Floating Boquillas Canyon

Floating through Boquillas Canyon

NPS

 

Overlooking Boquillas Canyon

NPS-T. VandenBerg

Beautiful Boquillas

For visitors with less experience, a relaxing two to four day river trip through Boquillas Canyon is a great choice. The rapids in this 33-mile journey only rate up to Class II. Camping a couple of nights by the soothing sounds of the river, and marveling at the 1,200 foot canyon walls, allow time to forget the daily distractions of life. As you travel down the canyon, notice the remains of candelilla wax mining camps on the Mexican side of the river. This trip takes three days at most water levels. At flow rates above 800 CFS a two-day trip is possible, but frequent headwinds through the canyon can slow any trip considerably.

• Check current Flow Rates CFS Here.
• A backcountry permit is required for all overnight river trips

 

Put-in and take-out information

The 33-mile, two to three day trip begins at Rio Grande Village and ends at Heath Canyon (downstream from La Linda).

• Put-in: The usual put-in is at the Rio Grande Village river access, located near the group campsites; an alternative location is at the Daniels' Ranch.
• Take-out: The Heath Canyon take-out is located on the U.S. side of the river, just downstream of the La Linda bridge.
• NEW! The Heath Canyon takeout is now owned/operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife. For river access, users are now required to obtain a Limited Use Permit (LPU). This annual permit ($12/person 17 & older) is available for purchase online. Then users will need to stop by and self-register at the Black Gap Wildlife Area HQ on the way to the river access (55 miles south of Marathon, 18 mi down FM 2627).
• Detailed Trip Description by American Whitewater

 

River Guide to Mariscal and Boquillas Canyons

Newly revised version of the classic river guide, with updated text and new full-color maps and photos. Includes Boquillas Canyon section of the Rio. 20 8.5"x11" waterproof laminated pages. Coil bound for easy reading during your float trip.

Available through the Big Bend Natural History Association