Devils River State Natural Area
Protected area in Texas, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.[2] Named for the whitewater Devils River that runs through it, the area was once part of a large working ranch, but purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1988. 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.[3]
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| Devils River State Natural Area | |
|---|---|
Dolan Falls | |
  Devils River State Natural Area  Devils River State Natural Area | |
| Location | Val Verde County, USA |
| Nearest city | Del Rio, Texas |
| Coordinates | 29°55′22.84″N 100°58′13.18″W |
| Area | 37,000 acres (15,000 ha) |
| Established | 1988 |
| Visitors | 7,883 (in 2025)[1] |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Website | Official site |
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.[4] 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.[5]
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.[6]
