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 now85°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Archeology
- Geology
- Geothermal
- Hot Springs
- Night Sky
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Wilderness
Things to Do
9 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Big Bend Expert
The bookstore carries a large variety of educational books, videos, park information, and high quality souvenirs to help you learn more about the park and its resources or just help you remember your…
Learn more about Become a Big Bend Expert on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Big Bend Junior Rangers
Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.
Learn more about Big Bend Junior Rangers on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Enjoy Sunset at Rio Grande Village
Photography can be a rewarding experience for visitors. One of the best places is the Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village
Learn more about Enjoy Sunset at Rio Grande Village on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Find The Perfect Sunrise & Sunset
Where is the best place to see the sunrise or sunset? Truly, the answer is anywhere in the park! With huge horizons and dramatic scenery, it is spectacular wherever you are.
Learn more about Find The Perfect Sunrise & Sunset on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Float the Rio Grande
Take a Big Bend float trip on the Rio Grande. Experience the beauty of one of Big Bend's spectacular limestone canyons.
Learn more about Float the Rio Grande on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Join A Ranger
Join a Park ranger for a guided hike, talk, or evening program. Discover the amazing stories behind the scenery of Big Bend.
Learn more about Join A Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
See the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with our watery border…
Learn more about See the Rio Grande on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View the Night Sky
Far away from most city lights, Big Bend National Park preserves pristine darkness. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime.
Learn more about View the Night Sky on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 9
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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
Address
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, 1 Panther JunctionBig Bend National Park, TX 79834
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
85°F
Sunny · feels like 86°
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Today
92° 71°
Sunny57% rain
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Tomorrow
91° 73°
Sunny68% rain
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Wednesday
88° 72°
Sunny61% rain
Updated 5 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.
Photos
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Rio Grande Vista and Crown Mountain — 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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