It's as much a ritual as a tradition in Texas, airing up the inner tubes and heading to the river for a tranquil float through watery solitude and beauty of a flowing Hill Country river. And there's no better place to find the perfect waterworld than the Frio! River season is returning to Texas - and Texans are returning to the magical Rio Frio...
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 Like a ribbon of relief, a handful of clear-water rivers flow proudly across a sun-scorched summer landscape of the western Hill Country, slinking past communities with names like Utopia, Leaky, Medina, Uvalde, and Concan.
You see, times can get pretty hot in Texas. That's why the Good Lord made the Hill Country River Region, an area located about 50 miles west of San Antonio. The Frio, Nueces, Sabinal, and Leona rivers carry their watery loads across across unspoiled limestone landscapes, creating spotted pockets of Utopian oasis, providing the perfect playground for Texans to escape the harsh summer environment and relish in a waterworld of splendor and relief.
These spring-fed rivers collect limestone-filtered water that bubbles up from deep underground aquifers, refreshing the wild Hill Country landscape with millions of gallons of liquid pleasure.
Welcome to Texas' equivalent of the Garden of Eden, a region that contains such popular outdoor attractions as Garner State Park and Lost Maples Natural Area, and provides recreational fun to tubers, paddlers, rafters, fisherman, and fun-seekers from places as far away as San Antonio and Austin who have come to experience the absolute joy of Texas river excursions.
From robust river communities like Concan, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a unique culture born of the river and focused on river life. In addition to rental stands that provide inner tubes, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats, you can dine at riverside restaurants, dance at outdoor cantinas, or shop at unique establishments that offer everything from grocery and picnic supplies to handmade Hill Country curios to fishing and recreational gear and equipment.
Also abundant along the many miles of these crystal rivers are guest ranches, private campgrounds, youth camps and retreats - enough to keep you coming back over and over again in search of that perfect river landing spot where you can savor the natural environment and enjoy Nature's playground.
Diverse vegetation, spectacular wildflower displays, fall colors, monumental trees, abundant wildlife including the world’s second largest Mexican Free-tailed Bat population, lovely butterflies and birds including many rare and endangered species such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo are just a few of the reasons the River Region is the perfect backdrop for your natural adventures.
For lovers of wildlife, especially birders, the region is situated between Texas’ other great birding destinations, the Rio Grande Valley and Big Bend, and you'll want spend some time birding the River Region. Come with binoculars in hand to learn why the River Region is one of the top birding destinations in Texas!
According to the official Hill Country River Region Web site, the River Region was settled by pioneers, and today their spirit lives on through many of the area’s cultural activities. Visit historic Fort Inge and the Sabinal Canyon Museum for a view into the past. Catch performances by the Badland Texas Rangers, pioneer storytellers, and the Sahawe Indian Dancers during local events. Enjoy regional crafts fairs, livestock and rodeo shows, and put yourself in the saddle at one of many area stables.
At Garner State Park, take a hayride to a scenic overlook where Cowboy Sunset Serenade will delight you with cowboy history through song and poetry. In the summer, dance at the park’s historic pavilion. Visit the Briscoe Art Collection to admire western art at its finest. Local artisans produce handmade furniture, and opportunities to shop for antiques abound. Treat yourself to a musical at the historic Uvalde Grande Opera House, and tour the home of former Vice President John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner, now a museum. If you love flying the skies, you won't want to miss the National Soaring Competition, or the Aviation Museum of Texas.
The region is also the scene for a number of outdoor events including the annual Nature Quest, and the River Region Bicycle Classic.
Whether you're camping in a tent or RV at one of many campgrounds or state facilities or opt to stay in one of hundreds of river cabins and lodges available throughout the region, you'll enjoy an escape to this remarkable waterworld in the Texas wilderness. Use the resources below to plan your next getaway. ENJOY!
Area Attractions
Concan Area
The town of Concan, located in central Uvalde County on Highway 127 near the intersection of U.S. Highway 83, dates back to 1840. The clear, fast-flowing waters of the Frio River have been attracting tourists here since the 1920’s. Numerous lodgings can be found in this scenic canyon, along with restaurants, shops, and occasional live music. Outfitters along Highways 127 and U.S. Highway 83, and county roads 348 (River Road) and 350, provide tubes and shuttles for a small fee. Additionally, sit-on-top kayaks are now available for rent at several locations. From mid-March through mid-October, the worlds’ second largest Mexican Free-tailed bat population makes its home at the Frio Bat Cave. To witness this breathtaking spectacle you can attend a Sunset Bat Flight Tour.
Garner State Park Area
Garner State Park, Texas’ oldest and most visited state park, named for Vice President John Nance Garner, is located on the Frio River seven miles north of Concan at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and FM 1050 in north central Uvalde County. The park was built in 1933 as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, using local materials of stone and wood for the facilities. Long known as a family-oriented vacation spot, the river’s recreational activities and the nightly summer dances at the historic pavilion keep visitors returning generation after generation. With over 200 species of birds sited in the park, it is one of many Uvalde County destinations popular with birders. Each May the park hosts a Homecoming Concert.
Reagan Wells Area
Reagan Wells, a small rural community located on RR1051 and the Dry Frio River twenty-five miles north of Uvalde was settled in 1876. The Dry Frio River has numerous spring-fed swimming holes and runs intermittently depending on rainfall. The famous “Reagan Well” mineral water once attracted those desiring healing, and today the area offers several lodgings off the beaten path. Visit the Hummertage to see unique wood carving techniques and an assortment of hand-crafted gift items.
Uvalde Area
The city of Uvalde is the county seat, and is famous for its large, beautiful trees. Uvalde received a Tree City USA designation from the U.S. Forestry Service for building its streets around the trees. The Leona River flows through the heart of downtown, and through historic Fort Inge. The Honey Capital of the World sits at the crossroads of the nation’s two longest highways, U.S. 90 and U.S. 83, and offers many points of interest, entertainment, shopping and dining. To receive a free brochure on the City of Uvalde, call the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 588-2533. Cooks Slough Nature Park will open to the public in the Fall of 2006.
Utopia Area
The town of Utopia is located 23 miles north of Sabinal at the intersection of Highway 187 and FM 1050, along the banks of the lovely, Cypress-lined Sabinal River. Founded by settlers in 1852 and originally called Waresville, this canyon of exceptional scenery was already rich in the history of Spanish explorers and Paleo-Indians. Several historic buildings, a city park, restaurants, and shops including antiques, will be of interest. Visit the Sabinal Canyon Museum in Utopia to view pioneer farm implements and household items, Indian artifacts, geological exhibits, and WWII memorabilia. No trip would be complete without hiking the nearby Lost Maples State Natural Area. Located in Bandera County, 15 miles north of Utopia on Highway 187, the 2,174 acres of rugged canyons, plateaus, grasslands, and clear streams boast the only maple forest in Texas. Each fall, Uvalde Bigtooth Maple trees burst into a spectacular blaze of color around the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November. Call the Lost Maples fall foliage line for an update.
Sabinal Area
The city of Sabinal is located twenty miles northeast of Uvalde at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Highway 187 and shares the peaceful Sabinal River with Utopia. Originally known as Hammer's Station, the city was settled in 1854, and in 1856 the Second United States Cavalry established Camp Sabinal there. Largely an agricultural center, the area today is known for bowhunting, antiques, and handmade mesquite furniture. Stop in for a treat at the old-time soda fountain at the pharmacy. Sabinal’s charming downtown, historic buildings, city park, restaurants, and shops will be of interest.
Nueces Canyon Area
The site of the Spanish mission Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria del Cañón, marked by a historic marker, is testament to years of exploration by the Spanish who named the river “Nueces” or “River of Nuts” after the Pecan trees along its banks. The area’s rich history dates back to the Paleo-Indians, whose artifacts now bear the names of area settlements. The communities of Laguna (abandoned) and Montel are located along Highway 55 and are known for beef, mohair wool, hunting, and honey production. This scenic, rugged, and arid terrain is made up of ranches, many of which offer unique and remote vacation experiences. While in Montell, visit the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, in continuous service since 1890, to see its famous stained glass window and pioneer cemetery.
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