During the 1950s, Seneca Creek was dammed to create Clayton Lake, located 12 miles north of the northeastern New Mexican town of Clayton. And that should have been the end of the story. People would have trekked out to this peaceful place to enjoy a little boating, fishing, camping or wildlife watching. All of those activities continue to happen. However, a 1982 flood revealed a whole other dimension to this unique state park in New Mexico.
Flickr/Rex Brown
Between 1950 and 2010, there were 24 floods within 50 miles of Clayton. But this particular flood was different.
Flickr/Jim Patinka The waters of Clayton Lake rose, overflowing the earthen dam. The floodwaters washed away a layer of sediment on the spillway, revealing an incredible secret.
Dinosaur footprints!
Tripadvisor/Spanky1234 And not just a scattering of them.
Clayton Lake State Park contains more than 500 dinosaur footprints that date back approximately 100 million years! It’s one of the best collections in the nation.
Flickr/Sue Ruth This state park is on the southern end of what has been called the “Dinosaur Freeway.” A shallow strait, known as the Western Interior Seaway, once linked the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. These footprints were made when herds of dinosaurs crossed land consisting of muddy sand that was still wet.
So what kind of dinosaurs stomped through New Mexico?
Tripadvisor/OkieDokies
Ornithopod dinosaurs made the wide footprints, where three distinct toes are visible. In other words, these were made by large plant-eaters, probably iguanodontid dinosaurs.
Flickr/Images By Lane This type of dinosaur had big back feet and small front feet. Since there are tracks at the Clayton site from both sets of feet, we know that these dinosaurs either walked on all fours, or else they had the ability to switch between moving on two or four feet.
Other footprints on the trackway tell us that theropods passed through the area too, along with crocodiles that left enduring marks on the land.
It’s quite humbling to see evidence of dinosaurs up close.
Tripadvisor/Arlon M
A raised boardwalk allows you to get pretty close to the prints.
Flickr/Cherie Ve Ard
It’s actually easier to see them after rain, when water fills in the depressions.
Flickr/Sue Ruth
In addition to the Dinosaur Trackway, the park’s other unusual feature is a gold-credentialed International Dark Sky astronomy observatory.
Flickr/Rex Brown
Flickr/Jim Patinka
The waters of Clayton Lake rose, overflowing the earthen dam. The floodwaters washed away a layer of sediment on the spillway, revealing an incredible secret.
Tripadvisor/Spanky1234
And not just a scattering of them.
Flickr/Sue Ruth
This state park is on the southern end of what has been called the “Dinosaur Freeway.” A shallow strait, known as the Western Interior Seaway, once linked the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. These footprints were made when herds of dinosaurs crossed land consisting of muddy sand that was still wet.
Tripadvisor/OkieDokies
Flickr/Images By Lane
This type of dinosaur had big back feet and small front feet. Since there are tracks at the Clayton site from both sets of feet, we know that these dinosaurs either walked on all fours, or else they had the ability to switch between moving on two or four feet.
Other footprints on the trackway tell us that theropods passed through the area too, along with crocodiles that left enduring marks on the land.
Tripadvisor/Arlon M
Flickr/Cherie Ve Ard
Next time you want to contemplate the epic history of Earth and our Universe, head to this one-of-a-kind state park. To learn more about this park, click here to visit its website.
Address: 141 Clayton Lake Road, Clayton, NM, 88415
As with all New Mexico state parks, there is a $5 fee per car.
Here are some other appealing state parks hiding in New Mexico.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways, 141 Clayton Lake Rd, Clayton, NM 88415, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique State Park In New Mexico April 10, 2020 Leah Which state parks should I visit in New Mexico? The best parks in New Mexico are well worth a visit. There are popular spots everyone knows about, like the Jemez State Monument, but other hidden gems like the Sugarite Canyon State Park are perfect for a day out, as well. Sugarite Canyon, located in the far north region of the state, has dramatic mountain lakes, stunning forests, and everything you need to appreciate them all - camping, trails, and more. The Heron Lake State Park is absolutely stunning with its canyon views and plenty of lake recreational opportunities. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico? Looking for more things to do outdoors in New Mexico? The Land of Enchantment has fun adventures around every corner. Explore underground in the caves and caverns of Carlsbad, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the state’s breathtaking landscapes. If you want a truly unique adventure that you’ll never forget, try llama trekking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Based out of Taos, there is a company called Wild Earth Llama Adventures that offers this opportunity. How many other places in the country can say they offer the same? It’s certainly one-of-a-kind! What are the best day trips in New Mexico? New Mexico is full of ways to fill a day or even an entire weekend with enjoyable activities and fun memories to last a lifetime. If you love the good old days and the history of Route 66, visiting the town of Tucumcari is a great option for a day trip. It’ll take you back in time with its old neon signs, nostalgic retro buildings and businesses, and even a Route 66 museum. Fancy a day up in the trees? The Hidden Treasure Aerial Park in Red River, NM is a treetop obstacle course with walkways, ropes, and more that’s a blast for people of all ages.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique State Park In New Mexico
April 10, 2020
Leah
Which state parks should I visit in New Mexico? The best parks in New Mexico are well worth a visit. There are popular spots everyone knows about, like the Jemez State Monument, but other hidden gems like the Sugarite Canyon State Park are perfect for a day out, as well. Sugarite Canyon, located in the far north region of the state, has dramatic mountain lakes, stunning forests, and everything you need to appreciate them all - camping, trails, and more. The Heron Lake State Park is absolutely stunning with its canyon views and plenty of lake recreational opportunities. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico? Looking for more things to do outdoors in New Mexico? The Land of Enchantment has fun adventures around every corner. Explore underground in the caves and caverns of Carlsbad, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the state’s breathtaking landscapes. If you want a truly unique adventure that you’ll never forget, try llama trekking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Based out of Taos, there is a company called Wild Earth Llama Adventures that offers this opportunity. How many other places in the country can say they offer the same? It’s certainly one-of-a-kind! What are the best day trips in New Mexico? New Mexico is full of ways to fill a day or even an entire weekend with enjoyable activities and fun memories to last a lifetime. If you love the good old days and the history of Route 66, visiting the town of Tucumcari is a great option for a day trip. It’ll take you back in time with its old neon signs, nostalgic retro buildings and businesses, and even a Route 66 museum. Fancy a day up in the trees? The Hidden Treasure Aerial Park in Red River, NM is a treetop obstacle course with walkways, ropes, and more that’s a blast for people of all ages.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best parks in New Mexico are well worth a visit. There are popular spots everyone knows about, like the Jemez State Monument, but other hidden gems like the Sugarite Canyon State Park are perfect for a day out, as well. Sugarite Canyon, located in the far north region of the state, has dramatic mountain lakes, stunning forests, and everything you need to appreciate them all - camping, trails, and more. The Heron Lake State Park is absolutely stunning with its canyon views and plenty of lake recreational opportunities.
What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico?
Looking for more things to do outdoors in New Mexico? The Land of Enchantment has fun adventures around every corner. Explore underground in the caves and caverns of Carlsbad, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the state’s breathtaking landscapes. If you want a truly unique adventure that you’ll never forget, try llama trekking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Based out of Taos, there is a company called Wild Earth Llama Adventures that offers this opportunity. How many other places in the country can say they offer the same? It’s certainly one-of-a-kind!
What are the best day trips in New Mexico?
New Mexico is full of ways to fill a day or even an entire weekend with enjoyable activities and fun memories to last a lifetime. If you love the good old days and the history of Route 66, visiting the town of Tucumcari is a great option for a day trip. It’ll take you back in time with its old neon signs, nostalgic retro buildings and businesses, and even a Route 66 museum. Fancy a day up in the trees? The Hidden Treasure Aerial Park in Red River, NM is a treetop obstacle course with walkways, ropes, and more that’s a blast for people of all ages.
