White Water Rafting in Texas is an adventure like no other. With its raging rivers, beautiful scenery and unique wildlife, it’s a thrilling experience for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an extreme whitewater challenge, the Lone Star State has something to offer everyone. From the Rio Grande to the Nueces River, you can explore some of Texas’ most breathtaking sights while navigating challenging rapids and exploring hidden gems along the way. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse terrain, Texas offers an unforgettable rafting experience that will leave you feeling energized and inspired. So grab your paddle and get ready to explore all that Texas has to offer on a white water rafting adventure!
If you like white water rafting in Texas you don’t have a whole lot choices to enjoy this fun, thrilling, and heart pumping adventure. If some of the lakes and rivers get a lot of rain (hasn’t happened for the last few years and most of the Texas rivers and lakes are a little low) you might find a Texas river that has some white water rafting over some good rapids.
Whitewater rafting in the Texas Hill Country rivers typically offers the opportunity to run some short whitewater rapids, small waterfalls, and across some boulder gardens. However, most of these river rides are done on tubes. The Guadalupe River offers the best chance for white water rafting if it’s running high and most of the tube rental companies have rafts for rent.
Many Texas rivers are very scenic with tall bald cypress, sycamore, pecan and live oak trees, and cliffs are crowned with mesquite, cedar and yucca and the Guadalupe River has rocky bluffs and rolling hills.
White Water Rafting in Texas
Big Bend Rafting Adventure in West Texas
White water rafting down the Rio Grande River in Texas is an unforgettable experience. With its fast-moving rapids and crystal clear waters, this river is sure to excite even the most experienced rafters. It can be a thrilling adventure for those who dare to take the plunge.
The Rio Grande traverses 1,896 miles from Colorado through New Mexico, passing through Big Bend National Park before winding its way through Texas and eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. It has Class I-III rapids depending on the season, making it challenging enough for people of all skill levels. Not only that, but it also offers stunning views of towering cliffs, lush forests and wide open meadows.
Rafters will also get to experience a variety of wildlife, including spotted owls, wild turkeys and bald eagles. Whether you’re looking for a challenging thrill or just want to enjoy the scenery of the Texas hill country, white water rafting down the Rio Grande River is an experience not to be missed.
The Rio Grande around Lajitas and Big Bend National Park offers numerous opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. You can take multi hour to multi day trips that included drifting though the desert, beneath towering majestic 1500′ limestone canyons, and through Big Bend National Park. Many outfitters are available for guided trips and rentals.
Check out our first-hand review of rafting the Rio Grande River in Big Bend.
White Water Rafting Beyond Texas
Rio Grande River (New Mexico) Rafting Trip
Just outside of Taos New Mexico we rafted the Race Course stretch of the Rio Grande – fun trip with 12 sets of rapids some beautiful scenery. Read our review of white water rafting the Rio Grande River in New Mexico.
Roaring Fork Kayaking Trip
Rafting the Roaring Fork River is a scenic and exciting trip near Snowmass Colorado with some wild and challenging rapids and pretty scenery.
Floating the Animas River in Colorado
A calm and relaxing fun float down the Animas River along the river running through Durango, CO.
Rafting the Deschutes River in Bend Oregon
Rafting the Deschutes River is a fun ride down some Class I and III rapids just outside of Bend Oregon. Here is our review of rafting the Deschutes River.
White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
Wow, what a fun rafting trip down 25 continuous Class II & III and through a dense jungle loaded with wild animals and birds.
Even if you want to get some world-class rafting in the Rocky Mountains, there are a lot of options. But you should also consider white water rafting in Texas on the Rio Grande River in Big Bend. You can also get your kicks by kayaking or tubing down the Texas rivers. Check out our Kayaking Page and Tubing Page for lots of good information on tube/raft rentals, rivers to run, outfitters, and more.
Author: Simon Trask
Simon loves Texas and the Great Outdoors. From East Texas pines to West Texas mountains, he calls North Texas home but is always ready to float a river in Hill Country or go fishing on the Gulf Coast. Simon loves camping and road trips as well, whether it's cruising Highway 287, 82, 69 or 281, that's the true way to see what Texas is all about!
