Best Kayaking in Texas

Trying to find the best kayaking in Texas? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

New Mexico, Santa Ana Pueblo

04 :17 hrs
10.2 mi
17.225586 ft
II

Take this beautiful, scenic, and popular run through the Rio Grande Bosque from the Angostura/Algodones Diversion Dam down to North Corrales. This is an easy run, ranging from Class I - II with only a few hazards present including some tree strainers & jetty jacks, but they are usually easily avoidable, and sometimes not present when water is high enough. The run is suitable for kayaks and canoes and rafts may be alright too, just be sure to scout first.

2

Texas, Brewster County

07 :59 hrs
19.1 mi
125.691956 ft
III

Santa Elena Canyon offers some of the most challenging, and most rewarding kayaking waters in all of Texas. The narrow, high canyon is exceptionally beautiful, and one of the most alluring draws to this area. Be aware that there are very few places to take out along this course, so once you start you'll need to follow all the way through. Also be aware the Rio Grande River is the border between the United States and Mexico, so identification and documentation are issues to consider.

3

Texas, San Marcos

02 :36 hrs
6.1 mi
5.921341 ft
I

The trail is located on the San Marcos River and is a gentle route for paddlers of all levels. The river consists of calm pools and a few areas of very mild rapids. The trail is very shady with lots of large trees. Depending on current water conditions there may be a few areas of obstruction that paddlers will need to navigate around. The take-out spot is just before a dam so pay close attention to making it to the take-out spot. Shuttling of vehicles is required as there are different access points for put-in and take-out.

4

Texas, Victoria

01 :49 hrs
4.3 mi
4.779358 ft
I

This paddle trail covers just over 4 miles of the Guadalupe River. There are a few occasional sandbars to watch out for that can provide resting spots or areas for viewing birds and other diverse wildlife. This section of the river also provides good opportunity for fishing. It is recommended to call ahead for water level information as this can effect current trail conditions.

5

Texas, Colorado County

02 :50 hrs
6.7 mi
8.900867 ft
II

This adventure on the Colorado River through Columbus is the perfect escape. Featuring a wide channel and the occasional rapid, this short stretch of river is more challenging that you might expect on a meandering path. Access to the river is just beneath a bridge over the river on Route 71/County Road 329, and egress is just past the railroad bridge at Reason’s park.

6

Arkansas, Franklin County

03 :02 hrs
7.3 mi
31.108002 ft
II

The Mulberry River has some entertaining paddling with good scenery. You pass by farmlands but they are well obscured by the densely wooded banks. The primary hazard faced on the Mulberry River is willow jungles; they are long and dense even by Ozark stream standards, it is wise to scout before entering. About .75 miles below the put-in you will encounter a low water bridge that is very hazardous on the river left; it may be passable on the river right but portage if there is any doubt. The put-in is at Byrd’s Adventure Center and a fee must be paid for parking, shuttle services are available. The take-out is at Turner Bend and a fee must be paid for parking/access.

7

Texas, Houston

06 :17 hrs
14.8 mi
16.114773 ft
II

Hosting a kayak race, the Buffalo Bayou is a popular place for all kinds of adventures without leaving the city. For an on-the-water adventure, this route down the meandering river is an excellent choice. The pathway is relatively free of major obstructions with no strainers or other obstacles requiring portage, normally.

8

Texas, Rockwall County

20 :29 hrs
48.2 mi
0.9103241 ft
I

With more than 50 miles of coastline, this medium-sized lake offers plenty of opportunity for adventure. Two small arms and two larger arms of the lake serve as route and destination for a water adventure. Access is from a parking lot and boat launch on the east side of the lake near the bridge that crosses the lake. This lake is especially popular with sailors, but the edges of the lake offer great opportunities for exploration in a kayak.

9

Texas, Palo Pinto County

08 :11 hrs
19.3 mi
13.650345 ft
II

Take an adventure trip down the Brazos River in a kayak or raft. This nearly 20 mile route will take you most of the day, so be sure to bring clean water or a water filter with you. Access to the river can be found at a ramp next to the highway 16 bridge which crosses the Brazos River. The course ends at FM 4, on the east side of the bridge. This section of the Brazos River is meandering and fairly slow, making this a nice adventure even for beginners.

10

Texas, Austin

04 :45 hrs
11.2 mi
1.2999878 ft
I

This lake adventure offers the true cold, blue water that adventurers dream of. Access is found near the southern tip of the lake from a small parking lot and boat launch. Since this is one of the smaller lakes, it is less popular and a better place to get away. Several small coves can be explored on kayak or canoe, and the open water is far less crowded than in the bigger, more popular lakes.

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