If you like scenic river and mountain views, solitude, and camping out under the stars, the three day river trip was amazing. Hopefully we will be back again for a longer trip.
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Overnight float trip
2-day trip
Canyon experience
Camp under the stars
If one day in the great expanse of Big Bend National Park sounds like too much of a scramble, why not make it two? Two glorious days to experience the best of the Wild West, from the Rio Grande river which lazily winds through two countries, to deep valleys and craggy peaks. Escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with nature in this vast untamed landscape.
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Trip Details
Price
$369/person
This trip requires a 20% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 5 days prior to the date of the trip.
Children 12 and under receive a $10/child/day discount.
Required minimum age
8 years old
Departure time
8:30 a.m. Please arrive at 8:15 a.m.
Availability
Every Tuesday and Saturday. Should you have a party of eight or more, we can make other days available during the week – simply get in touch.
Minimum group size
4 people
Meeting point
Far Flung Outdoor Center. Click here to see how to find us.
Tour duration
2 days, 1 night. Return to Far Flung Outdoor Center at approximately 4 p.m. on day 2.
Difficulty
Easy; paddling is required on trips traveling by canoe
About the canoe/raft
Canoe or raft, depending on water levels
About the guide
Certified in wilderness first aid and CPR, our guides are outdoor enthusiasts with many years’ experience of running rivers. They’ll haul the gear and, with a little encouragement, even provide entertainment. Realizing that personal involvement increases one’s enjoyment of a trip, they will welcome your interest in learning how to row, paddle, or better understand the desert plant and animal life. Our staff will enrich your experience by sharing their knowledge of Big Bend’s extensive natural and human history.
Get Up Close and Personal to Big Bend Wilderness
What makes the overnight trips so special? First of all, imagine turning off your cell phone, then imagine floating through canyons where the limestone walls rise up to 1500 feet around you. Go ahead and smile when you think about the idea of someone (our guide staff) doing all of the cooking, cleaning and heavy lifting. Now throw in the greatest camp food you’ve ever tasted and you’ve got the makings of a perfect wilderness getaway!
Since our river flows are largely regulated by seasonal rainfall and dam releases from Mexico, our ability to predict water levels and which canyon we’ll float in advance is limited. Our choice of canyons include Santa Elena, Colorado or Temple. When planning your overnight on the Rio Grande, please understand that the trip may be conducted by canoe or raft. Either way you’re guaranteed a complete wilderness adventure in the mind-blowing nature of Big Bend.
Inclusions
INCLUDED |
NOT INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| Transport to the river (15-passenger van) | Sleeping bag, pad, and personal gear |
| PFD (personal flotation device) | Energy surcharge |
| Tents | Texas sales tax at 8.25% |
| Safety talk | Tips |
| All park use fees | |
| The friendliest expert guides | |
| Waterproof bags for personal items | |
| River equipment | |
| Stories of the river | |
| All meals* |
*See “Accommodation and Meals” tab for sample menus
What to bring
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing
Light jacket in cooler months
Long pants and warm socks for night
River sandals or old tennis shoes
One pair of shoes for camp
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Sleeping bag & pad (see sleeping arrangements below)
Small camp pillow
Small hand towel, soap, and toiletries
Moisturizer/skin lotion
Wet wipes (small package)
Personal medications
{Optional} Camera
{Optional} Your own supply of soft drinks (no glass, please!)
{Optional} Small ice chest (no foam chests, please!)
Accommodation & Meals
We furnish tent lodging which sleeps two people comfortably. If you are traveling alone, you will have your own tent, however, you should bring your own sleeping bag and pad. We have a limited quantity of sleeping bags and/or pads for rent at $6 each/night. Our pads are 2 inches thick and are much more comfortable than the traditional, thin pad you might take on a backpacking trip. Sleeping bags are 3 season and are freshly laundered after each use. Please contact our office at 432-371-2633 to reserve a bag and/or pad.
Meals can vary, but below is a typical day of meals. Guests with food restrictions should let us know at least 7 days in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and juice.
Lunch: a deli-style spread of foods such as meats, cheese, fruit, chips, pickles, cookies, and pasta or tuna salad.
Dinner: fish, chicken, steaks, pork chops, pasta, vegetables, salads, dutch oven dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bathrooms?
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Because the trip will take us through primitive areas of Big Bend, bathroom facilities are limited. The put-ins and take-outs along the half-day section have compost type toilets. Our guides will carry a basic toilet system, but your choice of restroom will be “pink or blue” bushes or large rocks. You will have access to the Far Flung Outdoor Center restrooms before and after the trip.
Do I need a passport or other documentation?
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You will NOT need a passport or any form of identification to float the Rio Grande, however, due to Homeland Security regulations, we won’t be stopping on the Mexican side of the river for hikes, snacks or other activities.
If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, we strongly advise you to bring your passport, visa or other related documentation which will not be required on the river but will be needed to clear Border Patrol checkpoints on your way out of the Big Bend area.
Tell me about the Far Flung store.
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We have a retail store complete with t-shirts, shorts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, and many other outdoor accessories. Our store will be open before and after your trip in the event you need to purchase any last minute article or trip mementos.
What is your cancellation policy?
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Multi-day river trips require a 20% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 5 days prior to the date of the trip. Cancellations 5 days prior to departure forfeit the deposit amount. Cancellations (including no-shows) within 5 days of the trip departure forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
(Specialty trips will have stricter cancellation policies.)
What about changes to the schedule?
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FFOC reserves the right to alter, modify, or cancel any trip or a portion of any trip due to weather, water levels or the safety and convenience of our guests. It is the intent of FFOC to operate the river tours in cases where the safety of our guests is not compromised. Guests should appreciate that inclement weather may not be cause for a trip cancellation.
What are the terms and conditions?
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Trip participants must understand and appreciate that river rafting, canoeing and wilderness travel involve certain inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury, or fatality resulting from: capsize of raft or canoe, collision with a vehicle, vessel, rock, log, tree, or other obstacles; falling while aboard a raft; accident or illness in remote places with limited or no medical facilities; and exposure to temperature extremes or inclement weather.
We require all of our guests to sign an agreement and acknowledgment of risk before taking the trip. From time to time, we use photographs and videos of our trips for promotional and business purposes. By going on our trip, you consent to the use of your image, without compensation, for FFOC marketing activities. See you on the river!
5
3
Overnight float trip
The FFOC staff were over the top friendly and very knowledgable. Most of our group was very inexperienced in this sport, yet everyone felt safe knowing the guides were always close by. I can not say enough good things about this company and the experience my mates and I had. I highly recommend FFOC to anyone who wants to float the river in the Big Bend area.
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The tour was very well organised & professionally run. It was a big group but we had several guides who ran the tour well. Erica & Reed in particular gave us lots of interesting information about Big Bend & the Rio Grande.
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Get Out & Explore
Fresh coffee & merch
While you’re at the Far Flung Outdoor Center, start your day off right by indulging in a fresh cup of coffee, homemade muffins, bagels, and kolaches at our on-site coffee shop. Once you’re recharged and ready to go, head on over to our retail shop, pick up some merch, and head out into Big Bend wearing your new threads!
