Dinosaur Valley State ParkAbout Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a Texas state park near Glen Rose that protects extensive dinosaur trackways preserved in the bedrock of the Paluxy River. The impressions date to the Early Cretaceous, roughly 113 million years ago.
The most notable highlights are the in-place fossilized footprints of both sauropod and theropod dinosaurs exposed in the riverbed and on nearby outcrops. Visitors follow short trails and can walk portions of the streambed at low water to see trackways and natural outcrops; a visitor centre near the park entrance provides exhibits and trail information.
The sites and surrounding land were set aside for public protection as interest in the footprints grew during the 20th century, and the area was developed with trails, campgrounds and interpretive facilities to manage visitation.
The park sits adjacent to the town of Glen Rose in Somervell County, central Texas, within driving distance of the Dallas-Fort Worth region and other North Texas population centers.
- Age: Footprints formed in Early Cretaceous riverbed sediments roughly 113 million years ago, preserved in the Paluxy River rock.
- Best viewing: The visible track surfaces are best seen at low water on the river; seasonal flow can cover or reveal prints over months.
What to See#
- Paluxy River track sites: The main river exposures where dinosaur footprints are visible in the bed and banks of the Paluxy River, accessible on short walks that cross the stream at low water.
- Visitor center: A small visitor centre near the park entrance with interpretive exhibits, trail maps and information about the track sites and local geology.
Best Time to Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park
Spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions; early morning light reveals footprint details best and avoids the worst of summer heat.
Weather & Climate near Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (816 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -1° - 14° | 4° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 17° | 7° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 22° | 14° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 11° - 26° | 18° | 80 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 30° | 23° | 127 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 33° | 27° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 36° | 29° | 51 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 36° | 28° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 17° - 32° | 25° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 27° | 19° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 5° - 20° | 13° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 1° - 15° | 6° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is about 45 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. From Fort Worth take US-67 toward Cleburne and then TX-144 south toward Glen Rose; the park is signed from the town on Park Road 59. The park is car-accessible and offers parking near the visitor center and river access points.
Tips for Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park
- Walk the riverbeds at low flow to see multiple dinosaur trackways-late morning often reveals best light for footprints.
- Bring a camera with polarizing filter: it helps reduce glare on wet rock and makes impression details pop.
- Visit the park's interpretive center first (when open) to see casts and learn which river stretches have the clearest tracks that day.