Type
State Park / Track Site
Age
Early Cretaceous, ~113 mya
Established
1972
Best time
Late summer and early fall (August–October) when the Paluxy River is typically lowest and tracks are most exposed
- ◆Sauropod and theropod trackways in the Paluxy River bed
- ◆Evidence interpreted as a predator following prey
- ◆Tracks made by Sauroposeidon and Acrocanthosaurus
- ◆Tracks visible when river levels are low
Photos
Overview
Dinosaur Valley State Park is built around the famous Glen Rose trackways, preserved in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River. When water levels drop, visitors can literally walk among footprints left by enormous long-necked sauropods and large meat-eating theropods that crossed an ancient shoreline about 113 million years ago.
Geology
The tracks are preserved in the Glen Rose Formation, limestones and muds laid down along the margin of a shallow Cretaceous sea. Dinosaurs walking across the firm, sticky carbonate mud left deep impressions that were quickly buried and lithified, capturing not just shape but stride and behavior.
What You See
Several track sites are reachable on foot, especially in late summer when the river runs low. You can see long sauropod trackways and three-toed theropod prints, including sequences interpreted as a large predator trailing a sauropod — a rare snapshot of dinosaur behavior. The park also has trails, swimming holes, and fiberglass dinosaur models.
Famous Finds
The sauropod tracks are attributed to a giant like Sauroposeidon, and the large three-toed prints to Acrocanthosaurus. Track slabs lifted from this area in the 1930s are displayed at major museums, including the American Museum of Natural History.
Visiting
Check the park's river conditions before visiting — track visibility depends on water level. Bring shoes you can get wet, sun protection, and patience for the best low-water windows in summer and fall.
Best time to visit
Late summer and early fall (August–October) when the Paluxy River is typically lowest and tracks are most exposed. After heavy rain, tracks may be submerged.
Getting there
60 miles southwest of Dallas-Fort Worth via US-67 to Glen Rose. The park entrance is on Park Road 59. No public transit — plan to drive.
Map
Glen Rose, Texas — approximate location only. Exact fossil localities are not published to protect sites from looting.
Market & Provenance
Trackways here are protected. Commercial dinosaur material from Texas Cretaceous beds is uncommon on the market compared to Hell Creek — verify any Texas provenance claim carefully.
Collecting & Legality
Collecting is prohibited. As a Texas state park, all fossils and tracks are protected and must remain in place. The park is for viewing and education only.
FAQ
When can I see the tracks?
When the Paluxy River is low — typically late summer. Call the park or check their river level reports before visiting.
Can I take a track home?
Absolutely not. Tracks are protected Texas state resources.
Are the fiberglass dinosaurs original fossils?
No — they are mid-century display models at the park entrance, not real specimens.