Floating the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande near Big Bend, 3/27-4/5/26

For a completely different outing, I propose a river trip in early spring 2026 to the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande in the Big Bend area, with an outfitter, Far Flung Expeditions, that comes well-recommended by a friend. We will leave Los Alamos and environs on Friday, March 27, driving to Marathon, Texas, about an 8-hour drive. We will meet the outfitter and go onto the river the next day, Saturday, and emerge from the canyons on Saturday, April 4. After overnighting, we will drive back home April 5. We will carpool as much as possible, to minimize driving costs and parking needs.

In their trip writeup, at https://farflung.com/canyons-of-the-big-bend/#1615247501394-c2b0c799-e5ed, Far Flung says:

“In the lower canyons, we are locked away in a maze of limestone cliffs for most of the 85 miles covered. Geographical features, when they have names at all, bear names like Las Vegas de la Ladrones, and Complejo del Caballo. Every mile and river bend in this vast desert wilderness brings the excitement of exploration: towering cliff walls, side canyons with massively sculpted passages to explore, and hot springs to soak in. Enjoy a chorus of coyotes across a desert amphitheater, the pure glow of starlight over our camp, and the whitewater challenges of Madison Falls, Hot Springs, Panther and many others set among the long spans of lazy currents.”

More about the trip can be found at the National Park Service site, https://www.nps.gov/rigr/planyourvisit/lower_cyns.htm. However, if water levels are lower, we won't be starting at Heath Canyon and rather will start our trip downstream at mile 14 in the Black Gap Management area. Many practical details of the trip can be found in Far Flung's trip brochure at https://farflung.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-8-day-Lower-Canyons....

Will Blackstone, owner of Far Flung, wrote me “These trips are typically done as tandem canoe trips. Duckies can really struggle with the flat water, plus canoes make it easier to carry a more appropriate payload for a trip of this length. Guides will carry the bulk of the group gear but everyone will be expected to carry their own gear and even some water or other group gear if possible.”

He continues “Our pricing for the lower canyons for 2026 is $235/day so the total price per person is  $1880 plus government use fees. The deposit per person will be $250 and if your group reaches 8 or more people we will adjust the amount due to reflect the 10% discount and adjust the price for any subsequent additions.” The trip cost is mostly refundable up to 2 weeks in advance of departure. The only other costs will be travel expenses and overnight lodging before and after the river. I will work on lodging as the trip comes together.

If interested, please make your booking with Far Flung, and let me know that you have signed up. Booking can be made online by clicking the top “Book Now” button on their web page https://farflung.com/canyons-of-the-big-bend/. I found it a little tricky but made it work – be sure to sign up for “Lower Canyons” and the March 28 departure. Or just call the company at 575 758-2628 to make the booking. The company would encourage you to check in by phone even if you sign up online.

This should be a great trip, in country far away from our usual haunts to the north of Los Alamos. Will Blackstone adds "The lower canyons is an incredible river trip. It is remote, beautiful and sometimes physically challenging. We are excited to help get you all out into the wilderness!"

Bill