A 2-day scenic loop through the Brazos River Valley, dinosaur trackways, and historic frontier towns.
Estimated cost
$570estimated total
Stays
$220
Fuel
$45
Food
$230
Other
$75
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
224 km2h 45mDepart 08:56
Start
Estates on Frankford, Dallas
1
Activity
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Glen Rose, United States
10:45–12:452h here$16
Ancient sauropod trackways in the Paluxy River
Park at the Trackway Pavilion lot. Wear water sandals or light hikers to wade into the limestone riverbed to see real Cretaceous theropod and sauropod footprints.
Drive 15 km northwest in ~18 min along scenic country backroads FM-205 and County Road 1004.
15 km18m
2
Food
Loco Coyote Grill
Glen Rose, United States
13:03–14:081h 5m here$48
Rustic backwoods smokehouse and grill
Turn into the gravel drive off County Road 1004 and park under the trees. Order the smoked brisket platter or jalapeño burger with homemade onion rings.
Drive 38 km north in ~31 min along TX-144 North into downtown Granbury.
38 km31m
3
Attraction
Historic Granbury Square
Granbury, United States
14:39–16:091h 30m here
Victorian courthouse square and frontier boutique streets
Leave the car in the free public lot on Bridge Street. Stroll the second-empire Hood County Courthouse perimeter and check out local leather and spice merchants.
Walk 300 m in ~5 min from the historic square down toward the park boardwalk.
700 m3m
4
Activity
Shanley Park
Granbury, United States
16:12–16:5745m here
Tranquil creekfront walking path and footbridges
Access the paved trail directly behind the town square. Cross the arched bridges and enjoy shaded pathways beside running water before evening dining.
Walk 350 m in ~5 min back to the square from Shanley Park.
600 m2m
5
Food
Eighteen Ninety Grille and Lounge
Granbury, United States
18:15–19:401h 25m here$90
Upscale regional steaks and wine on the square
Walk in early to secure a booth without waiting. Order the dry-aged ribeye or pecan-crusted trout accompanied by Texas Hill Country wines.
Drive 2 km east in ~5 min down Pearl Street to the lakeside property.
900 m2m
6
Overnight
Hilton Garden Inn Granbury
Granbury, United States
19:42–08:301h here$220
Lakeside lodging with Brazos water views
Self-park in the complimentary lakefront lot. Ask for a top-floor balcony facing Lake Granbury to sit outside under mild autumn evening skies.
Day 2
245 km3h 20mDepart 08:32
Depart hotel after breakfast and drive 71 km north in ~58 min along scenic FM-4 North through rolling Palo Pinto ranch country.
71 km58m
7
Activity
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Mineral Wells, United States
09:30–11:001h 30m here$14
Limestone canyon walls and hiking trail
Park at the Penitentiary Hollow overlook lot. Walk down into the narrow rock clefts favored by climbers, taking in sweeping views across the Cross Timbers.
Drive 11 km west in ~17 min along US-180 into historic downtown Mineral Wells.
11 km17m
8
Attraction
Famous Water Co
Mineral Wells, United States
11:17–11:5740m here$6
Historic mineral well pavilion and tasting bar
Park right along NW 6th Street. Taste the natural mineral water drawn from the historic wells that made the town a world-famous spa retreat a century ago.
Drive 32 km east in ~28 min on US-180 East toward Weatherford.
32 km28m
9
Food
Shep's
Weatherford, United States
12:30–13:301h here$40
Casual neighborhood grill and smokehouse lunch
Park on York Avenue or the adjacent city lot. Order the chopped brisket sandwich on Texas toast with a side of house-cut sweet potato fries.
Drive 3 km south in ~10 min across central Weatherford to Lee Avenue.
2 km4m
10
Attraction
Chandor Gardens
Weatherford, United States
13:40–14:551h 15m here$10
Carved stone estate gardens blending Asian and English design
Park in the estate lot on Lee Avenue. Walk through the 1930s artist-sculpted rock grottos, waterfall walls, and peaceful courtyard pond paths.
Drive 56 km east in ~44 min via I-20 East and I-35W North into north Fort Worth, then conclude the trip by driving 68 km northeast in ~55 min via I-820 and President George Bush Turnpike back to Estates on Frankford.
56 km44m
11
Attraction
Fort Worth Stockyards
Fort Worth, United States
15:45–17:151h 30m here$15
Cobblestone cattle corridor and historic exchange buildings
Park in the paid Stockyards Station lot off East Exchange Avenue. Stand along the wooden boardwalks to see historic saloon architecture and western gear workshops.
74 km50m
Finish
Estates on Frankford, Dallas
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Check the Paluxy River flow rate online before entering Dinosaur Valley, as high water levels temporarily submerge track sites.
- 2Dress in easily washable footwear on Day 1 because river silt clings to boots in the trackway areas.
- 3Arrive at the Granbury Historic District in the late afternoon to catch golden-hour light reflecting across the limestone courthouse facade.
- 4Fuel up in Weatherford or Mineral Wells where regional gas prices are typically cheaper than metro Dallas tollways.
Good to know
- 1President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) and Chisholm Trail Parkway use all-electronic toll collection; tolls will be billed by mail if you lack an active tag.
- 2Limestone river beds at Dinosaur Valley State Park are slick and slippery; walk slowly and avoid stepping on wet green algae patches.
- 3Late September in North Texas regularly produces afternoon temperatures above 30°C; carry ample water on all outdoor trail walks.
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