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Paddle Paradise
Amistad Reservoir has plenty of wide-open water along with steep-walled canyons, making a great place for paddling your canoe or kayak. The park boundary extends 74 miles up the Rio Grande, 25 miles up the Devil's River and 14 miles up the Pecos River. Protected coves provide superb fishing and ideal camping spots. The lake is an international reservoir; the United States-Mexico border is marked by buoys that follow the historic channel of the Rio Grande. Amistad NRA does not require a lake use permit for non-motorized craft under 14 feet in length.
Mexican Permits
For current Mexico boat permit and fishing license information, go to www.conapescasandiego.org or call 619.233.4324.
Information on Mexican permits can also be obtained at:
Amistad Marine (Ranger boat dealer on Hwy 90 West across from Spur 454), 830.775.0878, or
Fisherman's Headquarters (Chevron at the intersection of Hwys 90 & 277 N) 830.774.5670.
Rentals
Amistad Water Sports
Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Single and Double
10401 Hwy 90 W
Del Rio, TX 78840
carlcourtney21@aol.com
830-734-1445
830-734-6533
PADDLE ROUTES
The following routes are suggestions only; they are not marked on shore or in the water.
Current wind conditions should be considered before choosing an area to paddle. Most of the time, winds average 15-20 mph from the south or southeast. North winds occur, especially in the fall and winter, but do not last more than a day or so. In both cases, 20-30 mph winds are not uncommon.
Important: For all of these trips, be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, a large brimmed hat for shade, sunglasses, a long sleeved shirt and pants. Please be environmentally conscientious and pack out all of your trash. Do not use glass containers. Remember that all things living and nonliving are protected under federal law. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
Remember- Cell phone coverage is very limited, and if you get stranded on the Mexican side of the reservoir Park Rangers cannot respond for assistance.
See for current water levels and river flow links.
Paddle Route #1.
Spur 454. This area is an excellent trip for one day. Depart water’s edge at Spur 454. Head east. There are numerous coves to explore, picnic at and swim in.
Paddle Route #2.
Spur 406. This area is an excellent day trip, especially when strong south or southeast winds are present. Drive across the lake heading west on Hwy. 90. Spur 406 will be on your right. This area offers excellent birding and is much like Spur 454. If you care to cross the lake, these two trips (Spur 406 and Spur 454) combined can make for a great day trip.
Paddle Route #3.
Box Canyon/Cow Creek. This is a nice day trip and offers excellent overnight camping. Take Hwy 90 West to the Box Canyon Road (a rough dirt road). At road's end, launch at the Box Canyon Ramp and head upstream. It’s about 2.5 miles to Cow Creek. This area offers unique scenery with vertical cliffs. You can enjoy excellent fishing. There are great spots for primitive camping.
Paddle Route #4.
NOTE: Due to the rising lake levels the springs and good camping sites are underwater. It is still a very scenic and beautiful day trip.
Indian Springs. 16 miles roundtrip with frequent strong head winds for the return, so best enjoyed as an overnight trip. Take Hwy 277 north to R2. From the Rough Canyon boat ramp head upstream 8 miles to Indian Springs. There are excellent camping sites on the east side before you get to the springs and also on the west side of the river under the trees. The springs come right out of the rock just beyond the Indian Springs Creek. The water is clear and cold and millions of gallons cascade down the rocky cliffs into pools before they reach the lake.
Paddle Route #5
Parida Cave. This trip is short but provides a good opportunity to experience both scenic canyons and 4,000 year-old Native American rock art. Launch at the Pecos boat ramp and head down river to the confluence at the Rio Grande. Go down stream (left) on the Rio Grande until you see a large rockshelter with a courtesy boat dock. Another landmark is across from the shelter there's a large canyon (Parida Canyon) on the Mexico side.
Paddle Route #6
Panther Cave is downstream beyond Parida Cave (Paddle Route #5) and about 8 miles from the Pecos boat ramp. Panther Cave is one of the best preserved Lower Pecos River style rock art sites. Due to the distance required, lack of good campsites, and frequent strong winds funnelling through the canyons, this trip is recommended only for experienced, strong paddlers. Remember- cell phone coverage is very limited, and if you get stranded on the Mexican side Park Rangers cannot respond for assistance.
Paddle Route #7
Pecos Railroad Bridge. Also called the "High Bridge," located about 6 miles up river from the Pecos launch ramp. An excellent day trip, this part of the Pecos River is very scenic with colorful, high cliffs riddled with side canyons to explore. It is rich in lush vegetation and lots of wildlife to observe. Birding is especially good year round.
Hanging out below the high bridge waiting for trains to go by is also one of the highlights of this trip. A short way up river from the bridge, and on the right, are the remnants of an old pump house that pumped water from the river up to the water tank for use in the old steam engines of days gone by. The concrete pilings of the rickety, old, steel bridge of the 1890s can still be seen on both sides of the river near the pump house (if not submerged).
If you want to make the trip longer and camp out, the Pecos offers breathtaking scenery up river to Dead Mans Canyon and ultimately to Shumla Bend at the end of the park boundary 14 miles from the confluence of the Rio Grande. It can be done in one day (if you are an experienced paddler), but is best enjoyed when you have several days to explore the beauty the Pecos River offers. The fishing is good, too.
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