Big Bend National Park’s Hot Springs Canyon River Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. This immersive 8-hour experience combines a scenic van ride, five hours of canoeing on the Rio Grande, and a riverside lunch amidst stunning Sierra Del Carmen mountain views. Led by a local guide, the tour promises breathtaking wildlife sightings and a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Whether you’re a family or solo traveler, this tour provides an opportunity to truly connect with the park’s remarkable landscape.
Key Points
- The 8-hour tour includes canoeing, riverside lunch, and guided insights, with prices starting at $195.55 per person and 15% savings available.
- The tour departs from Terlingua and Rio Grande Village, with a 1-hour van ride to Big Bend National Park and 5 hours of canoeing on the Rio Grande.
- Highlights include visiting Langford Hotsprings, scenic vistas of the Sierra Del Carmen mountains and limestone canyon, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
- The tour includes a professional local guide, transportation, and all safety/boating equipment, but the national park entry fee is not included.
- Recommended items for the tour include comfortable shoes, swimwear, cameras, snacks, sunscreen, and water, and children under 5 are not suitable.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Big Bend National Park Hot Springs Canyon River Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty.
The Big Bend National Park Hot Springs Canyon River Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty.
This 8-hour tour includes canoeing, a riverside lunch, and guided insights into the area’s history and wildlife. Prices start at $195.55 per person, with a 15% savings available.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is offered, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
The tour departs from two locations – Big Bend Stables in Terlingua and Rio Grande Village – and returns to the Visitors Center around 3:30 PM.
Itinerary and Locations
Two pickup locations are offered for the Big Bend National Park Hot Springs Canyon River Tour – Big Bend Stables in Terlingua at 8:00 AM and Rio Grande Village at 9:30 AM.
The tour includes a van ride (1 hour) to Big Bend National Park, where you’ll spend 5 hours canoeing the Rio Grande, enjoy a riverside lunch, and take a guided tour with opportunities to spot wildlife in the Chihuahuan desert wilderness.
The tour returns to the Visitors Center around 3:30 PM, arriving in Terlingua by 5:00 PM.
Tour Highlights
Visitors can look forward to a wealth of captivating experiences on the Big Bend National Park Hot Springs Canyon River Tour. Highlights include:
| Tour Highlights |
| — |
| Visit Langford Hotsprings on the Rio Grande |
| Riverside lunch included |
| Scenic vistas of Sierra Del Carmen mountains and limestone canyon |
| Opportunities for wildlife sightings in Chihuahua desert wilderness |
| Insights into the wild west history of southwest Texas |
This immersive tour allows guests to explore the rugged beauty of Big Bend, from the river’s edge to the surrounding desert landscape. With expert guidance, visitors can uncover the region’s rich history and spot native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the overall experience. Guests will be accompanied by a professional local guide and provided with all necessary safety and boating equipment.
Transportation to and from the park is included, as well as a riverside lunch. Opportunities to spot wildlife in the Chihuahuan desert wilderness are also part of the tour.
However, the national park entry fee isn’t included and must be purchased separately. Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes, swimwear, cameras, and other personal items, but alcohol, drugs, and littering aren’t permitted.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Restrictions
Guests planning to join the Big Bend National Park River Tour should come prepared with comfortable shoes, swimwear, cameras, and other personal items. The tour has specific restrictions – no alcohol, drugs, or bare feet are allowed. Children under 5 are not suitable for this tour, which is suitable for families, groups, and all ages and abilities. To help guests prepare, here’s a table of what to bring and expect:
| What to Bring | What’s Included | What’s Not Allowed |
|—————|—————–|——————-|
| Comfortable shoes | Professional local guide | Alcohol |
| Swimwear | All safety/boating equipment | Drugs |
| Camera | Transport | Littering |
| Snacks | Lunch | Bare feet |
| Sunscreen | | |
| Water | | |
Getting to the Tour
Where do the tour pickups take place?
The tour offers two pickup locations – Big Bend Stables in Terlingua at 8:00 AM and Rio Grande Village at 9:30 AM.
From there, the group embarks on a 1-hour van ride to Big Bend National Park.
The tour itinerary includes canoeing for 5 hours, a riverside lunch, a guided tour, and opportunities to witness scenic vistas and local wildlife.
The group then returns to the Visitors Center around 3:30 PM, arriving back in Terlingua by 5:00 PM.
What to Expect on the Tour
What can visitors expect on this river tour through Big Bend National Park?
The 8-hour journey begins with a scenic van ride to the launch site. Once on the water, guests will spend 5 hours canoeing down the Rio Grande, taking in the stunning views of the Sierra Del Carmen mountains and limestone canyon.
The tour includes:
-
A visit to the Langford Hotsprings on the river’s edge.
-
A riverside lunch.
-
Opportunities to spot wildlife in the Chihuahuan desert wilderness.
-
Insights into the region’s wild west history from the knowledgeable local guide.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Visitors can reserve their spot on the Big Bend National Park river tour through the online booking platform, which offers a convenient "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option. This tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
| Cancellation Policy |
|——————-|
| Free Cancellation |
| Up to 24 Hours |
| Full Refund |
| Reserve Now & Pay Later |
The river tour is offered at competitive pricing, with savings up to 15% available. Guests can choose from the two convenient pickup locations in Terlingua and Rio Grande Village to begin their adventure through the rugged Chihuahuan desert landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Canoe or Kayak?
No, you can’t bring your own canoe or kayak. The tour provides all the necessary boating equipment for the river portion of the excursion. Guests are expected to use the provided canoes and safety gear.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
No, there’s no minimum group size for this tour. Individuals can book the tour and won’t need to coordinate with others. The tour operates with a single guide regardless of the group size.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?
The tour doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Guests can likely request accommodations for any special dietary needs by contacting the tour provider in advance.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 8-hour itinerary from pickup to drop-off. If travelers want more time on the river, they’d need to book a separate, longer excursion.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator has a strict policy against bringing pets, as they can disrupt the experience for other guests and pose safety risks on the water. Guests must leave their pets at home.
The Sum Up
The Hot Springs Canyon River Tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the natural wonders of Big Bend National Park. With a scenic van ride, canoeing on the Rio Grande, and a riverside lunch, this tour provides an immersive look at the park’s stunning landscapes and rich history. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, it’s perfect for families and nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure.
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