Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, is a renowned destination for nature enthusiasts and paleontology enthusiasts alike. However, due to severe drought conditions, the park has been under a “burn ban” to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of its natural resources.
Understanding the Dinosaur Valley State Park Burn Ban
The burn ban at Dinosaur Valley State Park is a necessary measure implemented to mitigate the risk of wildfires during periods of extreme drought. This ban prohibits the use of open fires, including campfires and grills, within the park boundaries. Instead, visitors are encouraged to use charcoal or containerized fuel for cooking purposes.
Discovering New Dinosaur Tracks
The drought conditions that have led to the burn ban have also had an unexpected benefit – the exposure of new dinosaur tracks. As the riverbed dried up, layers of sediment were revealed, uncovering footprints that had been buried for millions of years. These tracks belong to two species: Acrocanthosaurus, a theropod, and Sauroposeidon, a sauropod.
Exploring the Park’s Amenities
Despite the burn ban, Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a wealth of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park features an amphitheater, biking trails, bird watching opportunities, a dump station, firewood sales, fishing, geocaching, group day-use facilities, a headquarters/ranger station, hiking trails, horseback riding, hot showers, ice sales, paddling, a park store, parking, picnic areas, a playground, restrooms, a scenic overlook, swimming in the river, and various nature/interpretive trails.
Booking Your Stay at Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a variety of camping options, including 54 sites with different site types and nightly/daily rates. The peak season rates for 2024-2025 are as follows:
| Site Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Pavilion | $25.00 |
| Group Camp | $40.00 – $60.00 |
| Campsite Primitive | $16.00 – $18.00 |
| Campsite Electric | $26.00 – $70.00 |
To book your stay, you can visit the Texas State Parks ReserveAmerica page or the Dinosaur Valley State Park website.
Accessing Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is accessible by car, with GPS coordinates of 32.25151, -97.81219 or 32°15’5″N, 97°48’44″W. From Fort Worth, take Highway 377 South to Granbury, then Highway 144 to Highway 67, and finally West on Highway 67 to Glen Rose. From Waco, take Highway 6 to Meridian, then Highway 144 to Glen Rose, and finally FM 205 for 4 miles North to Park Road 59.
Conclusion
The Dinosaur Valley State Park burn ban is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and preservation of this unique natural wonder. While open fires are not allowed, visitors can still enjoy the park’s many amenities and the opportunity to witness the newly exposed dinosaur tracks. By following the park’s guidelines and respecting the burn ban, visitors can help protect this incredible piece of Texas history for generations to come.
References:
– Texas State Parks ReserveAmerica page
– CBS News article on new dinosaur tracks
– Dinosaur Valley State Park facility details
– Texas Parks and Wildlife Department burn ban information
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Twitter post on burn ban