The Devil's River is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled rivers in Texas. It is spring fed and flows over solid limestone, so flows and depth increase as it moves downstream. Water quality is among the very best in the State of Texas. It truly is an oasis in the desert. The river offers a good mix of slow, deep pools separated by brief rapids. The rapids range from Class I and II, but several larger rapids could be Class III in high water. Dolan Falls, about 16.4 miles below Baker's Crossing, is a solid class IV waterfall drop of at least ten feet with Class V consequences due to the remote nature of the river and the strong hydraulic currents below the drop. Under normal conditions the rapids are shallow with large boulders as obstacles. The rapids require technical maneuvering to avoid rocks. Except during flooding, you won't see any significant hydraulic currents, whirlpools or standing waves. But, beware the Devils River in flood stage - it can be a killer! The river can flash flood quickly from rains that fall 50 to 100 miles away.

The Devil's also offers good fishing for small mouth bass, large mouth bass, catfish, and carp. The river is especially well known for its small mouth bass fishery.

Val Verde County in the Southwest Texas Rio Grande basin, between Juno and Del Rio. The river flows from near Juno, where Buckhorn Draw and Johnson Creek converge, down to Lake Amistad on the Texas-Mexico border above Del Rio, parallel to the Pecos River to the west.

Del Rio 55 miles; San Antonio 200 miles; Austin 280 miles; Houston 397 miles; Dallas 400 miles; El Paso 415 miles; Oklahoma City 609 miles; Little Rock 725 miles; Kansas City 905 miles; Albuquerque 681 miles; Phoenix 853 miles; Denver 1,108 miles; Salt Lake City 1,285 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

The water quality in the Devils River is generally considered to be the cleanest of any river or stream in Texas. Water from the spring has historically been safe for drinking, but proper precautions should always be taken before consuming natural water. The water is nearly crystal clear with a beautiful green tint. The Devils River usually has an adequate flow for paddle trips except during prolonged droughts. Flow levels are subject to extreme fluctuations that can occur on a moment's notice, especially if rains fall 50-100 miles away, so beware of the potential for flash flooding. Always camp on the highest ground possible and keep your eyes peeled for changes in water level.

Early Spring to mid summer and early to mid-autumn are generally best. Strong southeast winds and searing summer temperatures can be bigger hazards than the rapids, so plan accordingly. This is especially true on the last half of the approximately 48 mile run, as you approach Lake Amistad. Expect hot temperatures from June through September. This IS Texas, ya'll!

The Devils River is a pool-and-drop river with several Class II - III rapids. The upper half of the river drops at a rate of about 15 feet per mile, leveling out to around 7 feet per mile after that. Rapids, most of which are boulder gardens or solid rock shelves, will quickly increase in difficulty during flood stage. When in doubt - ALWAYS SCOUT! Do NOT attempt to run Dolan Falls (16.4 miles below the Baker's Crossing put-in). The drop is about 10-12 feet into a strong hydraulic current. Take out above the falls and portage on river left until you are safely below the suction of the hydraulic. The other rapids are boat benders and bone breakers if run improperly, so take adequate precautions to make sure you are safe. While not hazardous, the long pools usually end in willow or reed "jungles" without clearly defined channels. If you get lost in one of these, then backtrack until you reach the main river channel and try again (in a different route!) People have been lost in those willow jungles for hours.

Three-Tier Waterfall (Class II+ to III+) is a major hazard if not negotiated properly. The approach is across a normally shallow channel that may require dragging boats to get to the run. The river is choked with reeds and finding the best channel and line is not easy. Scouting is definitely recommended prior to running unless you have past experience and are sure of what lies ahead.

Enter the fall by paddling to a point along the river left bank, then turn right and line up to start the run down the left side, dropping through a boulder garden of rough water. Both banks at the top are covered with dense vegetation. At the bottom of the entry the river turns sharply to the left and begins the descent over three levels amid churning whitewater. It is usually best to stay as far left as possible at the top and around the turn so that you are lined up properly for taking the drops that come quickly. The river will move you to teh right, and that's where the best flow and deepest water is found. It is also where you are most likely to capsize, and you WILL get wet, so be sure to dry everything in and lash it securely to your boat. The blind entry makes Three-Tier Waterfall a serious hazard that must be respected and paddled with control and confidence.

Summer temperatures should be considered a hazard if proper precautions are not taken. Always have protective clothing, sunscreen and plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to prevent dehydration. Strong intermediate or higher level whitewater paddling skills and swiftwater rescue training are strongly recommended. If you encounter an angry landowner with a rifle, then that should also be considered a hazard that is more easily negotiated with courtesy and politeness. Whether he is legally right or not, a loaded Winchester beats four aces and the law everytime! The guy you encounter could just be the "Law EAST of the Pecos".

Low water crossing just downstream from the Hwy. 163 crossing (Baker's Crossing) at 0.0 miles; Devils River State Natural Area at 15.9 miles (NOTE: A requirement for a minimum of 4 boats is mandatory for putting in or taking out at the SNA - contact the park superintendant at 915-395-2133 or Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 1-800-792-1112 to arrange access); Blue Sage Subdivision on river left at about 24.2 miles; Rough Canyon Marina (830-775-8779) on Lake Amistad at about 47.7 miles.

The final take-out point is Rough Canyon Marina. Take out on the left side at 47.7 miles below Baker's Crossing. Many paddlers opt to hire a water taxi at Rough Canyon Marina to tow them to and across the lake to avoid strong headwinds and tough paddling. Note that upon leaving Blue Sage access your next stop is 21.9 miles, so make sure you have landowner permission before stopping to camp between Blue Sage and Rough Canyon Marina. There are no other access points for the Devils River.

Devils River State Natural Area (830-395-2133) is available by prior arrangement, or can be easily accessed from the river. Rough Canyon Recreation Area (830-775-8779) has full improved camping facilities including restrooms, covered picnic areas, boat ramps and trailer sites. The Devils River offer abundant natural campsites, but many are on private land. Camp in the river bed whenever possible or make prior arrangements with local landowners to avoid a confrontation. If camping on private land or in a public park always leave only footprints and take only photographs. You should always leave the area cleaner than how you found it! Be aware of the fact you are in rattlesnake country when on the Devils River. Generally, they will leave you alone if you leave them alone, but they get really pissed when you step on them, so be careful! Look before you step, especially at night. There is at least one commercial campground adjacent to the first practical put-in for this reach of the Devils River. the

There are at least two commercial outfitters along the Devils River offering rentals, shuttles and/or river information.

From Baker's Crossing to Dolan Falls (approximately 16.4 miles) the river is shallow and rocky. You will probably find that you have to pull/push your canoe in several places. If you're loaded to the hilt, you'll feel it here. Do yourself a favor and go as light as possible. Also, tie a good 25 to 50 ft. rope at each end of the canoe to be used for pulling. Before your trip check the river gauges at TPWD or call ahead to Gerald Bailey or Baker's Crossing. There is light at the end of the tunnel. A creek enters the river at Dolan Falls and nearly doubles the flow. From Dolan Falls to the take-out you shouldn't have to pull/push except during a severe draught.

Shallow water isn't the only obstacle. You may also encounter a strong head wind for most of the trip. The prevailing wind is out of the southeast. It can be strong enough to blow you back upstream. The limestone riverbed is extremely coarse, almost like volcanic rock. It will literally shred aqua socks, ankles, and your canoe. Consider installing kevlar skids plates, or rent a canoe and save yours if that is your preference. Wear tough sneakers or river shoes. Don't even bother with sandals or aqua socks.

All that said, the Devils River is a magical place with some of the cleanest water to be found in a Texas river. The surrounding scenery is very rugged, undeveloped and completely serene. This is not a place with large crowds of paddler or campers, and you might not even see anybody other than those in your group. The Devils River SNA, at about 15.9 miles, offers excellent camping along the river, albeit on a rock slab where tent stakes are worthless. The slab overlooks the river across to the other side facing west, where gorgeous sunsets can often be seen. Below the SNA the river takes on a different character. Dolan Falls is an unrunnable (for most paddlers) waterfall drop of at least ten feet that can be portaged on river left or right (I prefer the right, over the boulders that form Dolan Falls.) Below Dolan comes a combination of flatwater pools, hidden (by river reeds) rapids, small drops and (often) monster headwinds. Three-Tier Waterfall is a major obstacle that can be exciting, dangerous and difficult, all at the same time. Scouting the fall and planning a route is strongly recommended. You'll know you are there when you see the huge mansion resembling a motel high on the hill on river left. After Three-Tier, everything else is a piece of cake, technically speaking, though you stillhave to find your way through reed gardens in the river and against a strong headwind coming off Lake Amistad.

All things considered, this is a premiere river trip for wilderness paddlers having at least strong intermediate level whitewater skills. If you are properly prepared and ready for the adventure of a lifetime, then catch the Devils River when it is flowing, but be prepared! This run is NOT for inexperienced paddlers.