Rio Grande Through Colorado Canyon

Location: Southwestern Texas, on the Mexican border (about 200 miles southeast of El Paso). Before entering Big Bend National Park, the Rio Grande tempts rafters with a short but vibrant run through Colorado Canyon.

Length of trips: 9.5 to 21 miles in one or two days.

Season: All year, although summer is hot; spring and fall are best. The water flow usually peaks in August, September, and October, when thunderstorms are common.

Weather: In summer the canyon bakes in the desert heat, with temperatures topping 100°F. Thunderstorms often spark flash floods from May through October. Winter days can change from dry heat to cold, wet rain in just a few hours. Winter days are cool (50s and 60s), nights chilly. Milder temperatures in March, April, October, and November (40° to 60° at night, 80° to 95° during the day) make for a comfortable ride, although water levels are low.

Lodging: Excellent primitive campsites on sandy beaches.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class I. The temperature of the silty water fluctuates from below 50° in winter to above 80° in summer.

Special features:

  • Unlike nearby canyons in Big Bend National Park, the Colorado Canyon is the only gorge carved through volcanic instead of sedimentary rock.
  • Chihuahuan Desert plants and animals, including cactuses, whiplike ocotillos, yuccas, wildflowers, javelinas, bobcats, and beavers.
  • Migrating waterfowl in spring and autumn.
  • Good fishing for catfish.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Suitable for families, seniors in good physical condition, novice rafters, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Big Bend National Park.
  • Big Bend Ranch State Park.
  • Mexican villages.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834; +1 915 477 2251. Try to book at least four weeks in advance around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break. Outfitters are busiest in March and around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Big Bend Ranch State Park, P.O. Box 1180, Presidio, Texas 79845; +1 915 229 3416, fax +1 915 229 3506. Try to book at least four weeks in advance around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break. Outfitters are busiest in March and around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 
 
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