Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

The Rio Grande flows from its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado for 1,865 miles to the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville, Texas. For 1,250 miles, the Rio Grande is the boundary between the United States and Mexico. In a remote stretch in west Texas, the river makes a curve to the northeast to form the “big bend.” It is here that the wild character of the river lives on. In 1968, the Rio Grande was among the first eight rivers Congress designated into the National Wild and Scenic River System to provide protection and maintenance of the pristine character of the Rio Grande from the Coahuila/Chihuahua, Mexico, state border upstream from Mariscal Canyon to the Terrell/Val Verde County line in Texas downstream. The Wild and Scenic River designation extends for 196 miles along the river’s course. Approximately 69 miles of The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River designation lies within Big Bend National Park. Recreation opportunities on the river include biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking/backpacking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding.

At A Glance

In The Park

Superintendent: Frank J. Deckert
Phone Number: (432) 477-2251
Entrance Fees: No Entrance Fee

Sights: Castolon;
Endangered Species: Silvery Minnow

Important Dates

By The Numbers

Acres: 9,600.00
Annual Visitation: 364,856 (2006)

Location

Latitude / Longitude :
29.180340 / -102.966610 (map it)
State: TX
Nearby Big City: Big Bend National Park, TX
Gateway Communities: Cerro, NM; Questa, NM; El Rito, NM; Costilla, NM; Arroyo Hondo, NM; Red River, NM; Garcia, CO; Valdez, NM; Amalia, NM; Jaroso, CO; Arroyo Seco, NM; Taos, NM; Ranchos de Taos, NM; Vallecitos, NM; Tres Piedras, NM; Carson, NM; Angel Fire, NM; Petaca, NM; San Antonio, NM
Nearby Airports: San Antonio Airport (SVZ)

Green Features

Has Recycling? : Yes
Has Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes

In Detail

At A Glance Things To Know Before You Come Here are some things you might want to know about the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River before you visit the area. The Rio Grande Wild & Scenic Rive ... read more.

In A Nutshell Outfitters and shuttle services The businesses listed below provide a wide variety of services, including shuttles, equipment rental, and guided trips. Please contact these businesses individually fo ... read more.

Natural World Congress designated the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River because of its outstandingly remarkable scenic, geologic, fish and wildlife, recreational, and other similar values. Scenic Values Rugged can ... read more.

Park Regulations & Safety Your Safety On the river: PFDs. Adjust the PFD to fit and wear it getting into the boat and through any fast moving water. -Take care of your PFD, keep it handy and out of the bilge. Go slow ... read more.

Planning Your Visit Quiet and solitude are rare qualities in today's modern world, but are qualities that exemplify the majesty of the Rio Grande. Using a canoe or raft to escape into the river's magical canyons, is on ... read more.

Things To Do The spectacular river canyons, the primitive character of the Rio Grande, and its international flavor provide a stimulating environment for a high quality recreational and scenic experience. The Ri ... read more.

Visitor Services Bookstore The BBNHA bookstore offers a wide variety of trip planning material, including maps and river guides. more... ... read more.