Dinosaur Valley State Park: Can You Actually See the Tracks? (Our Honest Review)

While visiting Dallas, Texas, we wanted to explore the surrounding countryside on a unique day trip. About an hour south of Fort Worth, we discovered the small town of Glen Rose. The town is fully leaning into its unique claim to fame with large billboards, statues, and dinosaur-themed parks found along the main roads.

The promise of Glen Rose is almost unbelievable: the chance to physically stand in 113-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. But is it just a tourist gimmick, or can you actually see the tracks? We spent a few hours exploring the Paluxy River bed to find out.

Spoiler Alert: It’s incredible, but we made a massive mistake on our itinerary. Here is our firsthand review of Dinosaur Valley State Park, how to find the best tracks, and the practical tips we wish we knew before we arrived.

The Big Mistake: How Much Time Do You Need?

We only allotted two hours in our itinerary to explore the park, and within the first 20 minutes of being there, I instantly regretted not allotting at least a half-day.

We assumed this would be a quick “look at the footprints, take a photo, and leave” kind of stop. We were completely wrong. People were camping, enjoying picnics, and swimming in the river. Can you imagine floating in an inner tube down the river literally over dinosaur tracks? While we were disappointed not to have more time to relax, the surreal awe of standing where enormous creatures once roamed made the trip entirely worth it.

Finding the Tracks: The Main Site vs. The Ballroom

Near the entrance, we picked up park maps, paid our entrance fees, and walked through the interpretive center. Because we were short on time, the rangers pointed us toward the two most popular and visible areas: the “Main Track” and the “Ballroom” sites.

The Main Track Site (Be Careful!)

Located across the northwest parking lot, the Main Site is accessible via a stone staircase leading down to the riverbed. To see the most visible tracks, you have to carefully cross a series of stepping stones to the other side of the river.

Road Trip & Travel Tip: These limestone rocks are incredibly slippery. Do not attempt this in flip-flops. Take your time!

Once across, you’ll see large tracks embedded in the limestone bottom of the river. The larger tracks are believed to be made by the Sauroposeidon (Brontosaurus), and the smaller three-toed tracks by the Acrocanthosaurus (a theropod similar to the T-Rex). The park staff regularly cleans these tracks and may rope off certain areas for preservation.

The Ballroom Site: A Prehistoric Dance Floor

Just south of the Main Track is the Ballroom Site. It earned the name “ballroom” because the tracks go in every direction, almost like a prehistoric dance floor. Over 500 dinosaur footprints of different depth and clarity, representing at least three dinosaur species, have been recorded here.

Beyond the Tracks: Hiking and Amenities

Even if the water levels are too high to see the footprints, there is so much to do at Dinosaur Valley State Park. You can swim or fish in the river, observe wildlife, geocache, camp, ride bikes, or tackle over 20 miles of hiking trails.

There is also a Park Store near the large dinosaur models that offers snacks, outdoor supplies, and souvenirs. Parking is highly accessible, with four different lots spread throughout the park.

The “Real Talk” Survival Guide

To make the most of your trip, here is what you need to know before pulling into the parking lot:

• 📱 Check the Water Levels: If it rained recently, the river gets muddy and the tracks disappear. Check the park’s social media the morning of your trip for “track visibility” updates.
• 🧹 The “Whisk Broom” Hack: Bring a small, soft whisk brush. Silt often settles into the footprints, and gently brushing away the debris makes for way better photos.
• 🩴 Dress for the River, Not a Hike: Bring water shoes, beach towels, and even an inner tube. You will be getting wet if you want to get close to the tracks.
• 🧊 Beat the Heat: Bring extra water and a cooler; Texas summers are no joke.
• 🦟 Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable: It is hot, humid, and next to a river in Texas. You will need repellent.
• 🗓️ Best Time to Go: End of summer typically has the lowest water levels, making tracks easiest to spot.

Frequently Asked Questions