Most of us Texans are aware of Dinosaur Valley State Park, but very few know that there’s another place to see footprints of the ancient beasts we’ve only read about in history books. On an unmarked trail near where Highway 183 crosses the San Gabriel River in Leander, you’ll find a handful of dinosaur tracks that only a handful of people have laid eyes on – most from accidentally stumbling upon them. Not only will you get to marvel at how enormous the feet of these monoliths were, but you’ll also feel as if you’re making a new discovery in uncharted territory. See the prints for yourself:
The address you’ll want to type into your GPS is 601 S. Gabriel Dr, Leander, Texas 78641. This will lead you to a parking area where you can leave your car while you hike the river bed to find the tracks.
Google/Celina Ribera Rivera
Two sets of prints can be found: those of a carnivorous dinosaur recognizable by a surrounding ring that indicates people have tried to excavate them…
theoutbound.com/Brooke Simmons
…and tracks belonging to an herbivorous monolith that likely had a much larger body despite taking smaller steps.
YouTube/kckwiatkowski
There’s a well-beaten footpath once you reach the riverbed, making it extremely easy to find the tracks. On the off-chance you still run into trouble, just start heading west from the overpass until you come upon the prints on the left side of the riverbed.
YouTube/kckwiatkowski
Be sure to time your visit appropriately - low water levels are key to being able to see the tracks, so wait until it’s been dry for a couple weeks to get the full experience.
theoutbound.com/Brooke Simmons
This video gives you a better idea of where to start your hike:
Google/Celina Ribera Rivera
theoutbound.com/Brooke Simmons
YouTube/kckwiatkowski
Have you ever seen these tracks in Leander? Are there any other places in Texas with dinosaur footprints? Let us know!
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Address: 601 S. Gabriel Dr, Leander, Texas 78641
