Dinosaur Valley State Park
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Dinosaur Valley State Park
Swimming hole in Glen Rose, Texas · River
Swim the Paluxy River where dinosaur tracks line the riverbed — wade in to stand in three-toed theropod and broad sauropod prints at the Main Track Site.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn for swimming; dinosaur tracks show best when the Paluxy River runs low. Gates 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
About Dinosaur Valley State Park
This is the rare swimming hole where the attraction is under your feet. Long ago, dinosaurs walked through mud at the edge of an ancient ocean, and their footprints hardened into the limestone bed of the Paluxy River. Today you wade into that same river to find them — three-toed theropod prints and broad sauropod tracks showing through the shallow water at the park’s track sites, close enough to stand in. Swimming here means sharing the river with the trackways: TPWD lists swimming, fishing and paddling in the Paluxy among the park’s main activities. The river runs through the whole park, so track hunting, swimming and picnicking blend into one outing. Away from the water, 20 miles of trails climb through cedar and oak country, riders bring horses for the 100-acre South Primitive Area, and the interpretive center fills in the story. One caution shapes every visit — the tracks are not always visible, so check current track and trail status before you set out.
Key facts
Highlights
- Dinosaur tracks preserved in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River — you can walk in their tracks.
- Swimming, fishing and paddling in the same river that exposes the track sites.
- 20 miles of trails, plus a 100-acre primitive area for horseback riding.
Access & fees
Entry costs $8 per day for everyone 13 and older; children 12 and under are free, and a $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers entry for pass holders. The park is four miles west of Glen Rose, with gates open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Reserve day passes and campsites ahead — TPWD says the park often reaches capacity and highly recommends reservations for both. Note the full-park hunt closures on Dec. 7–10 and Jan. 11–14 (closed from 10 p.m. the night before until noon on the last day).
Stay safe
- TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for this park — supervise your own swimmers at all times and never swim alone.
- Follow TPWD’s swimming safety guidance: swim only in designated areas, and watch for sudden drop-offs, changing bottoms and unseen rocks in the river.
- River conditions can change in an instant — if the water starts rising, turns muddy or flows swiftly, leave the river immediately.
- The tracks are in the riverbed and not always visible, and trails may close in wet weather — check current track visibility and trail status with the park before you go.
Map & location
FAQs
Can you swim at Dinosaur Valley State Park?
Yes. TPWD lists swimming in the Paluxy River among the park’s activities, alongside fishing and paddling. The dinosaur tracks are in the riverbed, so a swim here doubles as a track hunt.
How much does it cost to visit?
$8 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) covers the entry fee.
Are the dinosaur tracks always visible?
No. The tracks sit in the riverbed and are not always visible — water levels and weather decide. TPWD advises contacting the park for current trail status and track visibility before you arrive.
Editorial review & methodology
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Each page shows its last-verified date, so you can see how recently the details were checked.
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Plan your trip: explore more river spots, browse Texas, or follow the Texas road trip.
Photo: ‘Main Track Site, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas, 2023’ by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Last verified: 30 October 2026.
Safety
- TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for this park — supervise your own swimmers at all times and never swim alone.
- Follow TPWD’s swimming safety guidance: swim only in designated areas, and watch for sudden drop-offs, changing bottoms and unseen rocks in the river.
- River conditions can change in an instant — if the water starts rising, turns muddy or flows swiftly, leave the river immediately.
- The tracks are in the riverbed and not always visible, and trails may close in wet weather — check current track visibility and trail status with the park before you go.
At a glance
Fee$8 per day ages 13+; children 12 and under free
Nearest townGlen Rose
Best seasonLate spring to early autumn
GPS32.253250, -97.818586
Nearby spots
- Devil’s Waterhole (Inks Lake State Park) — ≈110 mi
- Cleburne State Park — ≈16 mi
Sources & updates
Last verified: 30 October 2026
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team
Methodology: How we verify listings →
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