About
Frio River, Texas — 1849 German Settlement, Concan. Spring-fed flows averaging 120 CFS keep the Frio running clear and cold through the Texas Hill Country, carving limestone canyons between Real and Uvalde counties. The river's best 15-mile stretch runs from Leakey to Garner State Park, lined with bald cypress that create cathedral corridors over deep swimming holes. Below Garner, the 10-mile float to Concan stays family-friendly with more swimming stops, while the lower 30 miles toward Uvalde widen and warm as the river leaves the canyon country. At optimal flows of 50–300 CFS (gauge 08195000), the Frio runs Class I throughout its 200-mile length, with limestone ledges creating the only significant drops. The cypress groves and spring-fed clarity make this one of the few Texas rivers that stays swimmable through summer heat. Garner State Park anchors the middle section with developed access and camping, though private outfitters serve most of the upper canyon runs.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.