Discover the magic of Big Bend, Texas!  Come and raft or canoe the canyons, hike the desert or mountain trails, or four wheel to remote Indian camps, old mines or forgotten homesteads. Walk the paths of your pioneer or Indian ancestors and experience the freedom of the uncluttered, many colored, multi-textured landscapes of west Texas, where rainbows wait for the rain.

The Big Bend

The Big Bend area of Texas derives its name from its location on the bend of the Rio Grande.  The river creates a natural border that separates the United States from Mexico.  It has carved out five awesome river canyons traveling the edges of Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend National Park, and many miles of water  designated  in the Wild and Scenic Rivers program.

Part of the Chihuahuan desert, the Big Bend region offers a lifetime of wonderful memories.  It is a unique world, diverse in geology, flora and fauna.  From it's tree capped mountains to the pools of a waterfall, the desert stretches for miles, its legends  and lore left for you to discover.

To help you learn about the Big Bend we have a section entitled Big Bend Info.  This section includes information on plants, cacti, animal life, insects, birds, history, geology, and  more on Big Bend, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State  Park, and the Terlingua, Lajitas, and Study Butte areas.  We hope you find this information enlightening and that it helps you to understand and enjoy this unique, magical country!

Big Bend River Tours

Big Bend River Tours is located on FM 170 West, just after the Highway 118 junction.  Our hearts remain true to the area, as we prefer to operate ONLY in the Big Bend.  We are centrally located near several motels, restaurants, stores and gas stations and only 3 miles from the western entrance to Big Bend National Park.  We are the oldest full service outfitter, offering  you journeys by canoe, raft, kayak, van or jeep, on foot, and with combination trips, on horse as well.  We are open 9AM to 5 PM year round and offer trips daily.  

Our guided rafting trips , canoe trips,  guided hikes and backroads tours are structured to give you information about the regions history, geology, wildlife and plant life through the expertise of our knowledgeable guides.  Combination trips include the union of either a river trip, guided hike, or backroads expedition.  Horseback trips can be  arranged through the local stables as combination trips as well.  Private shuttles and equipment rentals can be reserved  to provide  a wider array of options for those who would rather "go it on their own".  

We also offer an assortment of specialty trips that may include a Valentine's Day Sunset Float ( bring your sweetheart), St. Patrick's Day Trip ( you must wear green), Mother's Day Trip ( bring your mom, she'll go for free),  River Clean-up Trip or River Awareness trip, Father's Day Trip ( bring your dad and he'll go for free), August/September Big Bend  Residents Special ( If you live in the Big Bend Region you will qualify for discounts all month), September Grandparents day (1 free or two at half price each), Halloween Costume Party on the river (voting will be conducted and the winner gets his/her individual trip fee refunded), Thanksgiving "Feast on the Flow " party (traditional Thanksgiving feast supplied and cooked by our guides), Christmas Party  overnight trip on the river  (Everyone brings a gift to exchange and maybe Santa will attend!!!).  And , to start  each New Year off properly, an array of special overnight or multi-day trips to celebrate the upcoming new year (complete with party favors, entertainment and champagne at midnight!!!)

Please  note that the last nine years in the Big Bend have been very dry.  This creates a low water situation which  sometimes eliminates the use of rafts.  We have a fleet of Old Town canoes that we  use during the low water periods. Our guides are good teachers, so even novices can learn to canoe and enjoy one of our spectacular canyons.  The water tends to be very mild and more lake-like than rapid  river during lower water. We have listed the optional trips for  low water boating, so be sure to check it out.  

We also have a variety of other pages you may find interesting including a  photo gallery,  a merchandise section, our Big Bend Information section, and a page for related links which will give you lodging and other activity information.

For those who fall in love with Big Bend and wish to make "the move", there is  information concerning employment opportunities available with Big Bend River Tours.  We hire for year round as well  as seasonal employment. Please visit our employment page for the information or to print out an application to mail to  us.

Big Bend River Tours would love  to be your outfitter of choice on a river  trip, hiking or backpacking  journey, backroads tour or National or State Park interpretive tour soon.  Come "Discover the Magic" that is the Big Bend Country!!!

We take special needs into consideration, catering to you the customer.  Our office hours are 9am - 5pm, 365 days a year. Call, email, write, or stop by anytime to find out more or just to say hello.  

For a list of ways to contact us, visit our contact page.

If you would like to sign our guest book and see other peoples comments, please click on the guest book icon.  

Northwest River Supplies, Inc. has many valued items for the Big Bend.  There are a variety of items to help make your stay in the Big Bend that much better.  They sell things from rafts and canoes, backpacks and sleeping bags, numerous camping supplies and much, much more.  Click on the logo to find out more information about Northwest River Supplies.

Also be sure to check out www.visitbigbend.com about other area info.

people have visited our site since October 13, 1999