FLOATING the SABINAL RIVER
"Can you float the Sabinal River?"
We hear this question often.
Taking canoes
or tubes down the Sabinal River is possible but
not advisable. Most property along the Sabinal is private property.
Maybe a short trip could be planned from the Highway 187 North
crossing to the Utopia city park, but a longer trip to the one of
the two bridges south of Utopia on Highway 187 is a little risky.
If you put in at the crossing of Highway 1050 west of Utopia and
get out at the second of the two bridges on Highway 187, it could
8 to 12 hours or more depending on river flow and your individual
determination and dexterity. There here is a small waterfall one
half mile south of the 1050 bridge which could be dangerous if
the river is up. The riverfront is mostly private property. There
would be no place to get out of the river and walk back.
The water level fluctuates with seasons and the amount of
rainfall. If the river is low, there may be long stretches where
you walk over dry limestone bedrock especially after the first
bridge south on Highway 187.
The river is mostly clear and shaded by giant cypress. There are
also live oak, pecan and sycamore trees. Between the two Highway
187 bridges, you won’t see many humans, however you should
see wildlife depending on time of day and season. There are
several small waterfalls.
Land owners could be a problem if you leave the river proper or
litter along your trip. Please pick up any trash and be kind if
you encounter a land owner. There is a possibility that our
rivers will one day be CLOSED because of some careless visitors
that have not been kind to land owners.
Be sure that you are prepared if you attempt the trip: cell
phone to call friends to pick you up, flashlights in case it gets
dark, first aid kit ready for snake bit or chiggers, bug
repellent, plenty of drinking water, hats, comfortable shoes, sun
screen and what else?
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