How much does it cost to enter Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River?

Entrance to Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River starts at $30. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Amistad National Recreation Area (3 h 27 min), Blackwell School National Historic Site (4 h 1 min), Fort Davis National Historic Site (4 h 9 min), Big Bend National Park (4 h 45 min), San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (6 h 30 min), Carlsbad Caverns National Park (6 h 37 min).

WILD & SCENIC RIVER

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

For 196 miles, this free-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande winds its way through desert expanses and stunning canyons of stratified rock.

Photo: NPS / G. Fisseler / NPS

state

things to do

$30

to enter

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Rio Grande Wild & Scenic 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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Sunset over Amistad Reservoir with Highway 90 bridge to left of photo going over the reservoir and i

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River◆◆this park

National Recreation Area · Texas

Amistad National Recreation Area

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Texas

Blackwell School National Historic Site

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Texas

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River◆◆this park

National Park · Texas

Big Bend National Park

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Texas

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River◆◆this park

National Park · New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Driving times from Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$30.00

Entrance Fee to Big Bend National Park. This fee includes all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle and is valid for 7 days

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

Backcountry CampingBirdwatchingBoat TourBoatingCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoeingDiningFishingFoodHikingKayakingPaddlingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Variable -- February-April: High temperatures range from mid-70sF (23C) to low-90sF (32C) with lows from the mid-30sF (2C) to mid-50sF (12C). Cold fronts can bring freezing weather with rain or snow. -- May-August: Temperatures are hot and the weather can be stormy. Temperatures over 100F (more than 38C) degrees. -- September-January:Temperatures are cooler. The weather can turn cold any time during these months.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River?: Entrance to Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River starts at $30. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River?: Popular activities include Backcountry Camping, Birdwatching, Boat Tour, Boating, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Amistad National Recreation Area (3 h 27 min), Blackwell School National Historic Site (4 h 1 min), Fort Davis National Historic Site (4 h 9 min), Big Bend National Park (4 h 45 min), San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (6 h 30 min), Carlsbad Caverns National Park (6 h 37 min).