Big Bend National Park Paddling Travel Guide

Big Bend National Park Paddling Travel Guide

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Sunset over Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park, Texas (courtesy, Texas Tourism)
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Big Bend National Park Paddling Travel Tips

By Laurie Roddy
  • Raft Santa Elena Canyon along the Rio Grande on a two-day trip. While the first day is more leisurely with slow floats and photo opportunities, the second day is full of adrenaline rushes as you go through Rock Slide, the first rapid of the river. Contact outside equipment rental companies as there are no rentals in the park.
  • Take a river journey on the Rio Grande upstream from Lajitas. It takes about an hour and a half and is perfect for families with young children or people short on time. Depending on the water flow, this trip could be done via canoe or raft.
  • Boquillas Canyon is the longest canyon in Big Bend with gentle Class I and II rapids. The views up the limestone walls of the canyon are a photographer's dream. A river float permit is required for all boats, so it's best to float with a rafting tour.
  • Mariscal Canyon is the most remote canyon in Big Bend with 1,800-foot limestone walls rising above the Rio Grande. Go through the Tight Squeeze Rapids at the most southern point of the park.

Big Bend National Park Overview

Big Bend may well be the most anonymous of the national parks in the Lower 48. If it's solitude you seek, you'll find it here. Besides serving up quiet in big, Texas-size portions, Big Bend boasts geologic wonders, unique wildlife, and plenty of room for hikers and campers to spread out. Read More

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Hotels

Lajitas Resort

Lajitas
Lajitas, TX 79852 Map

Distance: 21.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Good For Paddling
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Chisos Mountain Lodge

Basin Rural Station
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 Map

Distance: 4.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Ten Bits Ranch

6000 N. County Rd.
Terlingua, TX 79852 Map

Distance: 22.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

South Rim Trail - Boot Springs Trail

expert favorite attraction
Big Bend National Park, Texas

Distance: 3.1 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Hikers won't be alone on the South Rim, one of the most traveled trails in Texas. Climbing from the basin in the Chisos Mountains to a forested ridge, the path overlooks 3,000 feet of desert. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

The Window Trail

expert favorite attraction
Chisos Mountain Area
Big Bend National Park, Texas

Distance: 5.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This four-mile round-trip trail begins at the Basin Campground and descends 800 feet for the first... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Basin Loop

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Distance: 3.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This easy trail is less than two miles long with an elevation gain of 350 feet.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Big Bend National Park

Distance (mi.)
El Paso International Airport 256.8 map
San Antonio International Airport 288.9 map

Other Smaller Airports near Big Bend National Park

Distance (mi.)
Del Rio International Airport 140.9 map
Chihuahua Gen Fierro Villalobos Airport 171.0 map
Midland Odessa Regional Airport 195.8 map

Feature Articles

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