Dinosaur Valley State Park is a premier hiking destination in Texas, offering over 20 miles of trails that take visitors on a journey through the limestone ridges and the Paluxy River Valley. This unique park is renowned for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, allowing hikers to literally walk in the footsteps of these ancient creatures.
Discover the Diverse Trail Network
Dinosaur Valley State Park boasts a diverse network of hiking trails, catering to hikers of all skill levels. From the challenging Cedar Brake Outer Loop to the easy Oak Springs Trail, there’s a path for everyone to explore.
Limestone Ledge Trail
This 1.5-mile hiking-only trail is moderately difficult and takes about 2 hours to complete. It offers the chance to explore the Main Track Site, where the first sauropod trackway in the world was discovered.
Cedar Brake Outer Loop
A challenging 7.5-mile trail that provides a looping tour of the park atop limestone ridges crowned by cedar brakes. This trail is excellent for birdwatching, as endangered black-capped vireos nest in these shrubby woodlands.
Black-capped Vireo Trail
This 2.7-mile moderate trail is a great place to spot the endangered black-capped vireo. It takes about 1.25 hours to complete.
Denio Trail
A moderately difficult 1.6-mile trail that follows Denio Creek, where you might see the endangered golden-cheeked warbler along the way. This trail takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Buckeye Trail
This 1.3-mile moderate trail follows Buckeye Creek, offering the chance to see some small waterfalls. It takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Rocky Ridge Trail
A 1.0-mile moderately difficult trail that provides scenic overlooks, taking about 30 minutes to complete.
Oak Springs Trail
An easy 0.3-mile trail that introduces you to natural, bubbling springs as you walk through oak woodlands. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Overlook Trail
A challenging 0.5-mile hiking-only trail that offers a wonderful overlook view of the Paluxy River Valley. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Horseshoe Equestrian Trail
This 2.6-mile moderate trail explores the bluestem grasslands along the edge of the Paluxy River, taking about 1 hour to complete.
Paluxy River Trail
An easy 1.9-mile trail that allows you to discover many different dinosaur tracks as you meander the limestone ledge of the Paluxy River. It takes about 1.3 hours to complete.
Explore the Prehistoric Wonders
Dinosaur Valley State Park is renowned for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, which can be found along the Paluxy River and its tributaries. Visitors can wade through the cool, clear waters and search for the footprints of the Sauroposeidon proteles and Acrocanthosaurus, two of the park’s most famous prehistoric residents.
Plan Your Visit
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, and the day-use fee for adults is $7, while children 12 years and under enter for free. For more information, you can contact the park at 254/897-4588 or visit their website.
References:
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Trails Information
– Dinosaur Valley State Park on AllTrails
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Walking Trails on AllTrails
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Map
– Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park