Photo: Melinda Goodwater Float the Rio Grande, Texas Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09094A Price: $995 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 14 Leader:
The Trip Unfortunately, this trip has been cancelled. If you have questions, please contact us. Photo: Melinda Goodwater
"Wilderness is a necessity ... They will see what I meant in time. There must be places for human beings to satisfy their souls. Food and drink is not all. There is the spiritual. In some it is only a germ, of course, but the germ will grow." - John Muir In 1968 the United States of America decided that it was important enough to protect the tranquility and serenity of certain wild rivers within its boundaries. The Rio Grande was among the first eight rivers Congress designated into the National Wild and Scenic River System to protect outstanding resources values. 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. The Wild and Scenic River portion provides protection and maintenance of the pristine character of the Rio Grande from the Coahuila/Chihuahua, Mexico, and 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, and an additional 118 miles borders the Park. The National Park Service manages both the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, and the Rio Grande along the park’s boundary for recreation and preservation The river canyons that lie within Big Bend National Park have significant scenic value. Congress designated the Rio Grande a Wild and Scenic River because of its outstandingly and remarkable scenery. Our Wild West float will be through the scenic Boquillas Canyon, in Big Bend National Park. We will use either oar powered rafts or two man canoes depending on water levels at time of departure. Boquillas Canyon, in Big Bend National Park is more renowned for its scenic beauty than for a technical, bumpy ride. It is the last of the Upper Canyons along the Big Bend area on the Texas-Mexico border, and gives the appearance of leaving the big canyons behind. Boquillas Canyon is the longest and deepest canyon in Big Bend National Park. While it has magnificent canyon walls and rock formations it is much more open and "airy", with erosion more evident than in the other Upper Canyons. There is one major rapid to encounter, and it comes near the end of the trip about a mile above La Linda and the Heath canyon Ranch take-out. Boquillas Canyon is the longest and most extensive river canyon in Big Bend. Near Mexico's Sierra del Carmen mountain range the vertical relief from river level to mountain-top is over 7,000 feet! It provides great side hikes! You will see truly unbelievable side canyons, wildlife, plantlife and the awesome grandeur of the Rio Grande. Wild life sightings might include: Javelina, deer, raccoons, raptors (mostly hawks) and buzzards. You will camp three nights by the soothing sounds of the river, and enjoy views of 1,200 foot canyon walls. With the magnificent landscapes during the day and the starry milky way displays at night, you are bound to forget about the qualms of daily life. As you travel down the canyon, notice the remains of Candelilla wax mining camps on the Mexican side of the river. Along with the beauty of this wild river comes extensive remoteness. Floating this canyon, delivers one to the heart of the wild south west. The remoteness of Boquillas Canyon is both exhilarating and peaceful. Big Bend is one of the most studied national parks in the United States! Rock layers exposed by the Rio Grande were deposited about 100 million years ago. Subsequent uplifting, folding, faulting, and cutting of the river have produced the present topography. This scenic river corridor represents an exceptional example of Chihuahuan Desert fauna and riparian habitat. Big Bend is famous for its natural resources and spectacular geology. Floating the Rio Grande is great way to see this park.
 Photo: Melinda Goodwater You must attend a pre-trip orientation meeting in Terlingua at 7:30 p.m. the night before the trip departs. The trip leader will provide specific information regarding location of the orientation meeting at a later date. At this meeting you will receive your waterproof bags, and finalize arrangements for the next morning's departure to the put-in. We will cover the details of packing your gear, items to keep handy during the day, the "rules of the river," vehicle and luggage storage arrangements, and answer any last-minute questions you may have. After the meeting you must pack all you are taking on the river into the waterproof bag. Tents and poles will be stored separately. On the morning of departure we will meet at approximately 7:30 am in Terlingua . From there we will travel by shuttle to our launch point on the Rio Grande. We will return to Terlingua between 4-5 p.m. on the last day also by shuttle from the boat ramp. Make plans to stay that evening for a farewell dinner in Terlingua. (Transportation between Terlingua and the river is included in the trip price; the dinner afterward is no-host).Itinerary on the river will depend on specific interests such as hiking and special historical stops. Getting There Driving: Flying
Our staff will supply and prepare all the food and eating utensils. You may assist in the preparation of meals or sit back, relax, and wait to be fed. Inform your trip leader if you have special dietary needs. It may not be possible to meet every request, but the sooner you let us know, the better your chances. The river provides plenty of highs and excitement. No drinking of alcohol is allowed during the day and while on the river. This is for your safety and the safety and enjoyment of others. You may bring your favorite beverages in plastic bottles or cans for camp, however. At camp you will have a chance to hike side canyons, join in the evening activities, or simply find a quiet place to absorb the beauty of the canyon or the sounds of the river.
A "sleep kit" that includes a sleeping bag, ground cloth, inflatable pad, and/or a two-person tent may be rented by advance arrangement. Equipment details will follow in pre-trip communications. Little else is needed beyond your personal items. Leave valuables at home. For essential items (wallet, credit cards, traveler's checks), double-bag them in Ziploc bags and store them in the bottom of the waterproof bag containing your clothing. Handle exposed film and medications in a similar fashion. Luggage storage often can be arranged in Terlingua at your motel. Participants with vehicles can leave luggage at your motel or in the vehicles. Raft option will include Hypalon rafts equipped with a metal frame and oarlocks. Our guides are stationed in the middle of the raft and, with two long oars, navigate the boat downstream. Guests ride in the front and rear compartments of the raft and are generally not involved in the steering or maneuvering of the boat. Canoe option will include; 16'canoes, made by Old Town, seat two guests comfortably along with personal gear. At lower water levels, canoes go easily where inflatable rafts cannot. Canoeing the Rio Grande does not require any previous experience or an Olympic fitness level - just a willingness to paddle.
This is a trip of easy difficulty. On the international scale of I (easy) to VI (unrunnable), the Rio Grande has class I and II. Thunderstorms are possible at any time. The water will be moderate in temperature. Past years' trips have taught us to be prepared for anything, from cold, wet, and windy to hot, dry, and calm. While you can always cool off on a river trip, you can't always get (or stay) warm, so we'll have to pack for cool weather. Our day-to-day itinerary on the river is flexible and will depend on water levels, weather conditions, and the inclination of the members. The total trip length will, however, remain the same. Although we'll make every effort to ensure a safe trip (we have an excellent safety record), whitewater boating, hiking, and wilderness travel involve some risks. Physical challenges and risks are inherent in rafting and are part of why people seek this kind of adventure. If you elect to participate, you must be in good health and willing to participate in trip chores and activities. Trip members are expected to assist in loading and unloading duffel bags and community equipment on and off the rafts and carrying it to and from the campsites. Each person must be responsible for his or her personal needs and attend to his or her own campsite. Side-canyon exploration will range from easy walks to more difficult hikes requiring some scrambling ability. Although all hikes are optional, good physical condition is important in any wilderness outing. We strongly recommend that you engage in a program of regular exercise prior to the trip. This trip should be considered an "active" vacation, as you will be packing/unpacking your gear, setting up your tent, participating in side hikes, and possibly paddling. These activities, taken together in a wilderness environment, are physically demanding. The trip leader is responsible for screening participants for their suitability for the trip. Remember there is a good chance that this will be a canoe trip which requires paddling on a daily basis.The pace of the trip will be leisurely, allowing plenty of time for hiking, photography, exploring, or just kicking-back. It is a great trip for people new to river-running and those who are more experienced. No previous rafting experience is required. Minimum age for this trip is 10. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Medical Emergencies Our staff is trained in first aid and carries first aid supplies only. Remember to bring your own prescription medicines. Alert your trip leader to any medical problem you might have, such as diabetes or allergies. The trip leader will provide you with a number at which emergency messages may be left. It must be understood that contact while on the river is virtually impossible. If emergency evacuation (e.g., by helicopter = $2,000+) is necessary for any reason, payment is the responsibility of the trip participant. Please note: Check your medical insurance and/or travel insurance for coverage of such exigencies.
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Conservation Big Bend has been preserved as a national park since 1944, but influences past and present, inside and outside the park affect the integrity of its various ecosystems. We will see and discuss destructive activities such as overgrazing in the early part of the last century, introduction of exotic, and invasive species. The Rio Grande has held Wild and Scenic designation since 1968. We will review the importance of this US act and how other important environmental acts assist in wilderness and species protection. "Let us remember that we cannot create wild rivers, we can only spare and celebrate them. "-- David Brower, 1995
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Mandy Mosher has led Sierra Club trips for several years, mostly in the Southwest and western U.S., and believes that we all need wilderness to revive our souls from the busy, crazy world in which we live. Being in the wilderness allows us to be mindful and real. Mandy hopes you will enjoy and advocate for protection of the beautiful places you will experience.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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