Access Site
TX
Highway 71 Bridge
City: TX
County: Colorado
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 29.71360326, -96.54717748
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Colorado River
4 runs
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
This TxDOT-maintained access point on the Colorado River offers Class 1 launch conditions on the downstream left bank, making it straightforward for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The site features generous parking directly under the double Highway 71 Bridge in Smithville and is the first public access point downstream of Longhorn Dam in Austin. Note that there are no public bathrooms, picnic tables, or grills available at this location.
The Colorado River at this point is a major waterway (Stream Order 8) with an average flow of 2,220 cubic feet per second and a moderate gradient of 3.2 feet/mile. Paddlers should be aware that approximately 4.75 miles downstream lies a low-head dam on river left that requires a portage. Other nearby access points include Beason's Park in Columbus (approximately 4 miles downstream) and Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park in Smithville, providing options for planning shuttle trips or multi-day paddles.
The Colorado River at this point is a major waterway (Stream Order 8) with an average flow of 2,220 cubic feet per second and a moderate gradient of 3.2 feet/mile. Paddlers should be aware that approximately 4.75 miles downstream lies a low-head dam on river left that requires a portage. Other nearby access points include Beason's Park in Columbus (approximately 4 miles downstream) and Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park in Smithville, providing options for planning shuttle trips or multi-day paddles.