Discover Val Verde County: Spring-Fed Waters, Rock Art, and History

The two units of Devils River State Natural Area together cover more than 37,000 acres in Val Verde County. In addition to river landscapes, prehistoric rock art and historic buildings are among the themes you can explore as you plan your trip. It is worth paying attention to the type of access and the conditions at each location.

River Landscapes and Water

The spring-fed Devils River is known for its exceptionally clear water. San Felipe Springs is located in Val Verde County, on the outskirts of Del Rio. At the Creek Walk along San Felipe Creek, you can float, swim, and kayak in crystal-clear water. Water conditions can vary, so it is a good idea to check them before your visit.

Access requirements for the Devils River are also part of trip planning: a Devils River Access Permit is required to access the units of Devils River State Natural Area or the paddler camps. Requirements and fees may change; check the current information before your trip.

Trails, Distances, and Access Rules

Hiking in the canyon area of Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site requires a guide; all other trails can be explored independently. Check current conditions before your trip and find out whether a reservation is relevant for your visit. The Canyon Rim Trail is 4.9 miles one way. Keep this in mind when planning your route: this does not automatically refer to the full round trip.

Amistad National Recreation Area offers easy trails for short walks as well as options for longer hikes. Trail conditions can vary. The options for short walks and longer hikes give you different ways to spend time outdoors; they do not correspond to specific trail lengths.

Rock Art and Different Ways to Access It

Panther Cave can only be reached by boat and is named after a large leaping cat figure. Panther Cave Site (41VV83) is a large rock shelter in Val Verde County with elaborate prehistoric rock art. Rock art was painted at Fate Bell and other rock shelters in the Lower Pecos River Country.

Parida Cave has more than 300 feet of designated trails. Access conditions at the lake can vary, so you should check current conditions before your trip. Panther Cave and Parida Cave raise different practical considerations: boat access is key for one, while access to the lake also matters for the other.

History in Buildings and Museums

Val Verde County Courthouse was designed by Larmour & Watson in 1887. Whitehead Memorial Museum preserves the history of Val Verde County’s and Del Rio’s early settlers and has more than 40 permanent exhibits; the number may change over time. The museum offers a distinct way to explore the history of the county and the city, while the courthouse provides a glimpse into the design of a historic building.

The grounds of Whitehead Memorial Museum are now called Ima Jo Fleetwood Park; the Cadena Nativity is located there. The remains of Judge Roy Bean and his son Sam Bean are also on the grounds, where they were placed for safekeeping. Val Verde County has a bicultural identity because of its proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border.

Discover more destinations: Del Rio, Laughlin Afb, Real County, Bailey County, Fort Bend, Donley County, Robertson County, Freestone County.

For the main travel overview: Texas.