When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
Mild and green, with good river flow and busy track-viewing weekends.
Pack Water shoes, sun protection, and a day-pass reservation.
Summer
Hot, with the Paluxy River as the main cool-down.
Pack Swim gear, electrolytes, and a dawn start for hiking.
Fall
Cooler hiking and often lower, clearer water that exposes tracks.
Pack Layers, sun protection, and a flexible plan around river levels.
Winter
Cool to cold and quiet, with low water that can reveal more tracks.
Pack Warm layer, traction for slick limestone, and waterproof footwear.
Top things to do
Dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River
The reason to come: 113-million-year-old theropod and sauropod tracks in the limestone riverbed. They are most visible when the water is low and clear, so check conditions first.
Main track sites and river crossings
Several numbered track sites line the river. Wading across to reach them is part of the experience, so plan for wet feet.
Backcountry hiking and biking trails
Over 20 miles of rugged trails climb out of the river valley into cedar-and-oak hills for hikers and mountain bikers who want more than the tracks.
Anchor the day around Dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Dinosaur Valley State Park, make Dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River the non-negotiable, add Main track sites and river crossings only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Backcountry hiking and biking trails as the flexible finish.
- 1Start with Dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River: The reason to come: 113-million-year-old theropod and sauropod tracks in the limestone riverbed. They are most visible when the water is low and clear, so check.
- 2Add Main track sites and river crossings: Several numbered track sites line the river. Wading across to reach them is part of the experience, so plan for wet feet.
- 3Use Backcountry hiking and biking trails as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
Turn Dinosaur Valley's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Dinosaur Valley State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Dinosaur Valley State Park packing list
0 of 22 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Dinosaur Valley State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, Electrolyte mix, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 4 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- If overnightSleep and shelterTent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad
Checklist mode
22 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Dinosaur Valley
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Dinosaur Valley
The buying guides that match what Dinosaur Valley asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
Camp inside the park for early-morning track access before crowds and heat, with water-and-electric sites plus primitive walk-in options. Glen Rose, a few miles east, is the natural town base with lodging, food, and nearby attractions like Fossil Rim. The park is an easy day trip from the Dallas and Fort Worth metro, about 90 minutes away.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Reserve camping and a day pass, then check the river level.
The park has campsites with water and electric hookups plus primitive walk-in sites, and Texas Parks and Wildlife notes it often reaches capacity and recommends reservations for both camping and day use.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Reservations are made through the Texas State Parks system. Book ahead for warm-weather weekends, when both camping and day passes can fill.
- Developed sites have water and electricity; primitive sites are walk-in with no hookups.
- Track visibility depends on river level, so confirm conditions with the park before building the day around the tracks.
- Enter your vehicle license plate during booking, as Texas ties the entry to the plate.
Where to book or verify
Official park page with track conditions, alerts, fees, and facilities.
Official reservation system for campsites and day passes, or call (512) 389-8900.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Water and electric sites
Details- Booking
- Reserve through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- Sites
- Developed sites with water and electricity, restrooms and showers nearby.
- Best first check for RV and tent campers who want hookups close to the track sites.
Primitive walk-in camping
Details- Booking
- Reserve through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- Sites
- Walk-in primitive sites with no hookups.
- For tent campers who want a quieter setup a short carry from the lot.
Getting there and practical info
Plan the last mile as carefully as the destination.
Airports, roads, entrances, and local movement belong in the same plan.
Getting there
Get to Dinosaur Valley State Park, then move through the park without wasting the day.
- Access rhythm
- Plan the last mile
- Region
- Texas
Car strategy
Dinosaur Valley is about 4 miles northwest of Glen Rose on Park Road 59, roughly 90 minutes southwest of the Dallas and Fort Worth metro.
Car strategy
A car is required, the gate is typically open 6 a.m.
Local movement
to 10 p.m., and trails or track sites can close in wet conditions, so check the park's current status before arrival.
Pair this with lodging: the simplest base is the one that removes a real morning problem, not just the one nearest the map pin.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
No blanket permit; the Texas Film Commission routes you to each property's process, TPWD permits media production in state parks with 90 days lead, and Government Code Chapter 423 restricts drone imaging.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Legal under FAA rules, with state statutory limits on image capture; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
- Land
- Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really see dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park?
Yes. Real 113-million-year-old theropod and sauropod tracks are exposed in the Paluxy River limestone. They are most visible when the water is low and clear, so check conditions before you go, since high water hides them.
How much is Dinosaur Valley State Park?
The day-use fee is $8 per person age 13 and older, with children 12 and under free. Camping is reserved and paid separately.
Do you need reservations for Dinosaur Valley?
Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends reservations for both camping and day use because the park often reaches capacity, especially on warm-weather weekends.