One Day Mariscal Canyon

Itineraries may be subject to change, please call our office for additional information.

Mysterious and intimate, Mariscal Canyon is the most remote canyon in Big Bend National Park.  Here the Rio Grande swings northward, forming the “big bend” of the river.  Mariscal Canyon is accessible only by a primitive dirt road which, although lengthy, affords spectacular and seldom-seen views of the Chisos Mountains. Our adventure covers a 10-mile stretch of the Rio Grande through beautiful rock formations that have narrow canyon walls reaching 1,800 feet above the river.

Check in at our office at 8:00.  Your guide will provide small day bags and waterproof camera boxes for your use.  You will not need watches, jewelry, or money on the river, so please lock these up before you check in.

We’ll board our shuttle vehicle and head to the put-in point at Talley, a three-hour drive through Big Bend National Park.  Along the way, we will pass the historic Mariscal Mine, where we often make a short stop for photographs and sightseeing.  Lunch will be served at Talley.

After lunch:  We begin our peaceful float trip through the dramatic entrance to Mariscal Canyon, one mile down river. Once inside the canyon, prepare to splash through two fun rapids known as “The Rockpile” and “Tight Squeeze.”  You may want to stop at Hermit’s Cave for a short hike during the afternoon. 

Depending on water level we may also stop to hike at The Breaks before exiting the canyon.  As we leave the high canyon walls behind and float out into the open desert, the magnificent Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park can be seen shimmering in the distance.

Shortly after leaving the canyon, we’ll arrive at Solis, where our shuttle vehicle waits for us. After packing our boats and gear, we’ll return to Lajitas via the River Road. Toward the east, watch the afternoon sunlight play on El Pico, the highest point of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains in Mexico.  You’ll arrive back in Lajitas with time for dinner and a relaxing evening

* Mariscal River Trips require us to go down the River Road in the National Park.  This road can become inaccessible in rainy seasons.  Please inquire about road and water level conditions the day before your trip by calling us!

PRICE:            For prices see our price list.

Note:  Your trip fee includes guides, boats, life vests, lunch, drinking water, shuttles to and from the river, and all miscellaneous river gear.  You are welcome to bring sodas, beer, or other canned beverages in a small cooler. 

Day Trips:
On all one day trips lunch is served with selections of deli meats, chips and dips, crackers and cookies, fruit, etc.  For those who have special dietary needs, preferences, etc. arrangements can be offered to accommodate you.  We provide a small waterproof bag to keep personal items including cameras, video cameras, etc.

If you enjoy your trip, gratuities for your guide are always appreciated.