Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River


For 196 miles, this free-flowing stretch of the Rio winds its way through desert expanses and stunning canyons of stratified rock. For the well prepared, an extended float trip provides opportunities to explore the most remote corner of Texas and experience the ultimate in solitude, self-reliance, and immersion in natural soundscapes.

Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip.

  • Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching

  • Archeology
  • Geology
  • Geothermal
  • Hot Springs
  • Night Sky
  • River and Riparian
  • Scenic Views
  • Wilderness

Canoeing Boquillas Canyon

Canoeing Boquillas Canyon

Floating through Boquillas Canon

Boquillas Canyon

View in Boquillas Canyon

A float through the canyons can be a magical experience.

Rio Grande Vista and Crown Mountain

A desert river with a backdrop of mountains in the distance.

Rio Grande Vista and Crown Mountain

Mariscal Canyon

People in two canoes paddle on a river threading through high canyon walls.

Canoeing Mariscal Canyon

Rio Grande Vista

A desert river with a tree lined bank in the background.

Rio Grande Vista

Rio Grande

A desert river with a rugged landscape of cliff faces and hills in the background.

The Rio Grande seen from the Santa Elena River Access.