We’ve visited twice. The first time, we saw actual dinosaur tracks and crossed the Paluxy River. Years later, we came back with our 4-year-old daughter to show her the dinosaur models. This time, the river was too high to see the tracks.

If seeing the tracks is your main goal, check the park’s webpage or social media for current track conditions before you go, or call the park at (254) 897-4588. The river is usually lowest in late summer, which is the best time to see them.

Best Things to Do in Dinosaur Valley State Park

1. See Real Dinosaur Tracks in the Paluxy River

The dinosaur footprints are the main reason many people visit. Millions of years ago, dinosaurs walked through mud along the edge of an ancient sea, and their footprints were eventually preserved in limestone. Today, you can see them in the bed of the Paluxy River when the water is low enough. They include tracks from large meat-eating dinosaurs and long-necked sauropods.

We saw some of the tracks on our first visit. On our return with our daughter, they were underwater. Some trails and crossings can also close after rain, so check the Dinosaur Valley State Park page for current conditions.

2. Visit the Life-Size Dinosaur Models

Near the park entrance are two large dinosaur models, one of the most recognizable sights at Dinosaur Valley. They originally appeared at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair before finding a home in Glen Rose.

Showing them to our daughter was one of the reasons we came back, and she liked them. They’re especially fun for young kids, and they make a great photo stop.

3. Explore the Paluxy River and Blue Hole

The Paluxy River runs through the park. When conditions allow, you can swim, fish or paddle, and Blue Hole is one of the popular swimming areas.

On our first visit, we crossed the river slowly because the current was strong. With kids, pick a calm access area and watch the depth and current, especially after rain.

4. Hike the Trails

Dinosaur Valley has about 20 miles of trails through woods, along the river and into the hills. We hiked some of them on our way to the river.

Some routes cross the river, so access depends on current conditions.

5. Go Camping at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Camping is another way to enjoy the park, and we have a funny memory from an earlier visit.

We’d booked a primitive walk-in campsite. As dusk approached, we started hearing strange noises nearby. I got so nervous about whatever was making them that we left for a hotel that night and came back to the park the next day.

We still laugh about it.

The park has developed campsites with electricity and primitive sites, so you can pick the setup you’re comfortable with.

Not sure camping is for you? Here’s where to stay near Dinosaur Valley instead.

6. Visit the Interpretive Center

We stopped at the interpretive center, a good place to learn more about the tracks and the area’s natural history. It’s especially helpful with kids who want to know which dinosaurs left the tracks and how they lasted millions of years.

The park also runs ranger-led programs, so check the event calendar for your dates.

Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park With Kids

We returned when our daughter was four. The park has plenty of ways to spend time outdoors without committing to a long hike.

For a family visit, I’d prioritize the dinosaur models, the river and the tracks if they’re showing. A short walk or a picnic fits easily into the day, and you can ask about Junior Ranger activities if your child likes nature and history.

Best Time to Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for walking and exploring. We’ve seen bluebonnets blooming here in April.

Summer is popular for river activities, though the Texas heat makes hiking uncomfortable during the hottest hours. If the tracks are your priority, lower water reveals more footprints, so plan around dry spells.

Dinosaur Valley State Park Entrance Fees, Hours and Reservations

The park often reaches capacity during its busy season, March through November, so reserve your day pass or campsite before making the drive.

Where to Stay Near Dinosaur Valley State Park

If camping isn’t your thing, or, like us, you change your mind at dusk, Glen Rose has hotels, cabins and vacation rentals just outside the park.

Find hotels and cabins in Glen Rose for your dates →

Is Dinosaur Valley State Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy state parks, hiking or dinosaur history. Seeing real dinosaur footprints in a riverbed sets Dinosaur Valley apart from other Texas parks.

We’ve enjoyed it on two very different trips. Even with the tracks underwater the second time, we were glad we went back.

More Texas State Parks to Explore

• Lost Maples State Natural Area: hiking, camping and fall colors in the Texas Hill Country
• Caprock Canyons State Park: camping, canyon scenery and the park’s roaming bison
• 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: for a bigger West Texas trip

Dinosaur Valley is an easy addition to a North Texas road trip, especially if you want dinosaur history and time outdoors in one day.