Some places pull you in because of their beauty. Others because of their history. And then there are rare spots, like Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, that do both—while adding just the right dose of prehistoric wonder.
ARRIVAL IN THE “DINOSAUR CAPITAL OF TEXAS”
The drive into Glen Rose already sets the tone. This small town proudly calls itself the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, and the playful dino-themed murals, signs, and roadside attractions give you the sense you’re about to step into another time.
Before heading out on the trails, visitors make a stop at the information and check-in center, where the adventure truly begins. Here you’ll find helpful rangers, maps, and a small interpretive area that sets the stage for your visit. A short, seven-minute video tells the fascinating story of how the dinosaur tracks were discovered along the Paluxy River and why they remain some of the best-preserved in the world. It’s a quick but engaging way to understand the significance of what you’re about to see—and it makes that first glimpse of the tracks in the riverbed all the more powerful.
Front desk at information center
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| Watching the 7 min video |
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| Dinosaur track casts |
The entrance to Dinosaur Valley State Park doesn’t disappoint either—two towering dinosaur statues greet you like guardians of the past. These fiberglass giants may look a little cheesy, but they remind you why you’re here: to see the real deal.
TRACKS FROZEN IN TIME
The park’s main attraction lies quietly along the Paluxy River, where 113-million-year-old tracks rest beneath shallow water and layers of rock. On my visit, the river was running low, which meant the footprints of sauropods (long-necked plant-eaters) and theropods (the meat-eating cousins of T. rex) were clearly visible.
I walked along the riverbed, pausing at each depression in the limestone. Some were shallow, others deeper, as if the dinosaurs had pushed hard into the soft mud all those eons ago. Kneeling down and placing my hand inside one, I felt a connection that no museum exhibit could recreate. This wasn’t a cast or a replica—it was the actual path taken by creatures that once thundered across this very ground.
There’s a humbling stillness that comes over you in that moment. The river whispers across the limestone, carrying the weight of time, and you suddenly understand the earth has kept this record of life hidden for eons, until now.
TRAILS, VIEWS, AND SOLITUDE
Of course, Dinosaur Valley isn’t just about the tracks. The park offers over 20 miles of trails, winding through cedar brake woodlands, open prairie, and high overlooks. From the top of the Cedar Brake Outer Loop Trail, the view stretches across the rolling Texas Hill Country—sunlight shining on the river below, the landscape dotted with oak and mesquite.
For those who prefer a shorter walk, the Blue Trail hugs the river and leads directly to several track sites, making it perfect for families. Along the way, you may notice deer slipping through the brush and hawks circling overhead—a reminder that today’s wildlife carries the thread of survival from the ancient past.
STAYING OVERNIGHT
Camping here adds another layer to the experience. The park has sites for tents and RVs, as well as primitive spots for those who want a little more quiet. Imagine ending a day of hiking with a campfire, then lying back to watch the stars wheel across the Texas sky. It’s easy to picture the dinosaurs themselves once roaming beneath these same constellations.
BIG ROCKS PARK
Just a short drive from Dinosaur Valley, you’ll find another local treasure: Big Rocks Park, right on the banks of the Paluxy River in Glen Rose. True to its name, the park is filled with massive, house-sized boulders scattered along the riverbed.
Climbing over these giant rocks feels like nature’s playground. Kids scramble up the formations, families spread out picnics in the shade, and the shallow water running between the boulders makes for an easy place to cool off on hot Texas afternoons. Unlike the fossilized tracks in the state park, Big Rocks Park is more about fun in the present moment—splashing, climbing, and enjoying the quirky beauty of the Paluxy River.
What I liked most was how the two parks complement each other. Dinosaur Valley takes you deep into the past, while Big Rocks Park offers a casual, family-friendly space to enjoy the same river in today’s light. Together, they make Glen Rose feel like a town built on both memory and play.
GLEN ROSE AND BEYOND
When you’ve had your fill of dinosaur tracks and boulder climbing, Glen Rose offers plenty more. Families love Dinosaur World, a park filled with life-sized dinosaur models, and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, where you can drive through acres of open range and see giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. The town also offers a small but charming square, with shops and cafés that make a good stop before or after your park visits.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Admission: Dinosaur Valley State Park charges $8 per person for a day pass (kids 12 and under get in free).
- Best viewing season for dinosaur tracks: Late summer and early fall, when the Paluxy River is typically at its lowest.
- Bring water shoes: Both parks involve riverbeds—slippery rocks and shallow crossings are part of the adventure.
- Reservations recommended for Dinosaur Valley: Texas State Parks often fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book day passes and campsites online ahead of time.
- Big Rocks Park is free: Unlike Dinosaur Valley, Big Rocks Park is open to the public at no charge—just be prepared for crowds on summer weekends.
SUGGESTED ONE-DAY ITINERARY
Morning:
- Arrive early at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Start with the Blue Trail to see several dinosaur track sites before the day warms up.
- Spend time exploring the riverbed and taking photos of the tracks.
Lunch:
- Enjoy a picnic by the river inside the park, or head into Glen Rose town square for a local café lunch.
Afternoon:
- Drive to Big Rocks Park for climbing, splashing, and relaxing in the shade. This makes a great contrast to the morning’s prehistoric focus.
- If time allows, stop by Dinosaur World or take a short scenic drive through Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
Evening:
- Stroll around Glen Rose’s historic town square, browse a few shops, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- If staying overnight, return to Dinosaur Valley for camping—or book a cozy B&B in town for a softer landing.
WHY THIS DESTINATION STAYS WITH YOU
I’ve visited a lot of historic sites in my travels, but Dinosaur Valley felt different. The tracks aren’t behind glass, and there’s no velvet rope separating you from them. They’re right there, in the open, part of the land itself. And just down the road, Big Rocks Park adds a lighter, playful contrast, where families laugh, splash, and explore together.
That’s the magic of Glen Rose. Here, you can walk in the footprints of creatures that lived millions of years ago, then climb boulders the size of small houses—all in the same day. It’s a destination that blends wonder with joy, science with leisure, past with present.
So if your travels take you through Central Texas, carve out time for both. You’ll leave with dusty boots, wet feet, a camera full of photos, and stories that bridge the ages.
DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK
1629 PARK ROAD 59
GLEN ROSE, TX 76043
LATITUDE: 32.246194
LONGITUDE: -97.813375
