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Rio Grande Wild & Scenic RiverA ruin along the Rio Grande
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Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Planning a float trip
 
Entrance to Boquillas Canyon at sunset
NPS\Big Bend National Park
Entrance to Boquillas Canyon at sunset
 
Proper preparation is the key to a successful float trip on the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River.

Choose a Canyon
The canyons of the Rio Grande are the most popular float trips; included in the Wild & Scenic River are Mariscal Canyon, Boquillas Canyon, and the Lower Canyons. Upstream of the Wild & Scenic River, Santa Elena Canyon is inside the boundaries of Big Bend National Park. A number of guide books are available to help you decide and prepare for your trip.

Got gear?
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.
Equipment checklist

Lower Canyons release form
All visitors who float the lower canyons are required to fill out the following release form:
Assumption of Risks and Agreements of Release and Indemnity form [40kb PDF file]

 
 What's the weather?
Big Bend National Park Daily Report
includes current river levels from Presidio to Dryden
more...
Park Rangers and Border Patrol  

Did You Know?
Since 2000, the number of undocumented aliens apprehended attempting to cross through the area of the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River has risen from 120 to 1200 annually. This traffic results in negative impacts on park resources, including erosion and trash.

Last Updated: June 30, 2007 at 16:48 EST