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.