Dinosaur Tracks

Slipping and sliding, a colossal Sauroposeidon lumbered through the thick mud, leaving massive, round footprints at Dinosaur Tracks. Here at Government Canyon Natural Area, these 110-million-year-old tracks offer a rare glimpse into the prehistoric world. These are the only known dinosaur tracks on public land in South Texas. Imagine the scene. The air is humid and heavy. Giant ferns and conifers tower overhead. The ground trembles under the weight of these magnificent creatures. The Dinosaur Tracks here at Government Canyon are believed to have been made by two distinct species. The Sauroposeidon, a long-necked herbivore, and the Acrocanthosaurus, a fearsome predator. Can you picture the Acrocanthosaurus, a formidable three-toed carnivore, stalking through the mud, its sharp claws leaving distinct, three-toed impressions? The tracks tell a story of a time long ago, a time when dinosaurs roamed freely through this land. A hike to the Dinosaur Tracks is a journey through time, a five-mile round trip along the Joe Johnston Route. It’s a rugged trek, not for the faint of heart, but the reward is a unique encounter with the giants of the past. As you stand here before these ancient footprints, imagine the earth shaking beneath the weight of these incredible creatures, leaving their indelible mark on the landscape. Their footprints are a testament to their existence, a tangible link to a prehistoric world. Dinosaur Tracks at Government Canyon truly is a special place, a window into the distant past.