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Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Frequently Asked Questions
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| NPS\Tom Vandenberg |
| A quiet moment along the river |
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Will there be enough water for our trip?
Usually, the Rio Grande here has a very slight gradient, making for good boating even when water volumes are low. River levels of 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) or greater will be enough for canoes and smaller paddle craft. 400 cfs is about the minimum for rafts. Refer to flow readings at , or the Big Bend National Park Daily Report for river level readings at various locations along the river. Note: The IBWC website will give readings in cubic meters per second, convert the cms number into cfs by multiplying the cms number by 35.3 Example: 14 cms X 35.3 =492 cfs.
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When is the best time to take a trip on the river?
The river can be run year round; private boaters, outfitters and park service staff enjoy the river through all seasons.
- February through April offers park wide floral blooms and fragrant stretches of river where huisache and blackbrush are in bloom. River flows tend to be lower, and spring break is the busiest two week period.
- May through August is hot and can be stormy. Water flows fluctuate wildly during these months. This is a fine time to be on the river but be prepared for high and low river flows.
- September through January is usually a great time to be on the river. Temperatures begin to drop making for many very beautiful days on the river. The river stabilizes but only somewhat; the river can always rise (and drop) and the weather can turn cold any time during these months.
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What section should we do?
Time constraints and skill levels will be the main determining factors. Refer to the mileage chart to get an idea of the distances and average travel times.
: 20 miles of spectacular scenery best done in two or more days. Easy access makes this the most popular canyon in the park. The Rockslide rapid ups the ante on what would otherwise be a pretty mellow float trip. At low flows; canoes can partially line the rapid and rafts get a little stuck. At higher flows; canoes should have skilled paddlers and floatation in them but rafts usually have no problem in running the rapid. The Rockslide can be scouted at all flows. At flows of 100 cfs or less river runners can paddle upstream into the canyon from the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead. This trip is often done in one day but overnighting in the canyon is recommended.
Mariscal Canyon: The least visited canyon and at only 10 miles long, Mariscal is also the shortest of the major canyons but it requires a long shuttle over a rough road. A trip through Mariscal can be extended by adding the canyons of San Vicente and Hot Springs. Mariscal Canyon is for all skill levels at all but the highest flows.
Boquillas Canyon: Boquillas is generally regarded as a beautiful 3-day float tailor made for paddlers of all skill levels. Springs near Rio Grande Village give Boquillas a little more volume in the river.
Lower Canyons: The longest time commitment, requiring up to a week on the Rio Grande. Remember, allow yourself time to really enjoy the river.
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Is the water polluted?
Unfortunately, yes. The Rio Grande and her tributaries reach far into the high country in both Mexico and the United States and all along the way livestock, industry and human habitation all leave their impact on the river. Just how polluted is the river? Section, flow, season and countless upstream influences all affect the water quality, but the best answer might be that frequent users of the Rio Grande will swim in the river but do not drink it.
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What is the best boat for the Rio Grande?
Canoes do very well here due to their durability, speed and ease of mobility in shallow waters. Inflatable rafts are suitable for higher flows. There are numerous types of inflatable and rigid kayaks, these too can be a good choice for the Rio Grande. What is important is to be familiar with your watercraft, know its limitations and be prepared with repair kits, extra paddles/oars and consider floatation for open canoes.
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What about drinking water?
Replenishing your drinking water along the river is really not an option anywhere except at the Cottonwood Campground, Rio Grande Village and certain springs along the Lower Canyons. A good rule of thumb is to bring with you 1 gallon of water per person per day of the river trip. For the Lower Canyons: Bring enough for several days and re-supply in the Asa Jones area. Filter all water from natural sources.
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Will cell phones work on the river?
Cell phone service is very unreliable in the park and nearly nonexistent along the river. The park service and many river users have started using satellite phones for communication but even with satellite phones, there is no guarantee the call will go through. Remember, phones can be handy tools but there is no substitute for good planning and preparedness. In case of emergency call: 432-477-2251 or 911.
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Does the park offer river trips for the public?
No, but we can answer your questions regarding river trips. For guided trips see the list of river outfitters.
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How can I get a river map or guide book for our river trip?
Guide books, general information and regional literature can be purchased through Big Bend Natural History Association. Shop their online bookstore or phone 432-477-2236.
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Can we camp on the Mexican side of the river?
Yes. There are no designated campsites on either side of the river, simply choose a suitable camp, i.e. one with high ground and is not in a drainage. You will receive a U.S. Customs declaration form with your permit. Take the declaration form with you on your trip, fill it out when you take-out and mail it in to the address on the form.
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Did You Know?
The river canyons that are a part of the Wild & Scenic River (Mariscal, Boquillas, and the Lower Canyons) receive only a small number of floaters each year, due to length & isolated locations. Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park is the focus of much of the river activity on the Rio Grande.
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Last Updated: January 14, 2008 at 14:12 EST |
