For the well prepared, an extended float trip provides opportunities to explore the most remote corner of Texas and experience the ultimate in solitude, self-reliance, and immersion in natural soundscapes.
Photo: NPS / G. Fisseler
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
For 196 miles, this free-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande winds its way through desert expanses and stunning canyons of stratified rock.
- LocationBig Bend National Park, TX
- Entrance $30 private vehicle
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now77°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Archeology
- Geology
- Geothermal
- Hot Springs
- Night Sky
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Wilderness
Things to Do
14 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area and includes exhibits on Big Bend wildlife. River use permits are…
Details
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area and includes exhibits on Big Bend wildlife. River use permits are issued and entrance fees can be paid here. A small desert garden provides an overview of Chihuahuan Desert plants. Rio Grande Village Visitor Center includes a small theater, a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Hours details
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Rio Grande Wild & Scenic RiverOpen 24 hours, daily
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Entrance fees
- $30Private Vehicle
Fee details
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Private Vehicle$30
Entrance Fee to Big Bend National Park. This fee includes all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle and is valid for 7 days
Weather
77°F
Sunny · feels like 66°
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Today
84° 67°
Sunny17% rain
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Tomorrow
78° 64°
Overcast36% rain -
Saturday
65° 61°
Patchy rain nearby84% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Variable -- February-April: High temperatures range from mid-70sF (23C) to low-90sF (32C) with lows from the mid-30sF (2C) to mid-50sF (12C). Cold fronts can bring freezing weather with rain or snow. -- May-August: Temperatures are hot and the weather can be stormy. Temperatures over 100F (more than 38C) degrees. -- September-January:Temperatures are cooler. The weather can turn cold any time during these months.
Contact the park
Photos
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Canoeing Mariscal Canyon — NPS -
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Getting There
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable.
Full directions
Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip.
Mailing address: Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
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