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One Days River Trips
Itineraries may be subject to change please, call our office for more information.
Big Bend River Tours offers several spectacular canyons as a one day trip. You may also choose to spend two or more nights out on the river to enjoy more of what each canyon has to offer.
Come and explore:
Colorado Canyon, Hot Springs Canyon, Santa Elena Canyon and Mariscal Canyon
Santa Elena Canyon:
The Rio Grande River has carved through over 1500 feet of sheer limestone rock, creating Santa Elena Canyon, the most popular one or two day river trip offered. Along the way are varied rapids that continue to provide added excitement. However, after entering the canyon, Rockslide Rapid, which can be a class IV rapid with adequate water levels, looms ahead. This rapid was created many years ago as the cliff face gave way choking the river with house-size boulders.
You may see the endangered Peregrine Falcon gliding on the thermals above the high canyon walls which can add to an already amazing trip. On extended trips more time is spent exploring other special places and watching some of the brightest stars in the West Texas sky.
LENGTH: 8 hour 1 day trip to 3+ days
PRICE: $140.00 per person, plus tax and river use fees (raft).
PRICE: $130.00 per person, plus tax and river use fees (canoe).
For a sample itinerary of the one day raft trip,or one day canoe trip Santa Elena Canyon.
Santa Elena Canyon can be combined with Colorado Canyon to make a four day trip. Call our office to find out more information on this 4 day combo Colorado & Santa Elena Canyon trip.
Colorado Canyon is the only volcanically formed canyon on the river and its canyon walls are draped in desert vegetation. The ride through the canyon is filled with numerous Class I & II rapids. Panther Rapid, which can be a Class III rapid, might shower you with water as you near the end of your journey. Travel along the base of The Big Hill and listen to the multitude of birds in the riparian area along the riverbanks.
Time allowing, you may visit an old stone corral or a hidden Tinaja (Spanish for earthen jar) filled by a cold spring. This is a fun, beautiful trip, suitable for almost anyone.
LENGTH: 7-8 hour 1 day trip to 3+ days
PRICE: $135.00 per person, plus tax and river use fees.
For a sample itinerary of both the one day Colorado Canyon and two day Colorado Canyon.
Colorado Canyon can be combined with Santa Elena Canyon to make a four day trip. Call our office to find out more information on this 4 day combo Colorado & Santa Elena Canyon trip.
This trip floats through small scenic canyons on water that is calm with easy paddling and no rapids. The current carries our boats gently down the river. Stops along the way reveal hidden hot springs coming from the riverbank. Bird life is everywhere. Views of the magnificent Sierra del Carmens in Mexico come into view as you float down the river. View the ruins of the Hot Springs Motel and see the Indian pictographs and petroglyphs on the craggy cliffs. Then it’s on to the hot springs for a good long soak. The waters of the hot springs were considered a cure all for many ailments in the early 1900’s. People came from as far away as New York to “take the waters”.
LENGTH: 7-8 hour 1 day trip
PRICE: $130.00 per person, plus tax and river use fees.
For a sample itinerary of Hot Springs Canyon.
The heart of "the bend" in the name that describes the region runs through Mariscal Canyon. A three hour drive takes you on a journey through Big Bend National Park along a dirt road known as The River Road. Colorful landscapes and majestic mountains stand for your viewing pleasure. Mariscal Canyon is a limestone canyon with tall, sheer walls along the way, towering over 1800 feet above you. Rock Pile and Tight Squeeze add to your excitement as Class III rapids. Breath-taking scenery abounds on this journey around the bend of the Big Bend. Time allowing, enjoy a visit to Mariscal Mine, Hermit's Cave and the Breaks.
LENGTH: 10 hour 1 day trip to 3 days
PRICE: $150.00 per person, plus tax and river use fees.
For a sample itinerary of the one day Mariscal Canyon.
This trip, Mariscal Canyon, can be combined with Boquillas Canyon to make a five to six day trip (depending on water level). Call our office to find out more information on this combo Mariscal and Boquillas Canyon trip.
* 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 as to the conditions of the road before committing to a Mariscal Canyon River Trip and be prepared to accept last minute changes to your trip if the road is impassable.
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.
For prices on this trip or any of our other ones, please look at the Price List.
If you enjoy your trip, gratuities for your guide are always appreciated.
