Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

Santa Elena Canyon on the Rio Grande River.
For 196 miles, this free-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande winds its way through desert expanses and stunning canyons of stratified rock. 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.
Map showing location of park.
two hikers in the Chisos Mountains
Tourism to Big Bend National Park contributes $56.4 million to local economy.
A new National Park Service report shows that in 2023, 509 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $48.7 million in local gateway regions while visiting Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River.
National Park Service selects new superintendent of Big Bend National Park
The National Park Service has selected Anjna O’Connor as superintendent of Big Bend National Park. O’Connor will begin her new assignment on May 19.
View in Boquillas
Boquillas Port of Entry Begins Summer Schedule April 28
The Boquillas Port of Entry within Big Bend National Park, providing access to the town of Boquillas, Coahuila, Mexico will change to the summer schedule beginning Sunday, April 28. Starting Friday, May 3, the crossing will be open four days a week, Fridays through Mondays.
Canoeing Boquillas Canyon
Photo by NPS / G. Fisseler
View in Boquillas Canyon
Photo by NPS / G. Fisseler
A desert river with a backdrop of mountains in the distance.
Photo by NPS
People in two canoes paddle on a river threading through high canyon walls.
Photo by NPS
A desert river with a tree lined bank in the background.
Photo by NPS
A desert river with a rugged landscape of cliff faces and hills in the background.
Photo by NPS