Description

Dinosaur Valley State Park is, hands-down, one of the most unique, historic, and scenic state parks to run within a day trip of Dallas.

Remote, rocky singletrack trades places with limestone ledges and fast, open dirt roads for an epic tour of some of the region's best-maintained trails.

Along the way, you'll enjoy panoramic views, challenging climbs, and unadulterated hillside flora, plus dinosaur tracks can be seen along the shores and bottom of the Paluxy River. First and foremost, it's important to note that this run begins with a major water crossing just after leaving the trailhead.

You'll also finish with the same.

During times of drought or low water, you may be able to make your way across without getting wet, but it's unlikely after any level of considerable rain.

During times of heavy rain and flooding, it can be quite challenging or dangerous to cross, though the limestone trails do tend to drain quickly should you manage to make your way across.

As such, this is an excellent area to enjoy during the warmer summer months since you can cool off in the river after your run. If it's your first time visiting or you want to try something different than what's mapped here, you may notice small DORBA markers on some trees after you cross the river.

These sign a well-designed loop meant to take mountain bikers up the best climbs, while enjoying some of the fastest rocky descents and limiting the amount of backtracking.

Run in its entirety, you would enjoy just under 12-miles and get a spectacular tour of the park that includes stair-like descents, fast downhill runs, winding singletrack, and even some great views along the way.

With that said, this particular route is more suited for runners, as it breaks off onto the Overlook and Limestone Ledge Trails along the edge of the river.

You'll be able to enjoy epic views along a bend in the river, as well as the option to see dinosaur tracks if you make your way down to the water.

Overall, the park hosts a cumulative 20-miles of trail, so there's really no way to go wrong.

You're never than a few miles back to the main trailhead. As with most Texas State Parks, a small fee is required to enter, or you could obtain a [Texas State Parks Pass](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes) and enjoy other local favorites like [Cedar Hill](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2851402/cedar-hill-state-park) or [Isle du Bois](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2851342/isle-du-bois:-loops-a-b-and-c). [Source](https://ntxtrails.com/mtb-trails/southwest/dinosaur-valley-state-park/)