DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK HIKE

Let’s meet at Dinosaur Valley State Park and hike approximately three to 15 miles. There will be easy options to cut the hike short if you are not up for the entire length. We will aim for a moderate pace and stop frequently for water, lunch, snacks, photos and catching your breath. I’m not one for leaving any hiker behind. If you are solo and lagging, I will walk with you and let the speedsters go ahead.

However, this is not a beginner hike. There will be hills, water crossings and many rocks and roots. Good footwear advised and you might want your trekking poles. (The ranger assures me there are NO live dinosaurs, but I’m not sure I believe it.) Dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. There is no place to get drinking water once we cross the river. We are starting earlier to keep it cool but it is sure to warm up.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1,524-acre park in Somervell County operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The park includes the world-famous (seriously!) dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River.

It is located four miles west of Glen Rose. Take U.S. Highway 67 to FM 205 for four miles to Park Road 59; then go one mile to the headquarters. Entrance fee: $8 per day, per person 13 and older. Gate is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before you leave and ideally as soon as you decide you are going, visit https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ to make a reservation to arrive 8-10 a.m. They limit entries and the park often fills up on nice weekends when tracks are visible.

We will start hiking promptly at 10:15 a.m. Message if you will be later than that. We meet in front of the restroom, picnic area and playground on the left side of the road past the dinosaur sculptures and park store. There is a good-sized lot there and others a short walk away. This meet location is circled in red on the trail map in the photos.

The route will total about 15 miles but loop back toward the vehicles periodically so there will be options to cut it as short as three miles. It will likely take at least six hours to hike the full 15 miles. I planned a route that minimizes the amount of trail that gets repeated. The route is shown in the photos. See and download a trail map here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4503_0094s.pdf
Free maps also handed out at the gate.

We will cross the Paluxy River twice. One crossing is a matter of easy walking over large stepping stones. The other involves rock-hopping or even wading through shallow moving water depending on the water level. There are no bathrooms, drinking water faucets (or even Starbucks – true!) once we cross the river. Bring supplies. Much of the trail is shaded with some sections in direct sun.

Overall, this is an excellent varied hiking experience ranging from flat to challenging. We are not likely to see a lot of people once we get away from the river, the dinosaur tracks and the overlook.

My number is 512-663-8701 if you have an issue on the trail and I am not within yelling distance. However, bear in mind that cell service is iffy in much of the park. If you have questions now, please add them in the comments section, so the group can respond accordingly. Feel free to bring dinosaur spray if you have it – you never know!