Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

Things To Do Near Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

You will need to get a backcountry permit if you plan to camp along the river. That extra step is worth it to go on an unforgettable float trip on the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Almost 70 miles of the route runs through Big Bend National Park. There are three large canyons to canoe through, along with many smaller ones.

Hiking Trails

• Chimney’s Trail 

  This trail in Big Bend National Park allows you to hike to the chimneys that people have used as landmarks for hundreds of years. There is some rock art near the base. Then, continue through the desert environment until you reach Old Maverick Road near Luna's Jacal. 

  Location

  Mile 13, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

  Length

  7 Miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Dog Canyon Trail 

  The first part of the trail runs through a wash. Take a left turn at the bottom of the wash, and hike through the narrow slot trail called Dog Canyon. The trail then runs by some rocks that geological forces have folded in half. When you turn around, follow the rim of the canyon to get back to the starting point. 

  Location

  Dog Canyon, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 

  Length

  4.0 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Chisos Basin Trail 

  This trail starts near the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. Then, it ascends through Long Meadow, where you can see the water-carved Window rock formation. It continues to climb through a dry oak forest before reaching Emory’s Peak summit. The trail ends by running down into Boot Canyon before returning to its starting point. 

  Location

  Near Chisos Basin Visitor Center, 142 Chisos Basin Road, Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834 

  Length

  10.5 Miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Mariscal Canyon 

  Mariscal Canyon is 10 miles long with limestone cliffs rising to 1,400 feet along its edge. Depending on water levels, there are two or three Class II rapids. Launch your kayak at Talley to access this canyon, and take your vessel out at Solis if you are not continuing. 

  Location

  Talley Launch, Talley Road, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Texas, 79834

• Boquillas Canyon 

  A float trip through this part of the river is about 33 miles long. From the river, enjoy views of the remains of Mexico’s candelilla wax mining camps. Most people take two to three days to float through this part of the river, which offers a few Class II rapids. Launch your kayak at Rio Grande Village. 

  Location

  Rio Grande Village boat launch, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend, Texas 79834 

• Black Gap Wildlife Management Area 

  The Black Gap Wildlife Management Area borders the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and Big Bend National Park. You can go hunting seasonally for mule deer at this location. It is also a great place to go fishing, biking, and hiking. 

  Location

  49476 FM 2627 Highway, Alpine, Texas 79830 

• Far Flung Outdoor Center

  Arrange half-day float trips, jeep tours, and other outdoor activities with Far Flung Outdoor Center. They operate many activities inside Big Bend National Park. They also provide canoe rentals and shuttles.

  Location

  23310 FM170, Terlingua, Texas 79852

Museums

• Museum of the Big Bend 

  Located on the campus of Sul Ross State University, the Museum of the Big Bendshowcases the area's natural and human history for hundreds of years. Many of the exhibits are interactive. See a collection of maps of the area over time. 

  Location

  400 North Harrison Street C-101, Alpine, TX 79832 

• Marfa and Presidio County Museum 

  Learn the history of Marfa and Presidio County by stopping at the Marfa and Presidio County Museum. Most display items hold an essential place in the city’s history, such as the mailboxes where everyone receives mail. Many of the collection items were given to high school students who were collecting information about the area’s history. The students went on to raise funds to build this museum.

  Location

  110 W San Antonio Street / Hwy 90, Marfa, TX 79843

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Big Bend Stone 

  Select from a variety of Tinjas planters at this store. Create unique water features for your landscaping using these natural planters that are hand-shaped in Mexico. This store also carries a variety of garden accent pieces. 

  Location

  3 Casa Rosa Road, Terlingua, Texas 79852 

• DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ 

  Find delicious slow-smoked meats at DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ. This restaurant’s shack appearance is highly appropriate for its location in a ghost town. Enjoy rapid service at this home-owned restaurant. 

  Location

  23270 FM 170 - Terlingua, Texas 79852 

• Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant

  Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant is in the historic lodge at Big Bend National Park. This cafe is a terrific place to get an egg, fried potatoes, and pancake breakfast as you watch the sun kiss the hills surrounding this restaurant. Come back later in the day for Southern comfort foods at lunch and dinner.

  Location

  1 Basin Rural Station, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend, Texas 79834

How To Get To Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River enters Texas from New Mexico. The best place to access the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River in Texas is Big Bend National Park. Many choose to start their floating adventure near Lajitas. Park in the gravel parking lot a short distance west on FM 170 from the Lajitas General Store. It is easy to get to this location from Interstate 10 by taking the Van Horn Exit. Once you exit, take US 90 to TX 118 South in Alpine. Finally, turn left on FM 170. This road will bring you through Terlingua to Lajitas. Keep going about one mile beyond the general store, and you will find the parking lot on your right with the boat launch across the street. The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River continues until the Terrell-Val Verde county line. 

Since South Texas has beautiful weather, it is possible to make this trip throughout the year. Yet, it is faster to make this trip when the water levels are highest. Summers can be a busy time because of families enjoying this adventure. 

Address

Lajitas Put-in, FM 180 Lajitas, Texas 79852

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River is a terrific location for a float trip. Consider starting your journey in Lajitas. That allows you to float through Santa Elena, Mariscal, Boquillas, and the lower canyons before the Wild and Scenic part of the Rio Grande River ends at the Terrell-Val Verde county line. You will love the scenic beauty of floating through these canyons, and there are several places that you can camp along the river. You can find terrific things to do, especially in the part of the river running through Big Bend National Park. The best plan is to bring your RV. If you do not have one, rent one on RVshare.com.