Big Bend National Park

For Big Bend novices or anyone who doesn't want to deal with the hassle, try going with a local tour operator. They each have years of experience and not only love their jobs, but also the Big Bend region. They can show you places and give you factual tidbits that only locals would know. For tours, it's good to inquire ahead as far in advance as possible, especially about what supplies they provide safety equipment and meals are a definite but also what you should bring along. Not only can tours be arranged but also equipment rentals and shuttle services to just about any destination, for those with an independent streak.

Red Rock Outfitters

The resort at Lajitas also offers various guided tours through the park via Red Rock Outfitters among many other activities, although the services are provided to guests only.

In addition, the park provides daily ranger-led programs for free, which can include a variety of activities and topics. The schedule is constantly changing and usually you're required to bring a flashlight one can be purchased at the park if need be. You can also hire a park ranger for a personal tour, although you must arrange transportation yourself. The going rate is $35/hour with a 4 hour minimum and reservations must be made in advance at +1 432 477-1108.

Fishing

Is permitted, but only in the rio grande; you'll need a free permit first, which you can get at any visitor center. live bait is not allowed; other types of bait can be purchased at the rio grande village store. expect mostly catfish and, rarely, garfish.

Rock climbing

Is not practiced, despite big bend's ample supply of rocks; they are just too unstable.

Stargazing

Is very popular; the skies in the big bend region are among the clearest in the u.s. due to the absence of light pollution no wonder the mcdonald observatory was built near nearby fort davis!. simply sitting out and gazing up at the sky on a clear night is enough to astound many city folks, but bring a telescope for the best views. there are also occasional ranger-led stargazing parties; inquire at the park for schedules.

Swimming

And wading are also highly discouraged, whether in the river or any other natural water source in the park.

One of the quintessential Big Bend experiences is floating the Rio Grande through one of its marvelous canyons, whether it be on a raft, by canoe, or by kayak. Side canyons and hikes await for the adventurous, and a variety of trip lengths are possible, from half a day to more than a week. You can bring in your own equipment or rent from a tour operator. For novices and those who don't want to bother with the logistics, a guided river trip is very convenient. Travelers of any age can participate; with raft tours, they all do the work while you sit back and relax. Self-paddled kayaking and canoeing are easy enough here for even first-timers to pick up and offer satisfying freedom. Expect to pay from around $65 for a half-day trip up into the $1000s for week-long or more adventures.

Be sure to have essential safety equipment: life vests, extra oars/paddles, first aid kit, and patch kit/pump for inflatable watercraft. Tour operators provide most or all of these for free. Water levels affect what is possible on your trip, so be sure to inquire about it at the park or with your tour company. Generally, the higher the water level is, the faster the river is flowing and certain sections may become rougher. Low levels might make it impractical to float by raft, for example, but make paddling upriver so-called "boomerang" trips a possibility. Generally the river is at its highest summer through early fall and lowest during winter. A backcountry permit is also required for any river-use; they can be obtained at the Panther Junction Visitor Center. There are many park guidelines to be followed and certain take-outs are on private land and require permission, so be sure to inquire ahead.

Boquillas Canyon

33 mi 53 km 2-4 days. this route offers the longest but most gentle journey, rated as a class i-ii. like all sections, there are plenty of sights and possible hikes along the way. the customary put-in is at rio grande village with a take-out outside of the park at heath canyon near la linda, mexico — reached by following fm-2627 southeast for 28 mi 45 km the turn-off is just north of the persimmon gap park entrance.

Mariscal Canyon

10 mi 16 km 1-2 days. the shortest canyon and also the most remote, mariscal offers the most solitude. depending on the water level this trip is considered class ii-iii, with one small rapid called the tight squeeze. the put-in talley and take-out solis are both reached from the unpaved river road; count on a rough 2 to 2.5 hour drive requiring a high-clearance, preferably 4-wheel drive vehicle. the little-traveled section between santa elena canyon and mariscal is sometimes called "the great unknown".

Santa Elena Canyon

20 mi 32 km 1-3 days. undoubtedly the most popular trip and some say most spectacular. this section is usually class ii-iii, except during high-water levels where a rapid called rock slide can be class iv. fern canyon, about 3 mi 5 km downstream from rock slide or 2 mi / 3 km upstream from the other end of the canyon, is a popular stop for exploring. the usual put-in is at lajitas, outside of the park, and the take-out is near castolon, off of the ross maxwell scenic drive.

The Lower Canyons

83-115 mi 134-185 km 10-15 days. for the truly adventurous, this marathon trip offers a scenic yet little seen section of big bend country. although not inside park boundaries, this section of the rio grande 69 mi / 111 km of which is designated by the government as wild & scenic river is administered by big bend national park. this trip requires lots of preparation: the take-outs require permission, some sections may need to portaged, special camping restrictions exist, and release forms must be filled out for this trip not to mention the logistics of food, water, and shuttling — beginners should definitely consider going with a tour operator. the put-in is at heath canyon near la linda, mexico see the boquillas canyon entry and there are multiple take-outs — dryden crossing south of dryden, tx or foster's ranch between dryden and langtry, tx are the most common and both are on private land.

You may hear it again and again from locals and Big Bend National Park veterans: the best way to truly experience the park is to step out of the car and do something. And it's true! Seeing the park by car gives you some broad impressions, but it's not until you stop, take a breath, and let your surroundings engulf you before Big Bend's true beauty reveals itself. There are activities for any age or fitness level and to make things really easy, you can go on a free! daily ranger-led program or arrange a guided tour with any of the excellent local outfitters. The important thing is to get out there!

soaking in the hot springs

A reminder of the park's past volcanic turmoil, the Langford Hot Springs or just "hot springs"; everyone will know what you're talking about is a small, jacuzzi-sized pool of naturally occurring 105°F 41°C water from deep below the earth. The spring had been long known locally for its supposed healing powers and became somewhat of a tourist site in the early 20th century due to the entrepreneurial efforts of one J.O. Langford. All that's left is the foundations, but it still makes for a fine place to soak after a long day especially underneath the stars.

The springs lie in the southeastern region of the park off of TX-118 near Rio Grande Village. There are two ways to reach it: Hot Springs Road or the Hot Springs Canyon Trail; both involve at least some hiking, so be sure to come dressed appropriately. The springs are literally right next to the Rio Grande and can be completely engulfed by the river if it floods, filling it with sand and other debris. The spring waters contain several trace elements from its source underground — although the healing powers of the spring are often attributed to this fact, it is probably best not to drink any and some even find that their skin is sensitive to it.

hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Big Bend National Park; many sights are not accessible by any other method. Try to work in at least one trail from each of the environments — desert, mountain, and river — to get the full scope of what the park has to offer. For those short on time or of limited mobility, try one of several short "nature trails", such as the Window View, Chihuahuan Desert, and Rio Grande Village trails. For something a bit more involved, the Lost Mine and Window Trails are very popular allow 3-4 hours, as is the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. Although a bit trickier to reach, the Grapevine, Pine Canyon, and Ernst Tinaja Trails are also popular desert treks.

Trail maps and topographical maps for backcountry hiking can be purchased at any visitor center. For $1 or less, certain popular trails have detailed booklets that can be purchased from visitor centers or little boxes near the trail-head. The paths of some desert hikes are marked by rock cairns piles. Most of the trails offer minimal to no shade, so dress smartly and always bring plenty of water!