River Guide for Kayaking and Canoeing

Trip planning

Average speed of travel: Depending on the current, the average person would travel 2-3 miles per hour, while an experienced person might travel 4-6 miles per hour.

Approximate time on the river: See river miles between starting and ending points and divide the number by two for estimated hours.

River and weather conditions: Weather conditions on the river can change rapidly, particularly in the spring when floods can occur quickly. Stay up to date using the LCRA Hydromet – a system of more than 275 automated river and weather gauges throughout the lower Colorado River basin in Texas providing near-real-time data on streamflow, river stage, rainfall totals, temperature and humidity.

What to bring:

Boater safety

Wearing a life jacket is the single greatest thing boaters can do to ensure their personal safety. Being prepared means carrying water, food, information and the right equipment with you. There are also introductory classes available through REI and the American Canoe Association that prepare a beginner for the sport of paddling.

Get familiar with your take-out location. Walk down to the river and take mental notes of landmarks and other signs. Be prepared as you approach from upstream at the end of your trip. Also, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Private property and portages

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private riverbanks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code, criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.