Big Bend River Tours offers you a number of various books, maps, guides, and other information sources to acquaint and familiarize yourself with the Big Bend.  If you plan on doing a trip to the area that will be done without the help of an outfitter, these items are necessary to have. 

Big Bend is a large area, diverse in its culture, plant and animal life, geology, astrology, and history.  We hope these items will help you to plan a better vacation. We want to help you "Discover the Magic" of this beautiful land that we call home!

River Guides for the Rio Grande River. 

A necessity for private boaters or canoeists.

River Guide            to the Rio Grande:     Price: $1.25 each

General Information

This guide includes information on how to use the River Guides themselves, safety rules and regulations regarding usage of the Rio Grande River, a section regarding "River Ethics", and general information about what types of items should be used and some basic knowledge concerning river trips.  This guide should be used with any / all river guides.

River Guide # 1    to the Rio Grande:   Price: $3.75 each

Colorado Canyon through Santa Elena Canyon

Displays detailed information concerning Colorado Canyon and the Madera Canyon area through the Fresno Creek area to Lajitas, both part of Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area.   It continues from Lajitas through Santa Elena Canyon, part of Big Bend National Park.  It also details Santa Elena Canyon as you navigate through the Rock Slide, a Class IV rapid.

 

River Guide # 2     to the Rio Grande:   Price: $3.75 each

Mariscal Canyon through Boquillas Canyon

River Guide # 2 begins at Talley, the Mariscal Canyon put-in.  It includes San Vicente Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon and continues on to Rio Grande Village, the put- in for Boquillas.  This guide ends at La Linda and all sections are part of Big Bend National Park.

River Guide # 3    to the Rio Grande:    Price:  $5.50 each

The Lower Canyons

Starting at La Linda, this guide is a necessity for anyone wishing to navigate the Lower Canyons all the way to Dryden.  A valuable resource of information, covering 83 miles detailing rapids such as Madison Falls, Class IV and Hot Springs Rapid, also a Class IV rapid.  There is data on campsites and various items of interest.

 

Road Guides for Big Bend National Park.

A great tool for anyone coming to Big Bend!

Road Guide  to   Big Bend National Park   Price: $2.55 each

Backcountry Dirt Roads

This guide contains information on doing backroads tours in the Park.  Do not attempt these roads without the proper equipment or vehicle.  There is good information on The Old Ore Road, Glenn Spring Road, The River Road, and Paint Gap Road.   It informs you of mileage, campsites, and particular points of interest.

 

Road Guide  to   Big Bend National Park    Price: $2.55 each

Paved & Improved Dirt Roads

Information pertaining to paved and improved dirt roads allows you to see the numerous particular sites of interest in the Park.  Pointing out interests, elevation and mountain names, and various historical interests.  The Rio Grande Village drive, Basin drive,  Ross Maxwell Scenic drive, Old Maverick drive, and Persimmon Gap drive are included.

 

Hiking Guides for Big Bend National Park.

Important tools to desert and mountain hiking.

 

Hiker's Guide                                  Price: $2.55 each

To Trails of Big Bend National Park

Includes information on self-guided trails, developed trails, and primitive routes.  Each trail lists its difficulty level and mileage round-trip to help plan what hikes are suitable for you.  It contains some basic data about safety precautions and other pertinent material.  Has some hikes geared towards multiday backpacking.

 

Geology of the Big Bend Books.  

_{For those who want to learn more.}

 

A Road Guide to the Geology of Big Bend National Park

by Kerri Nelson                                                                        Price: $8.55 each

This is an in-depth road guide that details the geology of Big Bend.  It includes mileage readings for both paved and improved dirt roads, specific points of geologic interest, a brief introduction into geology, and a glossary of terms.  It is layered with colorful photography to help you visually.  This makes the perfect addition to the Road Guide and a great gift idea for anyone who loves Big Bend.