Dinosaur Valley State Park Paluxy River is a unique destination for state park touring enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in paleontology. Located near Glen Rose, Texas, this 1,524.72-acre (617 ha) park is a National Natural Landmark that offers a variety of activities, with a particular focus on dinosaur tracks and the park’s geological history.
Dinosaur Tracks and Geological Wonders
The park is renowned for its dinosaur tracks, which were left in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean around 113 million years ago. These tracks can be found in the riverbed and are not always visible, so it’s recommended to check the park’s social media channels for current track visibility and trail status before visiting.
The park features five main track site areas, each with named individual track sites. These sites contain both sauropod and theropod tracks, with some sites showcasing long sequences of sauropod tracks and others featuring well-preserved juvenile sauropod tracks. The “Dancing Hall of the Tracks” is the largest site, containing nine very large sauropod tracks and ten smaller juvenile tracks, providing evidence of a young sauropod being pursued by a theropod.
The park’s geology is also noteworthy, with eastward-dipping limestones, sandstones, and mudstones of the Glen Rose Formation deposited during the early Cretaceous Period. Over time, these formations have been eroded and sculpted by the Paluxy River, revealing resistant beds and exposing sizable rock formations in the river bottom.
Outdoor Adventures and Amenities
In addition to dinosaur track exploration, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, and paddling in the river. Visitors can also watch for wildlife, look for geocaches, or ride horses in the 100-acre South Primitive Area, which has no potable water available.
The park features 20 miles of trails, and guided tours are available through Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company, which offers horseback riding, horse-drawn wagon rides, and wrangler-assisted trail rides for children aged 3 to 14.
Volunteering and Educational Opportunities
Visitors can get involved by volunteering or joining the Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park. The park offers ranger programs, such as observing dinosaur tracks, stars, and wildlife, as well as workshops for learning new skills like archery, fishing, and geocaching.
Nearby Attractions
Glen Rose, known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” offers additional attractions such as Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum, the Somervell County Museum, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and the Cedar Loop – Great Texas Wildlife Trails.
Visitor Information
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entrance fees are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under. For more information, contact the park at (254) 897-4588.
References:
1. AllTrails – Paluxy River Trail
2. Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park – Dinosaur Tracks
3. Wikipedia – Dinosaur Valley State Park
4. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Dinosaur Valley State Park
5. TripAdvisor – Dinosaur Valley State Park