Some of us never outgrew our fascination with dinosaurs. So, if we get a chance to see real dinosaur tracks, we don’t pass it by!
Just outside the town of Glen Rose, Texas, at Dinosaur Valley State Park, is a collection of the most amazing set of dinosaur tracks you can find. They are so impressive that the park has been designated as a National Natural Landmark.
You do have to time your visit right, though, because they are located in the Paluxy River and heavy rain can cover up most of them. Your trip to your winter Texas home in September/October would be your best time to see them, after a nice hot summer.
The Tracks
The tracks were created around 113 million years ago. At the time the dinosaurs lived, this wasn’t a river though, it was an ocean. The tracks were first discovered in 1909 but weren’t really paid much attention to until 1937 when a fossil collector named R.T. Bird from the American Museum of Natural History came to the area after seeing a track at a store in New Mexico.
Some of the tracks were cut out and sent to museums in New York and in Austin. Finally in 1972 the park was opened in order to preserve the tracks.
There are five named areas that have “clusters” of tracks and there are Sauropod tracks and the three-toed carnivorous Acrocanthosaurus (Theropod) tracks. Some are easy to get to, some are a little harder so you’ll want to review the guide.
The past couple of years there has been a drought so quite a few more tracks were uncovered.
The Rest of the Park
There are 44 campsites with water and electricity available in the park, as well as one group campsite that can hold 40 people.
The park also has a great little store where you can buy supplies as well as all kinds of dinosaur memorabilia – for your grandkids OR yourself.
There are also several hiking trails of various difficulty. Check out the map here.
Fees
Entrance Fees are currently $8 for adults, children 12 and under are free (always check website before going to verify prices are current).
The park is open daily from 6am-10pm and its highly recommended that you make reservations because the park can fill up.
Also, be sure to call ahead (512) 389-8900 or check the website to make sure the weather has been cooperative so you can see the tracks you’re hoping to see.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Located at 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043.
Leave a comment