Brazos River in Texas

Trip Overview

We got on the river about 1 in the afternoon. It was a beautiful hot and clear Texas summer day. I had just bought my used canoe about a week before and I was very excited about it's maiden voyage under new ownership. I've been canoeing for several years and had always rented canoes. Every time that I would go I always returned wanting my own.

My girlfriend Vicki was with me and she had just been on her first canoe trip about 2 months prior with me and really enjoyed it and was excited about the day to come as well. Rhodes Canoe Rental on Highway 67 just outside of Glenrose, Texas trailered my canoe to the river and would return to pick us up at the end of the day at the designated take out point for a mere $10.

The river was down and not running as well as usual due to the fact that a new bridge was being built and the water level was lowered to allow for construction. Hopefully they will be finished with it soon, but it was still a very nice trip. Some of the white water areas were not there due to the shallow conditions but we only had to get out and portage once. That was where they had built a raised road under the bridge they are building. There were pipes through the road to allow the water through but we had to carry the canoe over the road. From there on we drug bottom on a couple of occasions but did not have to walk. Most of the trip the water was 2 - 3 feet deep.

The Brazos has a solid rock bottom on most of the river. The scenery was beautiful as always. There are rocky cliffs in some areas and tall hills covered with large trees and cactus in others. Small waterfalls come out of the trees in some places and fall 20 feet or so. I think they come from springs that are back up in the woods. The water is very clear and cool is still moving even though the level is down. It's a very relaxing and scenic day trip. I'm never ready to stop when we get to the take out point. Now that I have my own canoe, I hope to explore other paddling possibilities in Texas and go from there. Vicki had a wonderful time once again and we were planning out next trip back before we even got on the road to come home.

Accommodations:

There are a lot of good campgrounds in the area. My favorite is Tres Rios Campgrounds or Dinosaur Valley State Park. There is usually room at Tres Rios, but you need to make a reservation at Dinosaur Valley in advance.

Directions:

From Dallas/Ft. Worth take I20 to 35W and go south to Hwy 67 exit. Go west on 67 to Glenrose. Rhodes Canoe Rental is right before you cross Brazos River bridge.