Blanco River
About
Spring-fed flows averaging 130 CFS keep the Blanco River running year-round through the Texas Hill Country, with limestone shoals creating Class I-II drops over 87 miles from Blanco to its confluence with the San Marcos. The 20-mile stretch from Blanco State Park to Wimberley offers the best paddling, with consistent limestone ledges and optimal flows between 50-300 CFS on USGS gauge 08171000. Below Wimberley, the river cuts a scenic canyon for 25 miles through ranch country to Kyle, then widens for the final 15 miles to the San Marcos confluence. The Blanco runs through Blanco and Hays counties as part of the Texas Paddling Trail system, with put-ins managed through Blanco State Park. At low flows the limestone becomes technical; at high flows the shoals wash out into fast but straightforward Class II water.
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.