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Dinosaur Valley State Park

Name: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Rating: 3.62

Type: Trail

Length: 7.60 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $7.00

Rating:

(3.62)44

Difficulty: 2stars

(2.18)

Solitude:

(2.73)

ADA Accessible: N/A

Bikes Allowed: Yes

Dogs Allowed: N/A

Interpretive Guide: N/A

Address: F.M. 205

City: Glen Rose

County: Somervell

More Information: More Info

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Photos

Lots and lots of water, we just enjoyed the scenery along the river...but no tracks! (Photo by CraigS)

View of the Paluxy from most of the way up the Yellow Trail. (Photo by theperfectstorm)

Western end of the Blue trail heading north

Blue trail heading north, just after crossing the river. (Photo by theperfectstorm)

The limestone bed of this creek creates a natural spillway and fairly clear water since the limestone acts as a filter. (Photo by Blaze)

This is another view of the trail. (Photo by Blaze)

The summit provides a nice view of the Paluxy River below. (Photo by Blaze)

One part of the trail takes you up to the top of the hill overlooking the Paluxy River. (Photo by Blaze)

The trail crosses the Paluxy River at a couple of points. The rocks can be slippery when wet. (Photo by Blaze)

The limestone in this section of the Paluxy River makes a popular, natural swimming spot. (Photo by Blaze)

Here are some more dinosaur tracks. (Photo by Blaze)

This is a well-preserved dinosaur track. (Photo by Blaze)

This is a view of some dinosaur tracks preserved in the limestone. (Photo by Blaze)

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Log Entries

Must cross the Paluxy River twice. Water was near knee deep first cross.
By Ed Kotapish on 11/24/2018
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Distance: 7.60 Miles Duration: N/A

We started out with the weather at a chilly 40F. The first river crossing was in near knee deep water for me (knee deep for my daughter). The hike was a nice walk around and under trees, mostly cedars, with slight ups and downs in elevation. The paths were still quite wet even though there hadn't been any rain for almost a week. Very well marked at trail departures. The second crossing was in ankle deep water near the Tracks 2 site. Things warmed up as we went and it was pleasantly warm with a nice breeze when we finished. This hike may become an annual thing for Thanksgiving.

By Brooke_Lee on 2/22/2016
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Distance: 6.50 Miles Duration: N/A

When it comes to getting wet, and crossing rivers this was perfect for my hiking group and I. We got to cross the Pulxey and found our way to the 45 foot tall waterfall. Since the lack of rain the waterfall wasn't too impressive - but the trek across the river was awesome. We loved the solitude throughout the whole park, not a single other hiker around. The only real complaint I have about the park is how they mark their trail. We tried hiking the dark blue trail, and got lost several times due to the markings on the trees not really giving too much direction. But this is a place we will be traveling to again in the future!

Dinosaur Valley SP
By CraigS on 6/27/2015
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Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: N/A

The water was high, not much to see in the way of "Dinosaurs", but we did enjoy the hiking.

By dis466 on 4/9/2015
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Distance: 2.20 Miles Duration: N/A

Trails are mostly easy to follow but not blazed..easy to get off of a trail and find yourself on another. Lots of nice views and flora.

A favorite of mine
By rodavenport on 10/4/2014
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Distance: 15.00 Miles Duration: N/A

I really enjoy Dinosaur Valley. It is very active along the river and on the campground side of the river but once you get over on the backside of the park you pretty much have it to yourself. The occasional hiker or bike rider is about all you see

By theperfectstorm on 6/20/2013
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Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Short hump up the blue trail and the yellow trail. Rain last night left the trail a little soft, but easily traversed.

A Really Cool Place!
By Blaze on 4/14/2013
Rating: 3point5stars

Difficulty: 2stars

Solitude:

Distance: 5.80 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 51 minutes

I hiked the trails of Dinosaur Valley State Park as a part of a group. This group also hiked Cleburne State Park the preceding day (you can find my log of that trail here).

Hiking the trails of Dinosaur Valley State Park is interesting because there are several places where you can find dinosaur tracks preserved in the limestone (the dinosaurs were the original hikers, lol!). The trails take you across the scenic Paluxy River, up to the top of a large hill adjacent to the river, and around different areas of the park. This is a great place for families to take their kids as there is a lot to see and learn. Kids love playing in the clear waters of the river.

Since some members of the group were tired and/or injured from the previous day's hike, we didn't hike all of the trails as we had to cut the route short. This left plenty of daylight, so I departed from the group to hike the trails of nearby Meridian State Park (you can read my log of that hike here).

Lots of trails here, and DINOSAURS!
By BANDA on 6/11/2012
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Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A

Very interesting park, with lots of trails and informational signs and exhibits.

By jaewonne on 1/21/2012
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Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: 3 hours

Great trail for beginners, it was for us
By HarleyHikers on 10/10/2010
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Distance: 2.20 Miles Duration: 2 hours

We hiked there sunday afternoon. Beautiful day. The park had a troop of boyscouts there, but we only saw them near the parking area. No camping was available, they were full, but we travelled there on our hogs to hike it anyway.

If it has been raining, you may be unable to cross into the area of the trails, or more importantly, cross back out to your car.

Look forward to going back, Next time we'll reserve a campsite.

Only showing last 10 log entries. View All Log Entries