Devils River State Natural Area

Devils River State Natural Area
Dolan Falls
Map showing Del Norte Unit (top), Dan A. Hughes Unit (bottom) and the route of the Devils River (blue)
LocationVal Verde County, USA
Nearest cityDel Rio, Texas
Coordinates29°55′22.84″N 100°58′13.18″W / 29.9230111°N 100.9703278°W / 29.9230111; -100.9703278
Area37,000 acres (15,000 ha)
Established1988
Visitors7,883 (in 2025)
Governing bodyTexas Parks and Wildlife Department
WebsiteOfficial site

Devils River State Natural Area is a 37,000-acre (15,000 ha) nature reserve consisting of the sections of three ecosystems, the Edwards Plateau, the Tamaulipan mezquital and the Chihuahuan Desert. It is located in Val Verde County, Texas, United States. Named for the whitewater Devils River that runs alongside it, the Devils River State Natural Area's original boundaries were once part of a 20,000 acre working ranch that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased in 1988. This area is now known as the Del Norte Unit.

In 2011, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased an additional 18,000 acres 13 miles south of the Del Norte Unit for $13 million, $9 million of which came from donations. This section is known as the Dan A. Hughes Unit in honor of Dan A. Hughes, who led the fundraising efforts. The Del Norte Unit opened to the public in early 2025.

Devils River State Natural Area is a remote location surrounded by private ranches. Floating on the river is a three-day trip, with no modern conveniences available. While campsites are available, campers are advised to bring all basic necessities with them. Visitors are required to remove everything they bring into the area.

History

In 1857, future Confederate General John Bell Hood and a small United States Cavalry force skirmished with a group of Comanche braves along the banks of the Devil's River. In 1873, Texas Ranger Captain Pat Dolan had a skirmish with Native Americans, at the falls named for him. Dolan Falls in the natural area is the highest volume waterfall in Texas. The area was once home to the Comanche, Kiowa and Kickapoo tribes. Pictographs painted with red panthers are found in the area's fifty-three rock shelters, which archeologists have dated to 3000 BCE. The "Buffalo dancer" pictograph depicts a Native American.

Nature

The area is home to many varieties of animals and plants, including the Mexican free-tailed bat and black-capped vireo as well as Texas live oak, pecan and American sycamore trees.

See also

Notes

Citations

  1. ↑ Christopher Adams. "What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown for 2025". KXAN.com. Retrieved February 14, 2026.
  2. ↑ Kowtko (2010), p. 150-151
  3. 1 2 von Oldershausen, Sasha (June 12, 2024). "Will Outdoor Enthusiasts Love the Devils River to Death?". Texas Monthly. Archived from the original on January 2, 2026. Retrieved September 18, 2026.
  4. ↑ LeBlanc, Pam (September 1, 2012). "Texas seeks public comment on Devils River plans". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved September 18, 2026.
  5. ↑ Lopez, Danielle (March 18, 2018). "Exploring the Devils River State Natural Area by Foot". Texas Highways. Retrieved September 18, 2026.
  6. ↑ "News Release: May 21, 2015: TPW Commission Renames Portion of Devils River State Natural Area". Texas Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved September 18, 2026.
  7. ↑ O'Hanlon, Morgan. "New Devils River Unit Set to Open in 2025". Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine. Retrieved September 18, 2026.
  8. ↑ Parent (2008), p. 15-16
  9. ↑ Michno, Gregory (2003). Encyclopedia of Indian Wars: Western Battles and Skirmishes, 1850-1890.
  10. ↑ Aulbach (2005), p.17-18
  11. ↑ "Devils River State Natural Area: Nature". tTexas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved February 15, 2026.

References

Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Devils River State Natural Area at Wikimedia Commons