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Access Site TX

FM 973 Bridge

Colorado River • Onion Creek

Source: texas_parks_and_wildlife_department Updated 1 year ago

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City: Austin, TX
County: Travis
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 30.20858000, -97.63783000
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Colorado Rv at Austin, TX Same River 3.6 mi away
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Colorado Rv at Bastrop, TX Same River 20.3 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Colorado River
4 runs (2 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II Downstream from here (11.8 mi to put-in) 3. Austin, Below Tom Miller Dam (PnP)
0.0 mi
II Upstream from here (5.8 mi from take-out) 4. Austin, Below Longhorn Dam (PnP)
0.0 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
FM 973 Bridge provides the first public boat launch downstream of Longhorn Dam in Austin on the Colorado River. This TxDOT-maintained access point is located on river left and serves as a convenient put-in for paddlers and boaters exploring the central Colorado River. Please note that **gate access requires a code**, and the Texas River School requests a suggested donation of $5 per person and $5 per boat to use the facility.

The Colorado River in this section is a significant waterway with an average flow of 2,220 cubic feet per second and moderate gradient. Paddlers should be aware that a low-head dam located approximately 4.75 miles downstream of this access requires a river left portage. The river in this area flows through the Edwards Plateau region with good current, making it suitable for experienced paddlers and boaters. Additional access points and amenities are available downstream, including a county park near Webberville with picnic facilities about 10 miles east of Austin.