Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande

Tucked away in the heart of West Texas lies a natural wonder waiting to be explored. Big Bend National Park’s Rio Grande canyons offer visitors a chance to enjoy the area’s raw, untamed beauty. Paddling down the tranquil waterway, guests will be surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and towering geological formations, all while spotting diverse wildlife and learning about the region’s rich history. Though the experience promises breathtaking scenery, the true allure lies in the opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and connect with the natural world. What awaits beyond the riverbanks is nothing short of extraordinary.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Canyons

2 Rio Grande River Exploration

3 Scenic Desert Landscapes

4 Picnic Lunch on the River

5 Necessary Equipment Provided

6 Private Transportation and Fees

7 Meeting and End Point

8 Requirements and Cancellation Policy

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Explore the stunning desert landscapes and geological formations of the Rio Grande canyons in Big Bend National Park by floating down the scenic river.
Choose from a variety of watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and rafts, to learn about the tranquil and scenic river journey.
Spot diverse wildlife and learn about the area’s rich history and geology from knowledgeable guides during the river float adventure.
Enjoy a locally-sourced picnic lunch on the riverbank, providing a midday respite and chance to recharge during the float.
The necessary equipment, including boats, personal flotation devices, and paddles, is provided for a comfortable and safe river exploration experience.

Overview of the Canyons

The Canyons of the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, located in the southwestern United States, offer adventurous travelers the opportunity to float down the scenic river, surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and geological formations.

Guests can choose to explore the canyons by kayak, canoe, or raft, taking in the breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and rugged terrain.

Along the way, they’ll learn about the area’s rich history and diverse ecosystem, including the unique flora and fauna that call this remote region home.

The trip includes a picnic lunch, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Rio Grande canyons.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Big Bend National Park.

Rio Grande River Exploration

Visitors can choose from a variety of watercraft to explore the Rio Grande River, including kayaks, canoes, and rafts, allowing them to fully enjoy the stunning desert landscapes and towering geological formations that surround the waterway. The river offers a tranquil and scenic journey, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and learn about the area’s rich history and geology from knowledgeable guides.

Watercraft	Advantages	Considerations
Kayaks	Intimate connection with the river, easy to navigate	Require some paddling experience
Canoes	Accommodate more passengers, stable platform	Require coordination between paddlers
Rafts	Suitable for all skill levels, spacious	Less maneuverability than kayaks/canoes

Scenic Desert Landscapes

As visitors float down the Rio Grande, they’ll be treated to awe-inspiring desert landscapes that showcase the region’s unique geology and diverse ecosystems.

Towering canyon walls, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, rise up on either side of the river, offering a stunning backdrop to the serene journey.

Rugged mountains, capped with rocky peaks, dot the horizon, while hardy desert plants cling to the steep canyon slopes, adapted to the harsh climate.

The contrast between the winding river and the surrounding desert is truly breathtaking, with each bend in the waterway revealing new vistas of the raw, untamed beauty of the Big Bend region.

Picnic Lunch on the River

During the float trip, you will enjoy a picnic lunch along the banks of the Rio Grande. The meal, which is included in the tour, features locally-sourced ingredients and provides a chance to refuel amid the stunning desert scenery.

Guides will select an ideal spot to pull over and set up the picnic, ensuring travelers have ample time to savor the food and take in the tranquil river setting. The menu may include items like fresh sandwiches, seasonal fruit, and homemade snacks.

Travelers can relax on the riverbank, taking in the views of the dramatic canyons and wildlife that inhabit the area. This midday break offers a welcome respite and opportunity to recharge during the float adventure.

Necessary Equipment Provided

For the Canyons of the Rio Grande float trip, Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company provides all necessary equipment, including boats, personal flotation devices, paddles, and dry bags. The company ensures participants’ safety and comfort throughout the journey.

Kayaks, canoes, and rafts are available, allowing guests to choose their preferred mode of transportation on the river. The provided personal flotation devices, or PFDs, are essential for keeping everyone afloat and secure. Paddles are necessary for propelling the boats, while the dry bags help protect participants’ belongings from getting wet.

With all the essential gear taken care of, guests can focus on seeing the scenic desert landscapes and enjoying the peaceful float along the Rio Grande.

Private Transportation and Fees

The Canyons of the Rio Grande float trip includes private transportation to and from the meeting location. Travelers are responsible for any additional fees and taxes associated with the experience.

The private transportation service provided by the Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company ensures a seamless start and end to the adventure. The fees and taxes cover the necessary permits and licenses required to operate on the Rio Grande within Big Bend National Park. Take a look at the breakdown:

Item	Cost
Private Transportation	Included
Rio Grande Use Fee	$10 per person
National Park Entry Fee	$30 per vehicle
Local Tax	8%

Meeting and End Point

Typically, the Canyons of the Rio Grande float trip begins and ends at the meeting point located at 53570 Firestation Road in Terlingua, Texas.

Travelers will meet their guide at this location at 9 AM Central Time Zone.

After the day’s adventure on the river, the trip concludes back at the original meeting spot.

This convenient start and end point ensures a seamless experience, allowing guests to focus on the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park without worrying about transportation logistics.

With the meeting and end point located in the same place, participants can easily park their vehicles and begin their unforgettable journey down the scenic Rio Grande.

Requirements and Cancellation Policy

Travelers must meet certain requirements to participate in the Canyons of the Rio Grande float trip, as it isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible and those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions aren’t permitted.

Booking the tour is non-refundable, and no changes are allowed; however, in the event of weather cancellation or insufficient minimum number of travelers, participants are offered the option of a different date or a full refund.

The adventure is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers and is operated by the Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company.

Participants can expect:

Scenic desert landscapes
Learning about the area’s geology
Picnic lunch
Private transportation
All necessary equipment provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Approximate River Water Temperature?

The river water temperature typically ranges from 60°F to 70°F, depending on the season and weather conditions. This moderate temperature makes for a comfortable and enjoyable paddling experience along the Rio Grande.

Are There Any Wildlife Viewing Opportunities During the Trip?

During the float trip, travelers may spot various wildlife along the Rio Grande, including birds of prey, migratory songbirds, rabbits, and even bighorn sheep or black bears that inhabit the surrounding desert canyons.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks for the trip. However, a picnic lunch is provided as part of the tour package. Participants should avoid bringing large coolers or glass containers that could be difficult to transport on the boats.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, though participants must be able to follow safety instructions and fit into the provided life jackets. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult on the water activities.

Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Price?

The price does not include gratuity for the guide. Participants are expected to provide a discretionary tip to the guide at the end of the tour to acknowledge their service and expertise.