The Trip
An October float through the Lost Pines stretch of the Colorado — from the FM 969 bridge at Utley down to Bastrop, about 12 river miles of sandbars, herons, and loblolly bluffs. Canoes and shuttle are outfitted through Bastrop River Company.
| Distance | ~12 river miles |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Put in | FM 969 bridge at Utley |
| Take out | Bastrop |
| Outfitter | Bastrop River Company |
Route
Recorded track from Utley to Bastrop (~14.9 miles as the river winds).
River Conditions
| Flow | Status | What it means for us |
|---|---|---|
| Below 300 | Go | Floatable but slow — plan a longer day |
| 300 – 1,500 | Go | Ideal |
| 1,500 – 3,500 | Caution | Pushy — experienced paddlers |
| Above 3,500 | No-go | Sandbars under, bank strainers |
| Rose over 50% in 24 h | Caution | Flash pulse warning regardless of level |
October median at Bastrop ≈ 615 cfs; a dry-year October runs ≈ 263 cfs. The Austin gauge upstream is the leading indicator — what Longhorn Dam releases today reaches Bastrop tomorrow. In July 2026 this river went from about 1,000 to over 14,000 cfs in three days, which is why the rising-water rule above exists.
3-day forecast — river corridor
Safety Notes
Life jackets stay on, on the water. Period. USCG-approved, inherently buoyant, properly fitted. Every Trailman on this trip must hold Swimmer-level certification from within the last 12 months.
Strainers, not rapids, are the hazard here. Downed trees along the banks catch boats and hold them. We stay mid-channel in moving water and never grab overhanging limbs.
Rising water is sneaky water. Rain far upstream can raise this river under a clear blue sky — leadership checks the Austin gauge the morning of launch.
Packing List — Canoe Overnight
Swimmer-level certification within the last 12 months and a USCG-approved, inherently buoyant life jacket — worn at all times on the water — are required. No cotton: wool or synthetics only.
On the water
- Personal life vest (USCG-approved, inherently buoyant)
- Sun shirt / loose-fitting long sleeve
- Paddling gloves
- Whistle
- Bail cup
- Dry bag for personal gear (a contractor trash bag works and is provided)
- Ziplock bags for small items
- Water bottles (2–3 L)
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with retainer
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Water shoes or sandals with heel strap
Overnight camp
- Tent (1- to 3-person) — hammock spots possible but not guaranteed
- Sleeping bag
- Camping mat; travel pillow (optional)
- Merino wool or polyester base layer
- Extra wool socks and quick-dry underwear
- Warm hat and windproof evening layer
- Complete dry change of clothes (no cotton)
- Tarp, cordage, and pegs (optional)
- Mosquito net (optional)
Personal kit
- Personal first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper (no restrooms on the river)
- Trowel (cat holes — Trailman's Handbook sanitation)
- Separate small backpack for the overnight
- Extra snacks
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Mess kit (cup, bowl, spoon)
- Jetboil or backpack stove and small pot (optional)