Devil's River State Natural Area

The Devil's River State Natural Area is a remote parcel of 37,000 acres along the Devil's River. The desert here boasts cliffs, dry streambeds, springs and the pristine river that provides hair-raising water experiences via canoe or kayak. While human adventurers may find a river trip furtastic, pet owners should be aware that the river can become quickly hazardous. Flash flooding is common, and many areas have limestone shelves close to the surface that can cause mishaps. Perhaps exploration on foot is more reasonable for doggos and their human buddies.

Once the home of Comanches, Kiowa and Kickapoo tribes, the park features 3 separate ecosystems containing a variety of flora and fauna that can be explored on trails. Your pooch will  have a fine time spying, hearing and sniffing out the various species of wildlife available here, including North African sheep, snakes, foxes, small mammals like raccoons, armadillos and skunks. Less often seen are bobcats, mountain lions and rare black bears. The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is one of the protected species found here, and flowers abound, providing added beauty to the stark desert landscape.

If a swim in the river is part of your plan, it's impawtant to remember that the river's edge is a one-mile hike from the parking area. This is a "carry in/carry out" park, so remember to bring water, food, and clean-up bags, and plan to carry everything back out. The park features 53 rock shelters in which you'll find pictographs depicting the lives of the area's ancient inhabitants, most notably a red panther and "Buffalo Man."  Trees along the river provide shade, but there's no real shade in most of the park, so be sure to carry sunscreen, wear a hat and consider long sleeves and pants. And don't forget to treat Fido's nose and ear tips with sunscreen. 

The Devil's River Natural Area has been designated a "Dark Sky Sanctuary," one of only nine in the world, where after dark, you'll be amazed by the stars and planets wheeling in the sky above you. Another attraction is the Devil's River Trail, a 21-mile loop with some climbing required. 

This pawrrific natural, wild area is the ideal spot for getting close to nature and finding solitude with your pup in Texas's Hill Country!