Floating the Rio Grande

The Rio Grande, or El Rio Bravo del Norte, borders Big Bend National Park for 118 miles. A 1978 Act created the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and charged the National Park Service to care for an additional 127 miles downstream from the park. Providing protection and maintaining the pristine character of the Rio Grande along this stretch, the Wild and Scenic River designation actually begins at the Coahuila/Chihuahua, Mexico, state border upstream from Mariscal Canyon and continues downstream 196 miles to the Terrell/Val Verde County line in Texas; approximately 69 miles of this designation lie within Big Bend National Park. Both the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and the river along the park’s boundary are managed for recreation and preservation by the National Park Service.

Three options are available if you desire to make a river trip:  you can bring your own equipment, rent equipment, or hire a guide service that will provide all permits, food, equipment, and shuttles.

Canyon Trips

Colorado Canyon Although this canyon lies within Big Bend Ranch State Park and is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, it is included here because of the many requests for a relatively easy, one-day trip. This float can vary from nine to 21 miles depending on put-in and take-out points. The most popular section is from the Colorado Canyon put-in to the Madera Canyon take-out on Highway 170, a river distance of nine miles; floating on to Lajitas makes the run a total of 21 miles. Colorado Canyon is cut through igneous rock, unlike the three major park canyons, which are cut through limestone. This trip offers some fun rapids of Class II and Class III. Permits are available and user fees may be paid at the Barton Warnock Center (432-424-3327) in Lajitas or at the west entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park at Fort Leaton (432-229-3613). Self-registration is also possible at both locations.

Santa Elena Canyon A 20 mile, one to three day trip begins at Lajitas and ends one mile downstream from the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon. For the last seven miles the river is confined between sheer limestone walls that rise as much as 1,500 feet above the river. The Rock Slide rapid is located within two miles of the canyon entrance and is the major hazard for rafters and canoeists. At certain water levels, the Rock Slide becomes a Class IV rapid. Scouting this rapid before running it is essential. Prior to beginning your river trip, consult a Park Ranger about current conditions. Click here for some nice photos of Santa Elena Canyon.

Mariscal Canyon A 10 mile, one day trip begins at Talley and ends at Solis Landing. Access to the put-in is rough and not recommended for ordinary automobile traffic. Consult a Park Ranger about road conditions before you finalize plans. Mariscal Canyon, six miles long with walls exceeding 1,400 feet, is spectacular. The rapids in the canyon are Class II-III. Click here for some nice photos of Mariscal Canyon Note: Theft of property left in vehicles is not uncommon at Talley, Solis, or the Santa Elena Canyon take-out. Remove valuables from vehicle. Storage lockers are not available in the park.

Boquillas Canyon A 33 mile, two to three day trip begins at Rio Grande Village and ends at La Linda, Mexico. The Heath Canyon take-out is located on the U.S. side of the river, just downstream of the La Linda bridge. Permission to take-out at Heath Canyon should be obtained by calling Andy Kurie at (432) 376-2235. Boquillas Canyon is the longest canyon trip in Big Bend National Park, and its walls rise 1,200 feet above the river. Since no rapids rate higher than Class II, this is an ideal trip for those with less experience. Strong headwinds are common. Click here for some nice photos of Boquillas canyon.

The Lower Canyons A five to 10 day float trip, the journey through the Lower Canyons offers a true wilderness experience. The trip begins at La Linda and ends at either Dryden Crossing (83 miles) or Foster’s Ranch (119 miles), which is at the end of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Some river runners continue to Langtry (137 miles). If that is your chosen take-out, be sure to portage the dangerous weir at Foster’s Ranch. The Black Gap Wildlife Management Area does not allow put-ins for Lower Canyons trips. Permission to take-out at Dryden Crossing should be obtained by calling Dudley Harrison at (432) 345-2403 or 345-2503. Permission to take-out at Foster’s Ranch should be obtained by calling (432) 291-3232. The terrain along the Lower Canyons is open desert, rugged hills, and deep canyons. Access to the river is difficult below La Linda and most of the land above the riverbank is privately owned. The rapids in the Lower Canyons are Class II-V. Click here for some nice photos of the Lower Canyons

Weather and River Level Information

Sunshine is abundant year-round on the Rio Grande. While this sounds welcoming, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are dangers to guard against during the hot months. Conversely, hypothermia is a life-threatening danger during the balance of the year. Infrequent and brief periods of cloudy weather are confined mostly to the winter months. Appropriate clothing and other gear should be carried from November through April as cold fronts can bring freezing weather with rain or snow. The “rainy season” extends from mid-July through early October and can result in locally heavy thunderstorms and flash floods. Rapid river rises can be dangerous if unprepared. Relative humidity is normally between 25% - 40% year around.

Big Bend NP Daily Report
includes current river levels from Presidio to Dryden

Permits and Regulations

A backcountry use permit is required for day and overnight use of floating craft on all sections of the Rio Grande administered by the National Park Service, except for persons day-fishing downstream from the National Park boundary. The permit is free and can be obtained at park visitor centers and at self-permit stations at Lajitas (Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center--only for Santa Elena Canyon) and the Stillwell Store and RV Park on FM2627 enroute to the Lower Canyons put-in at La Linda.

A group of up to 30 persons, not including professional guides, may put on the Rio Grande daily on the Lajitas to Talley sections and the Solis to Boquillas Canyon entrance sections. Elsewhere in Big Bend National Park, a group of up to 20 persons, not including guides, may float on the river each day. Along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River downstream from the National Park, a group of up to 20 persons, not including guides, may float per day.

Camping is prohibited adjacent to the Rio Grande in the following areas:

•  from the upstream end of the Santa Elena Canyon Nature Trail to 3/4 miles downstream from Castolon
•  within one-half mile of San Vicente Crossing
•  from La Clocha to the end of the Boquillas Canyon Trail.

Motorized watercraft used within the park is limited to conventional boats with up to 60 horsepower inboard or outboard motors. Jet skis are not allowed in the park.

Gas-powered motorized watercraft will be prohibited on the following sections of the Rio Grande River:

• Santa Elena Canyon, from the western park boundary to the Santa Elena Canyon take-out
• Boquillas Canyon, from the entrance of Boquillas Canyon to the eastern boundary of the park.

Gas-powered motorized watercraft will be prohibited on the following section of the Rio Grande River except for the month of October:

• Mariscal Canyon, from Talley to Solis.

When the river level exceeds 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the gauge at Johnson’s Ranch, permits will be limited on river sections of class III or greater difficulty (Santa Elena Canyon, Mariscal Canyon, and Lower Canyons) to inflatable rafts with a minimum of three air compartments (excluding thwarts) and minimum dimensions of 12'x6'; decked canoes and kayaks capable of excluding water when used with a spray skirt; open canoes at least 50% filled with floatation; dories; and sport yaks. The restriction does not apply to parties that portage rapids of Class III or greater difficulty in Mariscal Canyon or the Lower Canyons; be aware, however, that portaging is not always possible.

All human waste must be carried out except for private use on the river between Santa Elena Take-out and Talley and between Solis and the entrance to Boquillas Canyon. Kayak-only or single canoe trips are also exempt. Portable toilets are available for rent from several river trip outfitters.

The Superintendent of Big Bend National Park may close to public use portions of the Rio Grande when necessary for public safety or for resource protection.

Equipment Checklist

Required Equipment
A Park Ranger may inspect your boat for required equipment while you are on the river. The following equipment is essential for a safe river trip:

• Boat:  Canoes, kayaks, or heavy duty inflatable rafts.
• Dump-station compatible carry-out toilet:  To pack out human waste.
• Life jackets:  One U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person. Must be worn on class II or greater water (International Scale). Must be worn on inner tubes or air mattresses. Bring one extra per group.
• Paddles/Oars: Each vessel (except inner tubes and air mattresses) must carry an extra paddle or oar, except for kayaks, which must carry one extra paddle per party.
• Patch kit/pump:  All inflatable vessels, except inner tubes and air mattresses, must carry a patch kit and pump.

Recommended Items
The following gear is recommended to increase safety, reduce impacts to the environment, and make your trip more enjoyable:

• First aid kit:  To handle major and minor emergencies.
• Plastic trash bags:  Carry out all trash.
• Safety line:  Rope length 50'-100' and 3/8" diameter. Carry tie-downs to secure gear in your vessel.
• Bailing bucket:  To remove water from inside your vessel.
• Water-tight containers:  To keep food, clothing, gear dry.
• Small shovel
• Flashlight.

For a Safe and Legal Trip:

DO
• Get a permit.
• Report all injuries or property damage or losses over $100 to a Park Ranger.
• Treat any water collected for drinking.
• Carry out all litter including cigarette butts and toilet paper.
• Carry out human waste. Dump stations are located at Santa Elena Canyon, the Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and at Stillwell Store and RV Park on FM2627.
• Urinate in the river or on wet shoreline.
• Use a fire pan if you build a campfire. A stove is better to protect the environment.
• Burn only charcoal or dead and down wood from the floodplain in a fire pan.
• Carry out all floatable debris. The common method is to place fire remains in a bucket of water, remove floating material to garbage sack, and pour remainder in main river current.
• Wear a USCG approved life jacket. A type I, III, or V personal flotation device is required for Santa Elena, Mariscal, and the Lower Canyons.
• Carry gear in waterproof bags and boxes, leashed in to prevent loss in event of an upset.
• Scout all major rapids and consider portaging.
• Camp well above the high water mark and out of any side canyons.
• Respect private property in both countries.
• Have a fun but safe trip!

DON’T
• Operate any vessel in a reckless or negligent manner.
• Overload vessels.
• Use firearms or explosives. They are prohibited.
• Disturb natural, historic or prehistoric features along the river.
• Forget to secure boats with lines at night as sudden river rises do occur.
• Take your pet on the river.
• Jug-fish in Big Bend National Park.
• Collect or disturb rocks, plants, wildlife, or any historical or archeological objects in the park and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.
• Float on inner tubes in Santa Elena Canyon, Mariscal Canyon, and the Lower Canyons.

Swimming in the Rio Grande is not recommended. The river can be hazardous, even in calm-looking water. Be aware of strong undercurrents, shallow areas with sharp rocks and large tree limbs, and be watchful for trot lines with large hooks.

For more information, call Big Bend National Park at (432) 477-2251.

Help Plan the Future of the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
General Management Plan

Table of River Distances & Estimated Days Required for Float Trips

Float Trip Outfitters and Equipment Rentals

Shuttle Service Providers

River Use Regulations

Water Quality & Quantity

Water Quality Concerns for Rafters

  River guides and maps are available at the BBNHA Web Page Book Store