Devil’s River State Natural Area Backcountry Loop

This 18-mile loop through Devil’s River country follows century-old ranch roads across some of Texas’s most untouched landscape, where spring-fed creeks cut through limestone canyons lined with 4,000-year-old Native American rock art. The route tackles steep limestone ledges, loose shale climbs, and narrow canyon crossings where flash floods have carved the bedrock into natural sculptures. The highlight is Dolan Creek Springs, where crystal-clear water bubbles from limestone caves into pools that stay 70 degrees year-round.

This is difficult terrain requiring experienced drivers with full skid plates and recovery gear — the limestone ledges will test your breakover angle and the loose rock can slice sidewalls. Reservations required and limited to protect this fragile ecosystem. Best visited March through November when creek crossings are manageable. No cell service and the nearest fuel is 45 miles in Del Rio. What you get is some of Texas’s clearest water, prehistoric art galleries, and solitude that makes the technical driving worth every scraped rock slider.