Where Dinosaurs Roamed!

Long ago, dinosaurs left footprints in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. Today, you can walk in their tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River. This long trip to the past is just a short drive from Fort Worth.

Things to Do

Find dinosaur tracks, camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, swim and fish in the river, watch for wildlife, look for a geocache, ride your horse, or visit our interpretive center.

Stay at one of our regular or backpack campsites. Explore 20 miles of trails. Shop our park store for souvenirs, camping and fishing supplies, books and much more. 

Discover dinosaur tracks:  It’s easy to find dinosaur tracks in the park – just head to the river!

• Dinosaur tracks are in the riverbed and are not always visible.  Trails may be closed due to wet conditions or weather; please contact the park, or visit our Facebook page or  Twitter feed, prior to arrival for current trail status and dinosaur track visibility.
• Download maps on your GPS-enabled smartphone from our Mapping Dinosaur Tracks page.
• Learn more on our Nature page.

Ride your horse:  Bring your own horse to explore the 100-acre South Primitive Area. The river runs through this wooded, semi-rocky part of the park. No potable water is available; horses can drink from the river (bring your own bucket).

Volunteer:  We need your help! To volunteer:

• Contact us!
• Visit our Volunteer page (search on our zip code:  76043).
• Visit the Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park.

For more information:

• Interpretive Guide to Dinosaur Valley State Park
• Read our swimming safety tips before you swim.
• Get the free Dinosaur Valley State Park/Glen Rose smartphone app for your Android device or for your Apple device. 

Ranger Programs

Observe dinosaur tracks, stars, wildlife and more at a ranger program. Or learn a new skill at one of our workshops; we teach archery, fishing and geocaching.

• Check our Events page for upcoming programs and workshops.
• Contact the park to set up a special tour or program for your group.
• Borrow a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack for the kids in your group!
• Sign out a Birding Kit that includes binoculars, a reference guide, and a Birds of Dinosaur Valley pocket checklist.
• Want to go fishing but don’t have the equipment visit our park store and ask about the Tackle Loaner Program.

Citizen’s Park Ranger Academy:  Experience the adventure of working in a state park in this unique, five-week program. We cover wildland firefighting, search and rescue, interpretive programs, park operations, law enforcement and more. The program is free; students must be at least 15 years old.