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Rio Grande Wild & Scenic RiverNavigating Upper Madison Falls
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Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Planning a float trip
 
Entrance to Boquillas Canyon at sunset
NPS\Big Bend National Park
Entrance to Boquillas Canyon at sunset
 
Proper preparation is the key to a successful float trip on the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River.

Choose a Canyon
The canyons of the Rio Grande are the most popular float trips; included in the Wild & Scenic River are Mariscal Canyon, Boquillas Canyon, and the Lower Canyons. Upstream of the Wild & Scenic River, Santa Elena Canyon is inside the boundaries of Big Bend National Park. A number of guide books are available to help you decide and prepare for your trip.

Got gear?
Three options are available if you desire to make a river trip: you can bring your own equipment, rent equipment, or hire a guide service that will provide all permits, food, equipment, and shuttles.
Equipment checklist

Lower Canyons release form
All visitors who float the lower canyons are required to fill out the following release form:
Assumption of Risks and Agreements of Release and Indemnity form [40kb PDF file]

 
 What's the weather?
Big Bend National Park Daily Report
includes current river levels from Presidio to Dryden
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Floating the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande  

Did You Know?
A five to ten day float trip, the journey through the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande offers a true wilderness experience. This portion of the river is administered by the National Park Service as the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
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Last Updated: November 22, 2008 at 17:06 EST