Rio Grande: Full-Day Canyon Float Trip from Terlingua

Summary

Float quiet canyons on the rio grande with desert sun and cool water

You’ll float through Rio Grande canyons with a local guide from Terlingua, paddle past desert cliffs, swim in cool river water, and picnic on the banks. Expect laughter, quiet moments under big skies, and a real sense of place you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when our guide, Ben, pulled out the map and started talking about “which canyon we’d get today” — apparently the Rio Grande has moods, and you just go with it. The van ride out of Terlingua was full of that dry Chihuahuan Desert air (you know the smell: hot dust and creosote), and Ben kept tossing out facts about geology and plants while I tried to remember what ocotillo looks like. I’m not great at early mornings but there was something about everyone’s half-awake chatter that made it easier.

At the riverbank, I fumbled with my PFD straps while someone else tried to fit their camera into a dry bag — nobody looked like they did this every day, except Ben, who just grinned and showed us how to hold the paddles without looking like total beginners. The water was cooler than I expected when we pushed off, kind of greenish-brown but clear enough to see rocks sliding by underneath. We floated along the international boundary (I kept glancing over at Mexico), sometimes drifting in silence except for birds or someone’s laugh echoing off the canyon walls.

Lunch was whatever you packed — I had a squished PB&J that tasted way better than it should have after paddling for hours. Some folks swam; one guy cannonballed in and splashed everyone’s sandwiches. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for cicadas buzzing somewhere upriver, and honestly, I still think about that calm sometimes. On the way back to Terlingua, everyone looked sunburned and happy-tired. Not sure if it was the river or just being outside all day with strangers who didn’t feel so strange anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Float the Rio Grande Canyons

• Start tour in Terlingua, TX
• Ride vans to the river
• Learn about desert history and geology
• Get outfitted with PFDs and dry bags
• Attend safety briefing and paddling instruction
• Float down the river for several hours
• Stop for picnic and swim
• Continue floating along international boundary
• Return to Terlingua around 4:30 p.m.

Top questions

How long does the Rio Grande float trip take?

The full-day trip typically returns to Terlingua around 4:30 p.m.

Is lunch included on this Rio Grande float tour?

No, you need to bring your own lunch; coolers are provided for storage.

What equipment is provided for the river float?

All boats (canoes/kayaks/rafts), personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, dry bags for valuables, plus transportation are included.

Can children join this Rio Grande day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; suitable for all ages with basic fitness.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in Terlingua, Texas.

Are alcoholic drinks allowed during the float?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are allowed if they’re in cans.

Do I need previous paddling experience?

No experience needed; guides provide instruction before starting.

What’s included

Your day includes private van transportation from Terlingua to the river launch point and back again at sunset. All boats—canoes, kayaks or rafts—plus safety gear like PFDs and paddles are provided along with dry bags for your valuables. You’ll need to pack your own lunch but there are coolers ready for your food. All fees and taxes are covered too.