How to Raft in Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in a remote area of southwestern Texas along the Rio Grande on the international border with Mexico. One popular activity in Big Bend National Park is rafting on the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande provides a wide variety of scenery, from steep canyon walls to stunning desert scenery. There are a number of necessary steps to follow in order to have a safe and enjoyable river rafting experience in Big Bend.
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Things You'll Need
- Airline tickets (if not driving yourself)
- Car rental reservation
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sandals
- Hiking clothes
- Hiking shoes
- Warm weather clothing
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
- Camping gear (if not staying in a hotel or lodge)
Instructions
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Trip Planning
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1
Research the various rafting options available to visitors in Big Bend National Park. Travelers are attracted to different types of river rafting excursions, from half-day float trips to more lengthy week-long expeditions, each passing through the canyons and desert environments of the park.
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2
Decide when to go on the trip to Big Bend. Each season brings unique experiences for travelers to this desert region, from the hottest months in May and June, a rainy season from mid-June through October, to varying weather during the winter months.
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3
Book airline tickets, car rental, lodging or campsites, and any other reservations for activities of interest. Some rafting excursions may require reservations, while others are relatively uncrowded and may not need reservations.
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4
Arrive in Big Bend National Park and begin the river rafting adventure on the Rio Grande.
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Tips & Warnings
When making airline reservations to get to Big Bend, note that the nearest commercial airports with scheduled airline service are Midland/Odessa (235 miles) and El Paso (330 miles). After arrival at either of those cities, a car rental reservation is necessary to drive from the airport to the national park.
Passenger rail and bus service are available to Alpine, Texas, which is 100 miles from Big Bend National Park.
The most crowded times of year in Big Bend National Park are March and April around spring break times, as well as major holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
If not camping in the park, lodging is available at the Chisos Mountains Lodge inside the national park, or in hotels in the towns of Study Butte-Terlingua and Marathon.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated in the desert environment.
Pay attention to all safety measures when participating in any water and river-based rafting or floating activities.
Although in a desert environment, there is a rainy season from mid-June through October, when afternoon heavy thunderstorms and locally isolated downpours can contribute to flash flooding.
Protect yourself from desert sun exposure by using sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
As Big Bend National Park is located on the international border with Mexico, know that there may be drug smuggling and human trafficking routes passing into and through the park, particularly in the most isolated areas.
