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River Running: Guided Trips by Canoe or Raft

The Rio Grande runs through several beautiful canyons where both peaceful floats and exciting whitewater can be found. The rapids vary according to the amount of recent rain, but under normal conditions, they range from class I-IV.

We offer canoe and raft trips in the canyons of Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. Desert Sports' livery includes canoes, inflatable kayaks and rafts, along with all the accompanying gear such as life vests, paddles, etc. As with all of Desert Sports' guided trips, great food, informative and experienced guides, and unique itineraries are part of the package. Custom paddling trips can include any of the following areas, described in more detail in Canyons of the Rio Grande. With a minimum of two people on selected trips (minimum of four people on a one-day Mariscal Canyon and all Temple Canyon trips), you can schedule your date for a river running adventure.

Can't make the minimum number for booking a trip? Give us a call or contact us online with your dates and we will try and put you together with other folks to meet the minimum booking requirements.

Discounts – Groups of 8 or more receive 10% off OR reservations made 90 days out receive 5% off. Add $125 per person per day for each day over pricing below.

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Colorado Canyon

The only igneous rock canyon in Big Bend, Colorado Canyon winds through numerous small rapids and offers a challenging day for those who want to sharpen their paddling skills with one of our instructional canoeing trips. We also offer non-instructional one or two-day rafting or canoeing trips with some interesting hikes, suitable for folks of all ages.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua (8-10 am; will advise at booking)
Distance/Rating: 10 miles/INTERMEDIATE (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 2 people

Big Bend National Park
Santa Elena Canyon

Desert Sports offers one-day and multi-day options on this very popular section of river. The first part of this trip meanders through scenic low mountains, bluffs and washes before entering the dramatic cleft in the limestone mesa that is Santa Elena Canyon. The trip descends into the depths of its 1500-ft canyon walls and the notorious Rockslide Rapid. On multi-day trips there will be time for exploring the canyon further, as well as relaxing around camp. After 8 miles of awe-inspiring canyon, the trip emerges into the open with a dramatic view of the Chisos Mountains as the trip winds towards the take-out near Castolon.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua (8-9:30 am; will advise at booking)
Distance/Rating: 20 miles/INTERMEDIATE (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 2 people

Big Bend National Park
Santa Elena Canyon Upstream

Our Santa Elena Canyon upstream canoe trip is a low-water opportunity to visit one of the major limestone canyons in the Big Bend National Park. The trip starts at the Santa Elena hiking trail, where we carry our boats to the river and paddle upstream with a stop for lunch. We'll hike one of the scenic side canyons on the Mexican side of the river (time permitting) before paddling back downstream to our starting point. Overnight trips leave more time for exploring and our three-day upstream excursion allows an opportunity to visit the famous Rockslide Rapid.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua or Santa Elena Hiking Trail, BBNP (8-10 am; will advise at booking)
Distance/Rating: 6-12 miles/INTERMEDIATE (Canoe only)
Minimum Size: 2 people

Santa Elena Canyon Reserve/Big Bend National Park
The Great Unknown to Rio Grande Village

The river from the end of Santa Elena Canyon to the beginning of Mariscal Canyon is seldom traveled, thus the name "The Great Unknown". Our trip continues past this section through the marvels of Mariscal Canyon, San Vicente Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon as we enjoy vistas of the southern ridge of the Chisos and numerous other mountain ridges in the Mexican Reserves to the south. A full seven days of relaxation, this is truly a trip for those who want to get away and escape the crowds.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua (8 am)
Distance/Rating: 75 miles/INTERMEDIATE (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 2 people

Big Bend National Park
Mariscal Canyon

The most remote canyon in the national park, in Mariscal the river forms the bottom of the "bend" of Big Bend. Access to this canyon can be difficult but well worth the effort. The sculpted limestone walls rising 1,800 feet above the canyon floor give the night sky that "river of stars" look from our camp on the banks of the Rio Grande. The three-day itinerary takes in the seldom seen canyons of San Vicente and Hot Springs, which we pass on the way to our take-out at Rio Grande Village.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua (8 am) or Panther Junction, BBNP (8:30 am)
Distance/Rating: 10 miles (1 or 2 days) OR 28 miles (3 days)/BEGINNER+ (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 1-day, 4 people; multi-day, 2 people

Big Bend National Park
Boquillas Canyon

Boquillas is the longest, most varied canyon in the national park. The river has cut its course through the Sierra del Carmen, creating magnificent views into both Texas and Mexico. Desert Sports offers Boquillas Canyon trips with either three or four-day options. Both are peaceful and relaxing, but the four-day itinerary, allows even more time for relaxing or exploring the back country and interesting, side canyons along the way. Longer trips available.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua (8 am) or Panther Junction, BBNP (8:30 am)
Distance/Rating: 33 miles/BEGINNER+ (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 2 people

Big Bend National Park
Mariscal/Boquillas Canyons

The combination of these two great canyons allows ample river time to enjoy over 60 miles of river running. The trip takes us through four different canyons (including San Vicente and Hot Springs Canyons) on our way to the take-out at Heath Canyon Ranch.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua (8 am) or Panther Junction, BBNP (8:30 am)
Distance/Rating: 61 miles/INTERMEDIATE (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 2 people

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
The Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande

Encompassing over 83 miles of the wildest, most remote part of the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. A Lower Canyons trip requires 7-10 days to complete and, with outside assistance perhaps several days away, requires thorough preparation. The rapids are normally class II-IV, but some have class V potential at higher water levels. Let us customize a trip for your group.

Lower Canyons 12-Day Special

"Some say you cannot call yourself a true Rio Grande river rat until you have floated the rugged Lower Canyons." River Guide to the Rio Grande: the Lower Canyons. The most common run is 5-7 days from La Linda to Dryden; our uncommon 12-day trip allows ample time for side canyon exploration and layover days. A beautiful, relaxing raft trip when the river is up and one of our favorite canoe trips in the southwest at most water levels. You'll be able to exchange your everyday routine for the endless rhythm of the flowing river. You'll know Asa Jones's water works, Hot Springs Rapids and the hike to Burro Bluff. You can call yourself a true Rio Grande river rat. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is our river guides' favorite trip.

Lower Canyons "Traditional" by Raft or Canoe

This is the classic Lower Canyons trip, a true wilderness experience for 7-10 days. You'll have the opportunity to hike side canyons and trails for stunning vistas of incomparable beauty. In a raft, we'll let you take a turn on the oars or you can just kick back and enjoy floating. If you want to paddle your own canoe, you'll have an opportunity to sharpen your canoe skills on a wonderful reach of the Rio Grande.

Rendezvous: Desert Sports, Terlingua or other options (8-10:30 am; will advise at booking)
Distance/Rating: 83 miles/INTERMEDIATE (Canoe); ALL ABILITIES (Raft)
Minimum Size: 2 people

More paddling itineraries are available on our combination trips page.

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