Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the prehistoric world. With its vast array of dinosaur tracks and fossils, the park offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the wonders of the Jurassic period. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the park’s timings, services, and amenities, ensuring you have all the information you need to plan your perfect visit.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Hours of Operation
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The park’s trails close at 4 p.m., but all day-use visitors can stay until the park closes at 10 p.m. It’s important to note that no re-entry is allowed after 10 p.m.
The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Admission Fees
Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park comes with a small admission fee, which is as follows:
| Visitor Type | Admission Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (13 and older) | $6 |
| Youth (6-12 years old) | $2 |
| Children (5 and under) | Free |
| Heritage Pass (2 adults, 4 youth) | $67 |
The Heritage Pass provides unlimited admission to Dinosaur Valley State Park, as well as Fort Trumbull and Gillette Castle, throughout the calendar year.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Amenities and Services
Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a wide range of amenities and services to enhance your visit. These include:
- Amphitheater
- Biking and hiking trails
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Horseback riding
- Hot showers
- Ice sales
- Park store
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Scenic overlooks
- Visitor center/museum
The park’s Exhibit Center, which houses more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space and the famous dinosaur tracks, has recently undergone renovations and is now open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Horseback Riding
For those interested in horseback riding, Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a 100-acre South Primitive Area where visitors can bring their own horses to explore the wooded, semi-rocky area along the river. Additionally, the park partners with Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company to provide guided horseback riding tours and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Ranger Programs and Activities
Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a variety of ranger programs and activities for visitors to enjoy. These include:
- Observing dinosaur tracks
- Stargazing
- Wildlife watching
- Skill-building workshops
The park also offers a Tackle Loaner Program, which allows visitors to borrow fishing equipment if they don’t have their own.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Pet Policy
It’s important to note that pets are not allowed on the park’s hiking trails. Pets can only be in the picnic and open areas of the park.
Conclusion
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, is a true gem for anyone interested in the prehistoric world. With its unique combination of dinosaur tracks, fossils, and a wide range of amenities and services, the park offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor, Dinosaur Valley State Park is sure to leave you in awe of the wonders of the Jurassic period.
References:
– Dinosaur Valley State Park on ReserveAmerica
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Official Website
– Texas Parks and Wildlife Department