NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou
The Paisano The official visitor guide of Big Bend National Park & Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Includes visit planning information, feature articles, and map insets. 
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River DefinedThe National Park Service at the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River preserves and protects free-flowing and natural and scenic conditions of the river and its immediate environment for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. For more information visit the wild and scenic river page. 
Convenience Stores, Gasoline, and LodgingCommercial services are available in Big Bend National Park including, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and camper stores located at Rio Grande Village, Castolon, Panther Junction and the Chisos Basin. For more information visit the goods and services page.
Water Quality & River UsersThe quality of water in the Rio Grande through the Big Bend region is highly variable. Big Bend National Park staff sample the water for bacterial levels on a monthly basis at several locations within the park. For more information visit the water quality page. 
River SafetyBy giving forethought to your actions, you can have a safe, exciting, and rewarding experience while floating the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. For more information visit the river safety page. 
WeatherThe “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. For more information visit the weather page. |
Last updated: September 10, 2018