Top 27 things to do and attractions in Glen Rose (2024)

We recently took our first hike of the year at this park. This park was beautiful!! Lots of trails, with scenic views. Most trails are super easy to navigate. You can experience the river, plains, prairie, and forested areas on the same group of trails. We did the overlook trail and it took us to the top where you can see all of the plains, it is breathtaking. I would definitely recommend you make reservations in advance. There are many other trails a swim hole and a store when you first come int to the park, you can also camp and stay overnight. I 100% recommend you check it out. Bring water shoes, lots of water and snacks.

I wanted to check out this place because it's so well known in DFW. I can see the appeal of why it is popular. However, I came on the wrong day. There was a race going on in the park, so I could hear a lot of cheering on the trails I took. And there were a lot of families with kids running around. I love that there are families enjoying nature. My family introduced me to state parks as a kid too, which is part of the reason why I love hiking now. However, I got no solitude at all from my time here. I couldn't walk more than a few hundred feet without coming across another human being. The popularity of the park took away from my experience. It may be more calm at a different time. I get that. So it likely was just poor timing on my part. But I think I'll avoid really popular parks moving forward.

Love the small, wooded campsite, the wildflowers, swimming in the river! Definitely a great place to visit and relax with kids, even if the dino tracks aren’t visible when you’re there. We stayed in site 22, and it was bordered on both sides by brush, shady and private. Good neighboring sites would be both 16 and 23. Both are also shady, but 23 is not bordered on both sides by brush/trees. There is a paved walkway to the shower house between sites 25 and 26.

Lots of trails, with scenic views. Most trails are relatively easy to navigate. Everything is well maintained. You can experience the river, plains/prairie, and forested areas on the same group of trails.Would definitely recommend reservations in advance, though, to guarantee you can actually get in when you go.

We enjoyed our visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park. When we went there, the park was celebrating its 50th Anniversary on the Columbus day weekend. So there was a long line of cars but the staff handled the traffic very efficiently and we were easily able to find our designated parking spot.We were handed a map which had all the tracks and trails marked so it was up to us to decide which trail we wanted to hike.The tracks were spectacular to look at. Especially the rock formations and the limestone boulders were very picturesque. We did the scenic overlook trail which had nice views of the entire state park from the top. The hike was steep and slippery on some parts but mostly easy. So we recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots to enjoy both climbing as well as finding tracks in the water.We also recommend to carry water bottles and some snacks as the park is big and you will lose track of time.Abundant parking is available throughout the park. We will definitely be coming back.

This was a very nice state park. Great hiking trails and nice swimming area. First time there and the trails are definitely long with lots of up hills and down hills and rocky hills so definitely be careful and also to bring lots of water while hiking. The staff there a very friendly and helpful.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is an awe-inspiring destination that takes visitors on a journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Nestled along the scenic Paluxy River in Glen Rose, Texas, this park is a haven for dinosaur enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The highlight of the park is undoubtedly the well-preserved dinosaur tracks found along the riverbed, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of these ancient creatures. The immersive experience of seeing these tracks up close is truly remarkable and offers a unique perspective on the prehistoric world. Additionally, the park offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming, making it an ideal destination for adventure and relaxation amidst stunning natural surroundings.The beauty of Dinosaur Valley State Park extends beyond its dinosaur tracks. With its sprawling landscapes, lush forests, and picturesque river views, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The well-maintained trails offer opportunities for scenic hikes through diverse ecosystems, where visitors can spot a variety of wildlife and bird species. The park's campsites provide a serene escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of nature. Whether you're exploring the dinosaur tracks, enjoying a picnic by the river, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a true gem that offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and natural wonders.

Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park was an experience of mixed emotions. The park itself appeared beautiful, that should have taken us back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The iconic dinosaur tracks are a must-see, offering a tangible connection to prehistoric life. However, our trip was somewhat marred by the fact that many of the trails were closed, limiting our ability to explore the park fully.While the available trails did offer some enjoyment, the closures were a significant letdown, especially for avid hikers like us looking for a full day of adventure. The visitor center was informative, and the staff were friendly, but it couldn’t completely make up for the restricted access.Despite the setbacks, we hiked the couple miles of trail that were open. I’d recommend checking trail availability in advance if you’re planning a trip. It's a fantastic park under normal circ*mstances, but our experience was not as enriching as we had hoped.

Just visited this amazing park for the second time on September 30, 2023. It’s simply incredible—hundreds of dinosaur footprints made by at least 5 different species over 100 million years ago when the limestone river bed was a muddy seashore or saltwater marsh. In addition to the river, where you can walk and hike when the water level’s down, there’s also miles of excellent hiking and walking trails throughout the park that offer easy to moderately difficult hiking and scenic views from the limestone cliffs overlooking the river. Adults and children love this place because it’s beautiful, fascinating, and there’s lots to do.

Wow. Great experience. Knowledgeable rangers, engaged and enthusiastic. The hiking was fun, the river and rocky shoreline picturesque, and the dinosaur footprints- amazing! We camped there (primitive) and our campsite was fantastic. Set in the woods, large, had a high hook for storing trash/food off the ground, and a nice set up for a grill/fire ring. Super family friendly…we have already made plans to head back again.

The park was great! Only 1 camping loop (non primitive). Some of the spots were very close together so make sure you look at pictures. (If your going with friends may be cool to be 1 ft away.) Bathrooms were clean. The trails were closed due to rain when we got there 1/5/24 and 1/6/24. We we hiked around inner trails, to gift shop and dinosaur models. We then took a trip to Dinosaur World. (See that review for more info). On 1/7/24 we got coffee and hot chocolate with the rangers and talked by the fire. (Recommend cowboy coffee). We took a long hike and met up for the Tracks Talk. I recommend doing this as we would have had trouble finding the tracks without the ranger pointing them out. She explained the history of the park and the dinosaurs. There are miles of trails but most were closed. Several parks as well.

I came here today for the first time and brought my kids with me. We were super excited to see the dinosaur tracks and go swimming in the river. The kids had a blast in the river while I did all the work searching for the tracks. I was able to find two of them so that was super cool for us to see. We had a blast swimming. It was freezing like ice but we eventually adjusted to it a little. I would highly recommend wearing water shoes as there's parts in it that has a lot of rocks. The views were breath taking though! We loved it and are glad to get to add it to our experiences!

I've enjoyed visiting and camping here at Dinosaur valley State Park since I was a child. I enjoy the camping areas with the electric and water outlets, clean restrooms and showers are nearby. There is also primative camping near the river and horse trails. The trails range from easy to moderate and some areas have dinosaur tracks. The rangers are informative about the park and the park has areas with historical information posts. The sceneries are absolutely beautiful to walk through and look at — nature photographers would definitely enjoy the natural views and lookout points. One of my favorite seasons to visit is during the Fall and beginning of Winter. IF you are going to try and camp near the holidays... best to make reservations well in advance as the park fills up quickly.

Awesome state park. Must see, very nice park staff, great exhibit at the ranger station and nice gift shop. The dinosaur tracks in the river are amazing! Great photo can be taken by the gift shop with the life sized dinosaur models. Got to visit this park.

I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been here but it never disappoints. We had a wonderful RV site for our trailer with plenty of shade. The Paluxy was low on water but we enjoyed walking in the low parts and looking at the dinosaur tracks. The rocks are slippery so take caution when traversing them. Make sure you get a spot that fits your trailer since some of the spots are small.

It is a must-see and must-do adventure waiting for you and your family and friends. Had an absolute blast Saturday evening and Sunday morning checking out the dinosaur tracks. The adults were just as giddy as the children seeing the drought revealed tracks. Wished my grown sons were with us because the tracks were underwater years ago when we first tried to see them. Be sure to make a reservation because many people want to see the dinosaur tracks before the rain returns.

This is a beautiful park with an extensive amount of things to do, We spent 4 days here and still didn't get around to seeing/doing everything.Of course the dinosaur tracks make for the main attraction, and the dinosaurs were especially amazing for my dinosaur-loving toddler.The Blue Hole was great for swimming, and there was a beach area to set up on.Swimming at Rock Beach was fun too, and the sandy beach area was perfect for relaxing. The river bed was pretty mucky, though, making it less appealing for swimming.There are miles of trails for exploring, with varying difficulty levels. A lot of these trails are shaded, too, which is great during the hotter part of the day.Campsites were roomy and well kept. We stayed at campsite 20, which backed up to trails leading to Rock Beach and river access.Bathrooms and showers were quite nice.

Made reservations when the talk of the town was that the dry weather uncovered many tracks not viewed in years. Well, my luck brought lots of rain just before my stay which covered all the tracks and closed all the trails! We still had fun camping though. This is a beautiful park and is probably the best maintained that I have been to in many years. Staff was super friendly and offered needed advice. restrooms and showers were heated and welcomed on this freezing weekend. I plan to come back when it gets dry again to see the tracks.

If you drive 2 hours to see dinosaur stuffs, you will be disappointed. Yes there are some footprints in the river, not many, but that’s about it. It’s a beautiful scenic river. And the park is a great place for hiking camping and dipping into water.Tip: drive south 8 miles to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center to have some cool interactions with wild animals.

We spent a day in the park and it was amazing experience hiking and exploring the park. The rangers are very friendly and experienced. Look for events on thier website to explore more about the park. Plenty of parking , if u arrive later after 10 am on a weekend, it may take sometime to check in . Only suggestion I have for everyone is to prepare lot of hydration yourself when you plan to hike . The hikes are mid-level difficulties and plenty of places in between to rest. Picnic tables and remote restrooms are limited. Pets are welcome on hikes and parks as long as they are on leash.

Loved it! Seeing actual dinosaur prints in person was amazing. The park is beautifully kept and easy to get around even for first time visitors. It does have a limit on how many visitors can go in so make a reservation online. Bring your walking shoes and prepare to get them wet or in my case take them off to cross the stream to the dinosaur prints. Totally worth it! We also enjoyed the solar viewing where we got to see real time solar flares and sun spots which was really cool. And the hiking trails were great and well marked. Highly recommended!

I have seen pictures from Dinosaur Valley for years. I had a book in the 70s which showed the tracks.Going here with kids was amazing and well worth it.We went super early to avoid crowds and did a self guided tour. My biggest learning is even if tracks are “visible” they may still be under water. Luckily we were in hiking shorts. Be prepared to get wet if the water is up.I would recommend a rager hosted talk or guided tour.Avoid the “Creationist Museum” on the way to the park. Luckily it always appears closed.

Lots of trails to explore and things to see. Several Nice picnic areas. Prepare to spend the day here. Reservations are recommended because they will cut off visitors when it’s full. We barely made it in.

This is a pretty park with lots of nature trails. We visited in early April and most of the tracks were under water, so be sure to bring wading shoes, shorts, and a towel.Some of the trails looked like they weren’t maintained. Overall, a positive experience!

Absolutely fantastic Texas State Park. Awesome, friendly staff, nice Campground, clean bathrooms. We stayed in December and loved hunting for all the Dinosaur tracks. Used our e-bikes to travel around the park. Also plenty of hiking trails. A giftshop and store was also available. At&t cell was spotty.

Lovely place. We went to the park to watch the total solar eclipse that was the event of the decade. The park had set up some telescopes from volunteers, were educating kids, and were handing out eclipse glasses. Kudos the team there for having parking space for all of us to have a good view for the eclipse. We didn’t really have time to explore the park for the dinosaur fossils. But hopefully we will be able to see them the next time we are there.

Great park we visited here from Late March to Early April, the camp ground stays busy continuously, sites are close to each other so there is no privacy, some of the tables and fire pits are joined at the hip, great for a family event and need a couple of sites.Bathroom is clean 2 stalls and 2 urinals, showers in separate door 3 stalls, only one restroom per gender in the camping loop of 45 sites so it can be busy in the afternoon.There is a restroom at the HQ bldg and another one at the day use area.90% of the trails are across the river, and have a potential to be closed after rains.All 3 river crossings are about ankle deep to mid thigh depending on the trail you choose.We enjoyed our stay, staff was extremely friendly and helpful and accommodating.The only bad thing I had was the port-a-potty by the dinosaur tracks was filled to the brim with waste it seems that it would be cleaned out more often than it had been.