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Blue Hole Trail

Glen Rose, Texas

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

1.15 miles

Elevation Gain

223 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Korey Taylor

Explore this unique one mile trail that preserves dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River. Perfect for a day trip from Dallas or an overnight trip at one of their campgrounds.

Dinosaur Valley is located in the small town of Glen Rose about an hour and a half Southwest of Dallas. While the main purpose of the park is the continual preservation of dinosaur tracks that were fossilized at the edge of an ancient ocean millions of years ago, there are also tons of activities that make this spot a great outdoors destination.

The Blue Hole Trail is a short hike along the limestone riverbed of the Paluxy River and has several sites where you can find theropod tracks (the three toed footprints). These are my favorite types of tracks because they're the most pronounced and easiest to find regardless of water level. From the parking lot you'll follow the trail towards the river and follow it to the left. There is another trail to the right, but this takes you along the Paluxy River Nature Trail and doesn't have any tracks that way.

I explored the park in December so the pictures won't do justice of the beauty of spring time in this park. Another thing to make note of is the possibility of the tracks not always being visible after heavy rains. If your main purpose is to see the dinosaur tracks I would call ahead to the park office to make sure it's a good time to head out there.

Dinosaur Valley State Park Map

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Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
River
Scenic
Swimming Hole

Reviews

I went and ventured off the trail a bit and it was so beautiful, also a lot of alternating terrain to get a workout in.

While the tracks were really cool to see, I thought the best part of the entire park were the endless amounts of trails. I believe there are over 20 miles worth. I mountain biked, which is great to get away from the crowds, and the trails became extremely remote. The river crossings were a blast and the best part was jumping in the river afterwards!

This is an awesome spot to jump in and cool off after hiking in the park. The Blue Hole trail isn't that long, so it's an easy spot to get to even after hiking on other trails all day. My friend and I jumped in to wash our selves off after camping for a few days.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Paluxy River Trail

Equestrian Blue Hole And Limestone Ledge Loop

Camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Feed Exotic Wildlife at Fossil Rim

White Tail Hollow Trail

Cliff Jump at Lake Whitney