by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Big BendVisitor Guide 2025 |
Visitor Guide to Big Bend National Park (NP) in Texas. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Big Bend National Park
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Texas
The Paisano
Big Bend National Park
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Visitor Guide
Volume 42 Number 1 2025
On rare occasions, the Northern Lights turn the Big Bend sky pink. (Image by L. Nowell)
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Superintendent’s Welcome
Welcome to Big Bend National Park! We have put
this guide together to help you plan a great trip to the
park and to make your trip as safe and informative as
possible. Please help us keep the park landfill from
filling up too fast by using the recycling bins throughout the park. You can
also help by taking your trash outside the park whenever you can. The
park is huge and there is so much to do here but don’t get in a hurry! Please
slow down, the maximum speed limit in the park is 45 miles per hour so
take in the breathtaking vastness of Big Bend, and I hope that you have a
memorable, safe and wonderful time here!
Safety ���������������������������������������������������� 2
Visiting Mexico��������������������������������������� 3
Things to Do��������������������������������������� 3–4
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River��������������� 5
Day Hikes ����������������������������������������������� 7
Big Bend News���������������������������������������� 8
Nonprofit Park Partners �������������������������� 9
Camping and River Use������������������������� 10
Wildlife������������������������������������������������� 11
Information and Services����������������������� 12
Superintendent Anjna O’Connor
What Can I See if I Only Have...
One Day:
Three Days:
A Week:
Big Bend is too big to see in a single day,
but for a taste of the park and what it has
to offer, visit the mountains, desert, and
river with the following itinerary:
With three days to spend in the park,
explore the major roads, do some hiking,
and join a park ranger for a guided walk,
talk, or evening program to learn more
about Big Bend National Park.
With a week or more to spend in Big
Bend, endless possibilities are open to
you. You have plenty of time to explore
the roads andhike or drive some of the
“unimproved” dirt roads. For these, you’ll
need a high-clearance or four-wheel drive
vehicle; don’t forget to check at a visitor
center for current road conditions.
1) The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers
fantastic views of the Chihuahuan Desert
landscape as you wind your way to the Rio
Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
Scenic overlooks and exhibits along the
way are well worth a stop. Short walks
through Sam Nail Ranch, Homer Wilson
Ranch, and the Castolon Historic
District allow a glimpse into Big Bend’s
past.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
Big Bend National Park
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX
79834
At the end of the scenic drive, take the
short walk to the river and into Santa
Elena Canyon—one of Big Bend’s most
scenic spots and an easy to moderate 1.4
mile round-trip hike.
2) Visit the forested Chisos Mountains
and walk the 0.3-mile Window View Trail
to get a feel for the mountain scenery.
If time allows, hike the Window Trail or
Lost Mine Trail for a look at Big Bend's
mountain landscapes.
3) The Fossil Discovery Exhibit, located 8
miles north of Panther Junction, is another
highlight that could easily fit into a oneday visit.
Consider spending a day in each of the
three major areas of the park:
1) Visit the Chisos Basin and hike the
Window Trail (5.6 miles round trip) or
the Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles round trip).
Consult page 7 for trail descriptions of
these and other popular trails in the park.
Try to experience Big Bend's back country
as much as possible.
2) Explore the Ross Maxwell Scenic
Drive and hike into Santa Elena Canyon
(see “one-day” suggestions).
3) Drive to Rio Grande Village, stopping
at Dugout Wells to walk the half-mile
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.
The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
offers park information and interpretive
exhibits.
Walk the Rio Grande Village Nature
Trail. The bluff overlooking the Rio
Grande at the end of the nature trail is a
particularly beautiful spot at sunset.
The Boquillas Canyon Trail takes you
into this spectacular canyon.
The River Road, Glenn Springs Road,
Old Ore Road, and Old Maverick Road
are some of the more popular backcountry
routes. A visit to the pool of water at Ernst
Tinaja near the south end of the Old Ore
Road is a Big Bend highlight.
If you have a high-clearance vehicle,
improved dirt roads such as Dagger Flat
and Grapevine Hills will get you “off the
beaten path.” Hike the Chimneys, Mule
Ears, or Grapevine Hills trails for a closer
look at the desert environment.
If you’d like to explore the Chisos
Mountains, trails to Boot Canyon, Emory
Peak, and the South Rim offer good views
of the park and take you into a world that
seems far removed from the desert.
There are plenty of opportunities for
overnight backpacking along these trails.
A backcountry-use permit is required to
backpack and camp overnight.
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Big Bend National Park
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
The National Park Service was established
on August 25, 1916, "... to conserve
the scenery and the natural and historic
objects and the wild life... and to provide
for the enjoyment of the same in such
manner and by such means as will leave
them unimpaired for the enjoyment of
future generations.”
Authorized by Congress in 1935 and
established in June 1944, Big Bend
National Park preserves the most
representative example of the Chihuahuan
Desert ecosystem in the United States.
Park Mailing Address
Big Bend National Park
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Phone
432-477-2251
Park Websites
www.nps.gov/bibe
www.nps.gov/rigr
On matters relating to the Paisano:
National Park Service
Editor, The Big Bend Paisano
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX
79834
bibe_info@nps.gov
This issue was printed with support from
the Big Bend Natural History Association.
The National Park Service cares for the
special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our
heritage.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
Protecting Yourself
and the Park
Big Bend may be wild and unfamiliar country, but it need not be dangerous.
Please review these guidelines for safety and resource protection.
No Collecting
Heat
Water Conservation
The mission of the National Park Service is
to preserve all natural and cultural resources
unimpaired for future generations. Taking
rocks, artifacts, plants, or animals robs
everyone of this heritage—once something is
stolen, it cannot be replaced.
The dry desert heat quickly uses up the
body's water reserves. Carry and drink
water—at least 1 gallon per person per day.
As you exercise, you lose salt and water (over
a quart and a half per hour during arduous
exercise). You need both to survive in this
extreme environment. Reduce alcohol
and caffeine intake—the diuretic effects
accelerate loss of body water.
• Visitors are limited to 5 gallons of water
per day when refilling containers; please
conserve water while in the park.
• Don’t let faucets run unnecessarily.
• Wash only what clothing items you need.
• Fill water jugs and bottles at Rio Grande
Village whenever possible.
• Consider topping off RV water tanks
outside the park.
• Take brief showers.
• Please report water leaks in park facilities
to a ranger.
• Use backcountry water sources sparingly;
leave backcountry springs for wildlife.
It is unlawful (and rude) to destroy, deface,
injure, collect, or otherwise disturb park
resources, including plants or animals (dead
or alive), fossils, rocks, and artifacts. It is a
violation to possess park resources. Please,
take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Driving
Drive within the speed limit (45 mph in
most areas) and watch for wildlife along the
roadsides, especially at night. Park roads
have narrow shoulders and some roads
are steep and winding. Share the road with
bicyclists and pedestrians. Pull off the road
to take pictures—do not stop or pause in
roadways. Please, slow down...and enjoy!
Drones/Unmanned Aircraft
Launching, landing, or operating an
unmanned aircraft is prohibited in Big Bend
National Park.
Protect your body—sensitive skin burns
easily. Find shade, wear sunscreen,
sunglasses, and a brimmed hat. Wear longsleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Hiking
Wildlife
Trails vary from easy and well-maintained
to strenuous, primitive routes. Plan hikes
within your ability. Avoid ridges during
thunderstorms and canyons or creek beds
when flash flooding is possible. Carry a
flashlight and first aid kit, and let someone
know where you are going and when you
expect to return. If you get hurt or lost, stay
in one place to conserve water and energy.
Rest in shade if you can.
Observe Big Bend’s wildlife from a distance.
Wildlife is protected in the park; it is illegal
to harass or harm wildlife. Never feed wild
animals. Feeding wild animals damages their
health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes
them to predators and other dangers. Protect
wildlife and your food by storing food and
trash securely.
Please keep your children close; don't let
them run ahead on trails.
Big Bend National Park’s Pack Mule Team
A behind the scenes look at Big Bend’s hardest workers
As you hike deep into the backcountry
of Big Bend National Park, you might be
lucky enough to encounter some friendly
faces- the park’s pack mule team! There are
currently eight mules in the team: Dolly,
Compa, Freebee, Peggy, Tommy, Hank,
Rufus, and Pepper. Don’t forget Comanche,
the horse, and Gavin Monson, the mule team
manager and packer.
The team moves thousands of pounds of
research equipment, waste from the Chisos
Mountains composting toilets, and tools and
equipment for backcountry operations. They
also assist in emergency situations. Pack
mule teams are a great example of wilderness
management using nonmechanized
equipment within the backcountry of Big
Bend National Park.
This is not an easy task! A typical pack-day is
between 10 to 13 hours. The day consists of
3 to 4 hours of prep time, 4 hours of riding
into the Chisos Mountains, and 3 to 4 hours
of unloading at the end of the day.
“When you’re packing, your brain is going
a million miles a minute on what’s going on,
what’s going to scare the mules, how they
interact with each other, with people, etc.,”
says Gavin. “ I must think for 10 different
brains, not to mention the time it takes to
pull these operations off alone.”
The mule team lineup is not in a random
order. Mules are intelligent animals with
unique personalities that must be taken into
consideration. Some get along better than
others in the lineup.
2 The Paisano
“One of the coolest things about my work
is understanding the psychology of the
animals,” says Gavin. “I spend hours
every day watching them, their ears, body
language, how they interact, and it helps
decide what order in the pack line each mule
will be in.”
We feel so lucky to have such hard-working,
and dedicated animals as part of the staff
here. Next time you’re out on the trails keep
an eye out for Big Bend’s hardest workers,
and make sure to say hello!
Ranger Jason Gablaski
Venomous snakes, scorpions, spiders, and
centipedes are active during warm months.
Pay attention: check shoes and bedding
before use and use a flashlight at night.
Things to Do
Birding Hot Spots
Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village
• Dugout Wells—shady cottonwood trees
and a windmill at this desert oasis.
• Rio Grande Village Nature Trail—a
boardwalk over the pond is an excellent
area for waterfowl.
• Daniels Ranch Picnic Area—the
cottonwood trees provide excellent
habitat to both resident and migrant
bird species.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
• Sam Nail Ranch—a windmill and large
trees attract birds to this historic ruin.
• Blue Creek Trail—a half mile from the
Homer Wilson Ranch are the Red Rocks,
an area known for Lucifer Hummingbirds.
• Cottonwood Campground—large trees
here provide a haven for birds.
Chisos Mountains
• Basin area—many mountain birds can
be found around the campground and
developed areas.
• Boot Canyon—the nesting area of the
Colima Warbler and other species.
• South Rim—this 2000' cliff is known for
falcons and swifts.
Birding in Big Bend
The Colima Warbler
The park is recognized as a Globally Significant Bird Area.
Big Bend National Park is famous for its
birding, with more documented species of
birds visiting the park throughout the year
than any other unit in the National Park
System (approximately 450 species). The
diverse array of habitats, ranging from the
riparian corridor of the Rio Grande to the
forested canyons of the Chisos Mountains,
present an attractive stopping point for birds
traveling along major migratory paths that
intersect the park.
A good guideline for birding in Big Bend is
to seek out areas where water and vegetation
are most abundant, such as the Rio Grande,
the Chisos Mountains, or desert springs,
some of which are accessible by car.
Generally the most active time for birding
is in the spring when many species are
migrating through the park. However,
with patience, birding in Big Bend can be
rewarding throughout the year.
The riparian corridor at Rio Grande Village
offers some of the best year-round birding in
the park. Consider walking the Rio Grande
Village Nature Trail or visiting the Daniels
Ranch picnic area west of the campground.
A similar habitat is accessible between
Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena
Canyon on the park's west side.
The piñon-oak-juniper woodlands of the
Chisos Mountains and their foothills also
offer accessible, year-round birding and
attract many species of birds that would not
otherwise be found here. It is well worth
the effort to hike into the higher elevations.
During early summer you may spot the
sought-after Colima Warbler, which is only
found outside of Mexico in the Chisos
Mountains.
Patience, a good field guide, and knowledge
of where to look are the keys to locating
birds in Big Bend. A checklist of birds is
available for purchase at any visitor center
and is a great aid in determining which
species are likely to be present and the
habitats where they are found.
One of the most sought-after bird species
in Big Bend is the Colima Warbler, a type
of New World warbler found primarily
in the Sierra Madre of Mexico. A small
population nests in the higher elevations
of the Chisos Mountains beginning in early
summer. Finding one is the tricky part!
Visitors hoping to spot a Colima Warbler
usually have to make the strenuous,
9-mile round-trip hike to the bird's main
habitat in Boot Canyon. Occasionally they
are spotted closer to the trailhead on the
upper portions of the Pinnacles Trail.
Good luck!
Visiting Mexico
A unique part of the Big Bend experience is crossing into
rural Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico.
Operating Hours
Winter Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am–4pm
Summer Hours: Friday to Monday, 9am–4pm
Days and hours of operation are subject to
change.
A visit to Mexico is permitted through the
Port of Entry during business hours. There
is no other legal access to Mexico within Big
Bend National Park. The Port of Entry is a
pedestrian crossing only.
General Information
The Boquillas Port of Entry is operated
cooperatively by the National Park Service
and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The facility is staffed by park rangers who
can assist travelers with information about
visiting the area.
Required Documents
At the time of publication, U.S. and
Canadian citizens (of any age) must present a
valid passport to enter Mexico and re-enter
the United States. Visitors from countries
other than the U.S. or Canada must call
Customs and Border Protection at Presidio,
TX (432-229-3349) for current required
travel documents.
How do I get there?
Park at the Boquillas Crossing parking lot.
Pass through the Port of Entry and take a
small rowboat across the Rio Grande for
a modest fee ($5 round-trip as of 12/23).
Wading across the Rio Grande is permitted
only at Boquillas Crossing, but is not recommended if the river level is high.
Once across the river, walk to the village (1/2
mile) or pay an additional fee to ride on a
burro, horse, or in a vehicle. Local guides
are available. Visitors are required to check
in with Mexican immigration officials upon
arrival in Boquillas.
What is in town?
Boquillas features two restaurants with food
that is simple, fresh, and good. A bar features
pool and other games. Residents often display wire sculptures, embroidered textiles,
walking sticks, and other handicrafts for sale.
U.S. currency is accepted in Boquillas.
Visitors are advised to bring smaller bills.
Border Merchants
Near the border, you may encounter small
“souvenir stands” and Mexican nationals
wanting to sell you their crafts. It is illegal to
purchase these items in the park. Items purchased illegally are considered contraband and
may be seized by law enforcement officers.
Port of Entry staff can answer questions
about items that can be legally purchased
in Mexico and imported through the Port.
By purchasing souvenirs in Boquillas, you
support the citizens of Boquillas, make the
river corridor safer for all visitors, and help
protect the resources of this ecosystem.
The village of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico.
Safety On the Border
Big Bend has a low incidence of crime reported. However, in any remote or seldomtraveled location, it is important to consider personal safety and to secure valuables
while away from your vehicle.
• Know where you are at all times and use common sense. Cell phone service is limited
or non-existent in many areas of the park.
• Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and locked in your vehicle.
• Avoid travel on well-used but unofficial “social trails.”
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• People in distress may ask for food, water, or other assistance. Report the location of
the individuals to park or Border Patrol staff as soon as possible. Lack of water is a lifethreatening emergency in the desert.
• Report suspicious behavior to park staff or Border Patrol. Do not contact suspicious
persons.
• Ask at the visitor center about areas where you may have concerns about traveling.
The Paisano
3
Things to Do
C. HOYT
Photographing Big Bend
Big Bend’s night skies, vast landscapes, and tiny wildflowers offer opportunities for every
photographer. Read on for some advice from three camera-obsessed park rangers.
Cathryn Hoyt, Park Ranger
Marshall Minor, Fee Technician
Laren Nowell, Park Ranger
What type of photographer are you?
What type of photographer are you?
What type of photographer are you?
I photograph desert details. I love tiny
butterflies, flowers, and tracks in the mud.
I have to force myself to step back and
photograph landscapes!
I consider myself a documentary, landscape,
and skyscape photographer. I really enjoy
research, writing descriptions, and capturing
the ever-changing land and sky here!
I’m a landscape, nature, street and
astrophotography photographer. Each type
lets me connect with the world in a unique
way.
What advice to you have for
photographing Big Bend?
What advice to you have for
photographing Big Bend?
Knowing your equipment and theory are
some of the best things you can do for
yourself as a photographer. Our cameras are
to us what an instrument is to a musician.
In the same way a well-rounded musician
is comfortable playing from sheet music or
improvising, having a baseline foundation
of technical knowledge will ultimately
make you more flexible as a photographer.
Understanding your tools and technique
allows you to execute a planned shot while
also enabling you to react to the unexpected
moments of beauty here in Big Bend!
Get off the beaten path and experience
the splendid isolation that makes Big Bend
so special. Shoot in the early morning or
evening to avoid the harsh midday light, and
don’t be afraid to shoot at night—the dark
skies here are some of the best in the world.
Most importantly, learn from your mistakes,
enjoy your time, and embrace the learning
process. For me, photography is more than
just a creative outlet—it’s been my therapy
since leaving the military. There’s nothing
quite like being out there with my camera,
surrounded by the incredible landscape.
What advice to you have for
photographing Big Bend?
Because I’m so detail-oriented, I have a
system to photograph a place. I look for
three types of shots: a wide-angle view to
put the place in context, a medium-view that
brings the viewer closer to the action, and a
bunch of details. At Sam Nail Ranch, I might
photograph the oasis with the windmill as
my wide-angle, then a closer view of the
windmill itself, and finally some detail shots
such as a cardinal sipping water or faded
paint on the windmill blade. I want my
photographs to tell the story of these places.
L. NOWELL
M. MINOR
The Five Best...
We asked park rangers about their favorite river trips, wheelchair-accessible trails, and places to see (and photograph!) the
stars. Here are their suggestions.
Pets in the Park
Accessible Trails
Fossil Discovery Exhibit. The covered,
open-air exhibit is fully accessible by
wheelchair. Open during daylight hours.
Window View Trail. This 0.3 mile paved
loop trail offers excellent views of the
mountains surrounding the Chisos Basin.
Two benches are perfect for sunset viewing.
Panther Path. This paved path near the
Panther Junction Visitor Center provides
an introduction to native plants of the
Chihuahuan Desert.
RGV Nature Trail. The first 100 yards of this
trail are wheelchair accessible as it follows
a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland.
Birds, fish, turtles, and other animals are
often seen in the pond and surrounding
vegetation.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Ross Maxwell
Scenic Drive highlights the geology of Big
Bend and offers many scenic overlooks and
exhibits with paved parking. Cottonwood
Campground has shaded picnic tables and is
a birding hotspot in the park.
4 The Paisano
River Trips
Places to Stargaze
Santa Elena Boomerang. Paddle upstream,
then float back down to your point of entry.
Ideal at flow rates from 200 cfs to 100 cfs.
Fossil Discovery Exhibit Walk up the hill
next to the pavilion for a higher vantage
point with views of the desert, mountains
and night sky.
Santa Elena. The most popular overnight
or 3-day float trip. Includes a Class IV rapid
at certain water levels. 300 to 600 cfs is great
for open boats such as kayaks or canoes.
Over 600 cfs is appropriate for rafts.
Mariscal Canyon. A challenge to get to, but
well worth the effort! At only 10-miles long,
Mariscal is the shortest canyon in the park.
If water is flowing above 300 cfs, the canyon
can be floated in a day.
Boquillas Canyon. For the less experienced
paddler wanting a taste of adventure,
Boquillas Canyon is a 33-mile, 3-day float.
The rapids only rate up to Class II.
Lower Canyons. The Lower Canyons
make up the heart of the Rio Grande Wild
& Scenic River. Experienced boaters can
indulge in a true wilderness experience while
paddling 83 miles over the course of this 7 to
10 day trip.
Sotol Vista. Watch the stars move over the
desert and Santa Elena Canyon from this
scenic overlook.
Dugout Wells. This desert oasis
offers ample opportunities for
astrophotographers to combine iconic
features of the Big Bend landscape.
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. The
stars at night are even bigger and brighter
at the border! Hike up the hillside for
stunning 360-degree views of mountains
silhouetted against a backdrop of stars.
Roads Less Traveled. Those with a
4x4 high clearance vehicle can access
even more remote areas of the park for
spectacular night skies. Try camping at
Fresno, Elephant Tusk, or any of the new
sites on Old Maverick Road for photoworthy night skies.
Having a pet with you may limit some of
your explorations in the park. Following
these pet regulations will ensure a safer,
more enjoyable visit for yourselves, other
park visitors, your pet, and the park's
wildlife.
• Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads,
or on the river. Your pet can only go
where your car can go.
• Pets must be on a leash no longer than six
feet in length (or in a crate) at all times.
• You may not leave your pet unattended
in vehicles if it creates a danger to the
animal or if the animal becomes a public
nuisance.
• If you plan to hike, someone must stay
behind with the pet, or you will need to
kennel your pet. The Alpine Veterinary
Clinic (432-837-3888) and the Alpine
Small Animal Clinic (432-837-5416)
offer these services.
• Park regulations require that you always
clean up after your pet and dispose of
waste in trash receptacles.
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Two Parks In One
Did you know a trip to Big Bend also gives you access to the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River?
In 1968, Congress passed the National Wild
and Scenic Rivers Act to protect free-flowing
rivers with “outstandingly remarkable scenic,
recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife
historic, cultural, or other similar values.”
The Rio Grande, as it flows around the “big
bend” on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, ticks
all of those boxes. The river provides vital
habitat for plants and animals and offers
dramatic scenery, spectacular geology, and
thrilling recreational opportunities for those
that crave adventure.
On November 10, 1978, Congress officially
recognized the value of a free-flowing Rio
Grande by designating a 200 mile stretch of
the river the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic
River. This National Park System unit is
managed with Big Bend National Park.
Visiting the Wild & Scenic River
Have you stood on the riverbank at Rio
Grande Village? Dipped your toe in the
river at the Hot Springs or hiked along the
Boquillas Canyon Trail? If so, you have
enjoyed a portion of the wild Rio Grande.
The Wild and Scenic designation starts just
above the big bend of the Rio Grande and
flows north-east beyond the park boundaries
to the Terrell-Val Verde county line in Texas.
While dipping your toe in counts as a visit to
the Wild & Scenic River, the best way to truly
experience the Rio Grande is to float it.
Floating the Rio
A 1 to 2 day float trip through remote
Mariscal Canyon, or a 2 to 3 day trip through
Boquillas Canyon offers opportunities to
run rapids, or drift at the whim of the river
current. You can explore a small portion of
the Wild & Scenic River in less than a day by
floating through Hot Springs Canyon.
All river trips require planning, equipment,
some experience, and a permit. Consult a
river guide book and check with a park ranger
for current conditions before embarking on
a river trip. Permits are required for all float
trips and may be obtained at visitor centers
in Big Bend National Park up to seven days in
advance.
The Lower Canyons between Heath Canyon
and Dryden, downstream from Big Bend
National Park, make up the heart of the Rio
Grande Wild & Scenic River.
Wild and isolated, the canyons provide
solitude and an outstanding wilderness
experience. There are no facilities and
access is limited due to rough terrain and the
constraints of floating through private land.
The arduous 83-mile trip takes 6 to 7 days.
Extensive experience and preparation are
essential when planning a float through the
Lower Canyons.
The Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River extends 200 miles from the Chihuahua-Coahuila (Mexico) state line to the
Terrell-Val Verde county (Texas) line.
River Safety
Our River Rangers share 9 tips on how to make your trip safe and memorable (in a good way).
Tie Down Your Boat
In summer, flash floods can come at any
time even if it is not actively raining here
in Big Bend, and winds in the canyons can
reach very high speeds. Either of these
can result in lost equipment and vessels.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the
surrounding area—not just the park—and
keep everything secured on higher ground
to avoid it being lost.
Know Your Limits
If you do get caught in those strong winds,
paddling against them can lead to your trip
hitting a stand still or with you being blown
up stream. Know when to float and when
to stay put and hunker down.
Stick To Your Plan
Once you have your permit, please keep
to that itinerary. Don’t change your trip’s
duration, put ins, or take outs. If something
were to occur and you need assistance,
rangers will use itinerary information from
the permit to locate you. Any variations
from that plan can cause delays.
Be Prepared To Portage
When you reach a section of river that
looks rough or difficult to pass through,
pull off to the side and look at it. Sometimes
carrying your vessel a little way along the
shore may be the best way to proceed safely.
Have Extra Supplies In Good Condition
Bring layers, waterproof clothing, a set of
camp clothes to change into after a day of
paddling, basic first aid supplies, and an
extra day’s rations of food and water. Make
sure everything is functional and in good
condition—a life vest can only take so much
damage before it stops being a life vest.
Don’t Rely on Digital
Cell service on the river is spotty at best.
Don’t rely on digital maps or downloaded
material. The Big Bend Natural History
Association sells laminated river guides filled
with detailed maps just in case something
happens to your phone and you can’t access
your digital material. It’s also good to bring
other methods of communication such as a
satellite phone or inReach device.
Avoid Littering
Leave No Trace is essential for all outdoor
expeditions. Our river volunteers remove
gallons of trash on every float trip they
take. This waste causes environmental and
ecological damage and also poses a risk
to other boaters. Objects such as errant
fishhooks can get caught up in river cane and
cause damage to guests and vessels alike.
Safety and common sense come first. A loaded canoe is carefully lined through a rocky section of the river.
Watch for Critters
The river ecosystem is home to animals like
raccoons and rodents that would love to
help themselves to your food. Make sure all
food is secured where you can see it and get
to it easily.
Time
Don’t plan river trips down to the minute
or hour, as unexpected events always occur.
Give yourself more time than you need, and
enough time to enjoy the trip!
Park Ranger M. Dolan
For the prepared, a Big Bend river trip can be a relaxing adventure!
The Paisano
5
Places to Visit
Chisos Basin
A drive to the Chisos Basin is an excellent
way to experience the transition between
arid desert and cooler mountain habitats.
As this scenic, winding road rises over two
thousand feet above the desert floor, it
offers vistas of the mountain peaks and the
erosion-formed basin area.
Chisos Basin
5401 ft 1646 m
Within the Chisos Basin area is a visitor center, campground, lodge, restaurant, gift shop,
camp store, and miles of hiking trails.
With limited time, walk the Window View
Trail for easy access to mountain vistas and a
classic sunset view. If time permits, consider
hiking (or backpacking) into the High
Chisos to witness the forested slopes of the
Pinnacles Trail or the unparalleled vistas of
the South Rim.
Note: The road into the Basin is not suitable
for RVs longer than 24 feet or trailers longer
than 20 feet.
Rio Grande Village
The drive to Rio Grande Village traverses
limestone from a Cretaceous sea and has
magnificent vistas of the Sierra del Carmens.
Along the way is the oasis at Dugout Wells,
and a spur road that leads to the popular Hot
Springs Historic District.
Rio Grande Village
1850 ft 564 m
Continue the drive to Boquillas Canyon
where a short hike follows the Rio Grande as
it flows into the canyon.
Rio Grande Village has a visitor center,
campground, RV hook-ups, camp store, gas
station, and picnic area.
Take a stroll (or a short drive) from the store
to Daniels Ranch; this is a great area for
birding. Picnic tables are near the historic ruins.
The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail follows
a wildlife-viewing boardwalk, then gradually
climbs the hillsi