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.
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