How Many Rivers Are Found In Texas’ Interior?

Texas is home to 11,247 named streams, a total of about 80,000 miles of waterways that drain 263,513 square miles. The state has 3,700 named streams and 15 major rivers, accounting for over 191,000 miles (307,000 km) of waterways. These rivers share common features but each has unique characteristics. Texas has 188 major water-supply reservoirs, and over 20 additional major reservoirs that serve no water-supply function.

There are eight designated coastal basins in Texas, including the Neches-Trinity, Trinity-San Jacinto, San Jacinto-Brazos, Brazos-Colorado, Colorado-Lavaca, and Lavaca-Guadalupe River. Texas has approximately 184,797 miles of river, with 191.2 miles designated as wild and scenic. There are 3,700 named streams and 15 major river systems flowing through the state, supporting over 212 reservoirs.

The U.S. Geological Survey has documented 11,247 rivers and streams in Texas, with 14 of them considered major rivers. With more than 3,700 named streams, 15 major rivers, and 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline along the Gulf Coast, Texas offers unlimited possibilities for recreational activities. Of the private dams in Texas, nearly 600, or about 12, are on the state’s 14 major rivers such as the Rio Grande, Colorado, Pecos, Nueces, and Brazos.

Texas has 15 major river basins and over 3,700 named streams, making it an extensive waterway system. On a hot Texas day, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the state’s rivers and streams, such as the Guadalupe River, Comal, Kendall, and Kerr.


📹 Where do Texas rivers begin?

I took a road trip with my dad to explore the headwaters of many of the rivers that flow through Texas. We camped and fished and …


What is the deepest river in Texas?

The Trinity River experienced major flooding in 1844, 1866, 1871, and 1890, but a major event in 1908 triggered the river’s harnessing. On 26 May 1908, the river reached a depth of 52. 6 feet and a width of 1. 5 miles, resulting in five deaths, 4, 000 homeless, and property damage estimated at $2. 5 million. The construction forces of the Texas and Pacific worked feverishly to safeguard the long trestle carrying their tracks across the stream. However, the structure turned on its side, broke loose, and swung out into the current, causing the river to break up.

Dallas was without power for three days, and all telephone and telegraph service was down. Rail service was canceled, and the only way to reach Oak Cliff was by boat. West Dallas was hit harder than any other part of the city, with “indescribable suffering” plagued the area. Thousands of livestock drowned in the flood, and some became lodged in the tops of trees, leaving the city stench of their decay.

What is the largest river entirely in Texas?

The Trinity River is the longest river in Texas, encompassing the entirety of its drainage basin. The Colorado River is the longest river in Texas, with its source located in New Mexico. The Comal River is the shortest river in Texas and the fifth shortest in the United States, situated in New Braunfels. The spring-fed waters span a distance of 2. 5 miles. The Colorado River is the longest river in Texas.

What are the 3 rivers that make up Texas?

The U. S. Geological Survey has 11, 247 named Texas streams, a total of 80, 000 miles, which drain 263, 513 square miles within the state. Fourteen major rivers are described, starting with the southernmost and moving northward. The Pueblo Indians called this river P’osoge, meaning the “river of great water”. In 1582, Antonio de Espejo of Nueva Vizcaya, Mexico, followed the course of the Río Conchos to its confluence with a great river, which Espejo named Río del Norte. The name Rio Grande was first given to the stream by explorer Juan de Oñate in 1598.

What is the most clear river in Texas?

The Devil’s River, a river of notable beauty and diversity in Texas, has not been significantly affected by climate change or groundwater extraction.

What is the most important river in Texas?

The Rio Grande, the most significant river in Texas, spans 1, 900 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, forming the border between the United States and Mexico. Other major rivers include the Brazos, Sabine, Trinity, and Red rivers, which form a significant portion of the border between Texas and Oklahoma. Texas has around 200 major lakes or reservoirs, many of which were created to store water against droughts and are popular for recreation. The state’s rich fertility of soils initially attracted settlers, but since the 1930s, efforts by federal and state governments have promoted soil conservation.

What is the shortest river in Texas?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the shortest river in Texas?

The Comal River in New Braunfels is the shortest river in Texas and one of the shortest navigable waterways in the US. It is 2. 5 miles long and has a steady 70-72 degree water temperature, making it refreshing in the Texas summer heat and warm enough for morning swims in winter. The Comal River Water Trail offers 1. 5 miles of scenic water excursion through New Braunfels, featuring multiple rapids and the famous City Tube Chute.

The trail is known for its excellent floatability and is popular during the hot summer months. Visitors can also fish, snorkel, and scuba dive on the trail. Despite being the shortest navigable river in Texas, it offers a unique tubing experience suitable for all levels of experience.

What is the prettiest river in Texas?

The Guadalupe River, a 230-mile river in Lone Star State, is a popular tubing spot in Texas Hill Country, particularly near New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Guadalupe River State Park offers four miles of river frontage. The Blanco River offers a quiet, spring-fed respite with shallow waters, varying depending on rainfall. The Frio River, a beautiful, cool, and calm place, can be entered from Garner State Park in Texas Hill Country, an hour-and-half drive from San Antonio.

How many rivers does Texas have?

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department states that there are 15 major rivers and 3, 700 named streams that span 191, 000 miles of Texas land. These rivers and streams transport water and nutrients to the landscape, providing habitat for wildlife and fish. Vegetated meandering river systems prevent erosion and floods by slowing water flow downstream. Rivers in Texas have been used for transportation, irrigation, power generation, recreation, and tourism for centuries. Perennial streams, which have water year-round, are primarily sourced from groundwater and the water table is above the stream bed. Surface water runoff also contributes to stream flow.

What is the cleanest river in Texas?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the cleanest river in Texas?

Devil’s River, originating in northwest Sutton County, flows south through Val Verde County to join the Rio Grande near Del Rio. The river is intermittent due to its arid nature, with some stretches going underground and rising again downstream. The river’s water quality is excellent, making it considered the cleanest naturally flowing stream in Texas. The water is filtered through sand and gravel deposits and is clear enough to be seen in deep pools.

However, water levels can be extreme, ranging from flash floods to trickles, making its recreational use seasonal. The river’s scenic beauty, water quality, remoteness, and white-water recreational experiences make it one of the few rivers in Texas with truly “wild” characteristics.

The upper reaches of the river, from FM 189 to Baker’s Crossing, are intermittent and subject to extreme fluctuations. The river’s water quality is exceptional due to its flow over sand and gravel, and numerous rapids exist. The upper section of the river is restricted to seasonal use due to its extreme fluctuations.

Where do Texas rivers empty?

The Rio Grande and Brazos Rivers discharge directly into the Gulf of Mexico, where they have formed deltas. As illustrated on the River Basin Map of Texas, the deltas of these rivers extend into the Gulf of Mexico, while the remaining river basins discharge into estuaries and bays along the coast.

Where is the cleanest river in Texas?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Where is the cleanest river in Texas?

Devil’s River, originating in northwest Sutton County, flows south through Val Verde County to join the Rio Grande near Del Rio. The river is intermittent due to its arid nature, with some stretches going underground and rising again downstream. The river’s water quality is excellent, making it considered the cleanest naturally flowing stream in Texas. The water is filtered through sand and gravel deposits and is clear enough to be seen in deep pools.

However, water levels can be extreme, ranging from flash floods to trickles, making its recreational use seasonal. The river’s scenic beauty, water quality, remoteness, and white-water recreational experiences make it one of the few rivers in Texas with truly “wild” characteristics.

The upper reaches of the river, from FM 189 to Baker’s Crossing, are intermittent and subject to extreme fluctuations. The river’s water quality is exceptional due to its flow over sand and gravel, and numerous rapids exist. The upper section of the river is restricted to seasonal use due to its extreme fluctuations.


📹 Why Devils River State Natural Area is a Must-Visit in Texas

Discover the Amazing Devils River! In southwest Texas, where there are hardly any big cities or lots of people, you’ll find one of …


How Many Rivers Are Found In Texas' Interior?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

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10 comments

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  • Great tour. I grew up in New Mexico (West of the Great Divide) but spent many years in Oklahoma and Colorado (East of the Divide), moved to College Station three years ago this June after retiring to be closer to my Son. Your tour brought some good memories and had been thinking about exploring the Brazos River basin before too long. As for now, glad to be here among all the Aggie fans and now ‘I Stand with Texas’.

  • Enjoyed seeing you and your dad’s adventure. I spent many years fishing and hunting with my father through a number of the areas you visited. My family began in Gonzales and continues today in San Antonio. Thank you for showing how great Texas is for fathers and sons. It would have put a smile on my dad’s face, thank you for taking us along.

  • The head of the Prairie Dog Town Fork is many mile west of the Palo Duro Canyon. The Salt Fork head is in a field just a few miles north of Claude. The McClellan is a few miles west of Conway. You were close. The Pecos head is north of Pecos NM towards Cowles. To get to the head of the Rio Grande one must travel up Stony Pass Rd out of Creede, very beautiful country.

  • Man you have a website now! May I suggest visiting the Paluxy river near Glenn Rose. Some special formations, a rare clear river in Texas, and of course the Dinosaur tracks! I live near the Sabine, a muddy river with rich history of Native Americans, oil boom (Kilgore). I’m ready for the next installment!

  • Nice article. Thanks, but just wanted to point out that the headwaters of the Red River are actually further west of Palo Duro Canyon along Palo Duro Creek and/or Tierra Blanca Creek. My family had a place from 1939 to 2018 right along the Palo Duro Creek below City Lake (formerly Bivins Lake). The creek starts further west northwest from the lake ( right on City Lake Road. The creek was spring-fed and crystal clear before all the wells lowered the water table.

  • I enjoyed perusal this article. In 2018, I took a road trip in which I followed the Red River from where I-44 crosses it all of the way upstream to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. I explored the Park and visited both Amarillo and Lubbock as well as driving on I-27 all of the way from its north end to its south end. This was the first time in my life that I have visited Palo Duro Canyon State park as well as Amarillo and Lubbock.

  • I owned property on the Aransas River in Bee County many years ago. Of course, it’s a dinky river in comparison to these rivers, but it’s a lot closer to you and still a fascinating area to track the headwaters. Interestingly enough, highly treated wastewater from the city of Beeville is one of the biggest sources of water into this river basin. I had alligators and monster gar in the river on my property many years ago. Great website. First time here.

  • How do you not include two major rivers like the Sabine and Trinity?? The Sabine forms the State boundary line with Louisiana just north of Joaquin Texas and the Trinity may be the most important river in Texas… Sulphur and Angelina are two that i can understand not including because they’re not as well known

  • Head up to Balmorhea (BAL muh RAY) for the State Park’s pool there… fantastic. It’s actually ‘in’ Toyahvale (a “suburb” of Balmorhea – or is it the other way around? ha ha). There’s always the Frio River, running thru Leakey, Texas (“LAKEy” not LEEKY) at Garner State Park, world headquarters of rock-skippers). I can recommend the whole Pecos River ‘valley’ especially at the end of July, all of Aug and early Sept because that’s harvest season for corn AND best yet – CANTALOPE.

  • i’m going next weekend with my great dane. we’re so excited! i drive a low clearance mazda3 hatchback… should i have concerns driving it into the park? i’ve driven it off road in the canyons of california before. it wasn’t smooth, but doable at very low speeds. or should i borrow my roommates renegade?

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