Solo River Trip...Water Level Recommendations

[texjur]

I'm tired of putting off a planned trip while waiting for friends to see if they can make it and am looking at just going solo from the end of Santa Elena Canyon to Rio Grande Village. I really only have two questions I'm hoping to get help on.

First, going off the NPS daily report, what water levels and CFS flows are reasonable for this trip? I'd like to go at at time I know I'll be able to paddle the entire length without issue and not have to drag my kayak unless I decide I don't feel like paddling a particular section.

Second, in general I never worry about things like this (of course everyone says this), but since it will most likely be a solo trip, anybody aware of recent crime reports or other issues within the park along the river/border other than the usual car break-ins and some of the backcountry sites?

Thanks for the info.

[missourimike]

I second that motion on "get'n tired of friends" and going by myself.  Been there..done that.

I can't help on the river level but a I did a solo from Cottonwood to RGV three years ago.  The only issue was someone on the mexican side throwing large rocks in the water. The went on and eventually I hastily packed up and went to go hide.  Read up on the trip, I have it posted on here.

I should be get'n down there in May, but might be able to go in March.

MO Mike

[TheWildWestGuy]

I don't think you will have any problems solo in a kayak but it all depends on water levels.  Right now it's high water and (probably) no dragging bottom or having to get out and portage but it all depends on when you are going).  I would check the river levels posted on the BIBE NPS website and the daily report.   You will also need a river permit when you check in at Panther Junction.  If you are leaving a vehicle next to the river at Santa Elena Canyon for a couple nights be careful not to leave any valuable items in sight but it's probably LESS dangerous than most areas of Dallas, Houston, or Austin but your vehicle will be the only one around in the middle of the night.  I know what you mean about trying to get people to actually commit and go on this type of trip,  10 say they are interested,  5 of those 10 say they will go,  but...  4 of those 5 cancel out due to wife, family, job, weather, vacation plans, in-laws, pets, etc.  so at best you might get 1 to go with you but you should go anyway and go solo if necessary.  The only other real choice is "don't go" which is not the right answer.     Godspeed,  TWWG