Leave the hassles of everyday life behind when you tube down the Guadaloupe River. This water body is christened in remembrance of Our Lady of Guadaloupe by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Leon. Among the earliest of rivers explored in the Texas region, this river has several stretches that make water recreational sports possible.
The river has some adrenaline inducing rapids, sparkling calm waters and great spots for fishing. The river flows through limestone buffs that you can explore. There are several large cypress trees lining the edge that give you shade to relax under.
The Guadaloupe Stretch
The Guadalupe River stretches from Canyon Lake Dam for approximately 250 miles towards the coast. It has several recreational spots built into the stretch and has put Central Texas on the map. A popular section of the Guadalupe River lies between Canyon Lake Dam and Gruene. There is also the Upper Guadaloupe River and the Lower Guadaloupe.
What to Do Near the Guadaloupe River
For those of you looking for water based recreational sports, Guadaloupe offers you the options of white water rafts, canoes and kayaks. Increasing in popularity these days are tubes, which you can rent. Get on and float down the 20-mile section of Canyon Lake Dam and New Braunfels. There are several rental outfitters along the river, and you can always organize a shuttle service for the way back.
If you are going the tubing way, there are a few options for you to consider in terms of routes:
- The Horseshoe, which spans around 1.5 to 2 hours
- The 4th crossing, which is around 3.5 to 4 hours duration
- The Little Ponderosa, which is around 6 hours
Safety
The flow of the water in the Guadalupe River is controlled as much as possible and monitored throughout the year. When there are heavy rains, the water level may get too high at which point most recreational activities are halted and only expert whitewater rafters and kayakers are allowed to carryout activities.
Fishing at Guadaloupe River
Close on the heels of tubing, fishing is another activity common on the river. You can bring in your fly fishing gear and settle down to catch some rainbow or brown trout. A good spot is just below the Canyon Lake. Anglers may be able to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, white and striped bass among others. Look below the dams and weirs and you will find company for tailrace fishing.
Festivals at Guadaloupe River
You may be surprised to know that besides spending a great time on the waters, there is a lot that you can do here. There are a range of festivals, both culinary and cultural, that you may consider attending:
- The Annual Crawfish Festival in April
- The Texas Clay Festival
- The Comal County Fair
- The Wine and Sangria Fest
- The Gruene Music and Wine Fest
Golfing on the River
There are three golf courses spread across the river, which cater to every kind of golfer. Get ready to test your swing and work on that disability score at these three golf clubs:
- Canyon Lake Club
- Landa Park Golf Course
- The Bandit Golf Club
Head to the Park
The Guadaloupe River State Park is a beautiful halt when you are on a short break. There are a range of programs offered by the Rangers. A schedule may be found online. A must-stop is the Children’s Discovery Centre, where kids interact with nature using real tools and scientific instruments. Interactive exhibits and themed boxes make it a fun exercise. Let your kids also take along the free backpack and a set of tools and discover the park on their own.
Considering the massive expanse that is the Guadaloupe River. There is a kind of recreation activity for just about any kind of thrill seeker. From calm, serene waters to interesting rapids and languid tube trips down the river, there is a lot to look forward to.
