Waters born from above and below, from desert downpours to crystalline springs, carve their way across the vast Texas map, shaped and colored by their geography and geology.

Waters born from above and below, from desert downpours to crystalline springs, carve their way across the vast Texas map, shaped and colored by their geography and geology. They gradually unite and mix as tributaries become creeks, creeks become rivers and rivers become gulf. Along their transformative journeys, many will flow through tranquil places, away from the noise and trappings of civilization, each bringing beauty to the landscape and inspiring those who seek its restorative power.

Gorman-Falls-surrounded by green foliage
Gorman-Falls-surrounded by green foliage

Colorado Bend State Park: Spring-fed waters from Gorman Creek cascade down 60 feet over tiers of fern-covered travertine slopes to form Gorman Falls.

Colorado Bend State Park: Spring-fed waters from Gorman Creek cascade down 60 feet over tiers of fern-covered travertine slopes to form Gorman Falls.


Shallow Water Flats at Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Shallow Water Flats at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Shallow-water salt flats and gypsum flats are all that remain of an ancient lake, once fed by streams and runoff from the Guadalupe Mountains.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Shallow-water salt flats and gypsum flats are all that remain of an ancient lake, once fed by streams and runoff from the Guadalupe Mountains.


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Cypress trees in Caddo Lake State Park
Cypress trees in Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake State Park: Thick bald cypress trees and lush vegetation create a maze in the sloughs, bayous and ponds of Caddo Lake.

Caddo Lake State Park: Thick bald cypress trees and lush vegetation create a maze in the sloughs, bayous and ponds of Caddo Lake.


Rocky landscape leading into hot springs at Big Bend National Park
Rocky landscape leading into hot springs at Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park: Hot springs overflow from the foundation of the bathhouse built by J.O. Langford around 1909. Today, visitors still soak in the clear 105-degree springs as the Rio Grande rushes by.

Big Bend National Park: Hot springs overflow from the foundation of the bathhouse built by J.O. Langford around 1909. Today, visitors still soak in the clear 105-degree springs as the Rio Grande rushes by.


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Bald cypress trees lining the Guadalupe River State Park
Bald cypress trees lining the Guadalupe River State Park

Guadalupe River State Park: Framed by bald cypress trees, the Guadalupe River winds through the park in a series of deep pools and shallow rapids.

Guadalupe River State Park: Framed by bald cypress trees, the Guadalupe River winds through the park in a series of deep pools and shallow rapids.


Palo Duro Canyon red tributary lined by green trees
Palo Duro Canyon red tributary lined by green trees

Palo Duro Canyon State Park: A red tributary of silted claystone and sandstone flows after a rainstorm on its path to the Red River.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park: A red tributary of silted claystone and sandstone flows after a rainstorm on its path to the Red River.


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Crane standing on rocky shore at Mustang Island
Crane standing on rocky shore at Mustang Island

Mustang Island State Park: Tides flow through the jetties of Mustang Island, merging waters of Corpus Christi Bay with the Gulf of Mexico.

Mustang Island State Park: Tides flow through the jetties of Mustang Island, merging waters of Corpus Christi Bay with the Gulf of Mexico.