The Lower Canyons are daunting. A typical route down this portion of the Rio Grande takes anywhere from five to ten days and the rapids range from Class II to Class IV in intensity. Some of those Class IV rapids are so intense that to have rafted them is a serious mark of pride.
Even without the rapids, this is strenuous, as the shortest river run floats from the put-in at Heath Canyon to Dryden Crossing, a distance of 83 miles. You can raft all the way to Forster’s Ranch and the end of the Wild and Scenic section of the Rio Grande, if you’re willing to paddle 119 miles. People sometimes go even further, to Langtry, but the weir (or dam) at Forster’s Ranch is too dangerous to raft and making a portage around it is essential.
The Rio Grande is more than a river, it is a boundary between countries. But even so, it remains remote and lonely, the Chihuahuan Desert surrounding it closely as opposed to city after city.
The Rio Grande is more than a river, it is a boundary between countries. But even so, it remains remote and lonely, the Chihuahuan Desert surrounding it closely as opposed to city after city.
River Details
Setting:
Desert Canyon
Class:
Class II - IV
River Length
83-137 miles
Time
5-10 days
Season:
Year-round
Nearest Town
Del Rio
Guides Available?
No
Camping Info
Camping permitted, mostly primitive
Additional Details
You may want to call Heath Canyon ahead of time at (432) 376-2235 to make sure of permissions and conditions.
For permission to take out at Dryden Crossing, call (432) 940-3609.
Maravillas, at Black Gap WMA, is an additional put-in, 10 miles down river of Heath Canyon. There''s a $12 fee per person and you will need to buy the access pass at Barton Warnock or online. This is closed during hunting season.
Southern New MexicoLas Cruces is a charming city nestled between the awe-striking Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. There are a variety of unique local attractions and historic museums to keep visitors entertained. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Laredo, Texas Southern Texas
Laredo, Texas
Southern TexasSavor Laredo’s many colorful flavors, from its rich history to its unique culture where two worlds meet, creating an experience unlike anything else. This southern getaway is the ideal venue for an enticing menu of bargain buys of every kind. Just being in Laredo brings you close to Mexico, but if you desire an even closer look, go no further than San Bernardo Avenue. We look forward to extending a warm "Bienvenido a Laredo" to you. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
El Paso Mexican Border
El Paso
Mexican BorderEl Paso meets not only New Mexico but Old Mexico as well, making it a place rich in culture and history. High mountains cut through the city which gives it a dramatic setting as well as a great offering of very nearby outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Kerrville Hill Country
Kerrville
Hill CountryKerrville's spring-fed creeks make the area a natural paradise filled with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In town you'll find friendly locals and exciting things to do, such as visiting museums or shopping unique boutiques. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Rockport-Fulton Texas Gulf Coast
Rockport-Fulton
Texas Gulf CoastThe charm of the Texas Coast. We love it here on the Texas Gulf Coast and want you to know and love it too. Rockport-Fulton is a state of mind as much as it is a place. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Aransas Pass Texas Gulf Coast
Aransas Pass
Texas Gulf CoastLocated on the coast of Texas, Aransas Pass is the heart of the Coastal Bend. Aransas Pass offers thriving hospitality, community and a variety of recreational activities. Stay a for a weekend or a lifetime! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Sabine County East Texas
Sabine County
East TexasOne of East Texas’ best kept secrets, Sabine County is located along the Texas/Louisiana border and is surrounded by two of the best bass fishing lakes in the nation. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Texas. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Las Cruces Southern New Mexico
Las Cruces
Southern New MexicoLas Cruces is a charming city nestled between the awe-striking Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. There are a variety of unique local attractions and historic museums to keep visitors entertained. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Laredo, Texas Southern Texas
Laredo, Texas
Southern TexasSavor Laredo’s many colorful flavors, from its rich history to its unique culture where two worlds meet, creating an experience unlike anything else. This southern getaway is the ideal venue for an enticing menu of bargain buys of every kind. Just being in Laredo brings you close to Mexico, but if you desire an even closer look, go no further than San Bernardo Avenue. We look forward to extending a warm "Bienvenido a Laredo" to you. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
El Paso Mexican Border
El Paso
Mexican BorderEl Paso meets not only New Mexico but Old Mexico as well, making it a place rich in culture and history. High mountains cut through the city which gives it a dramatic setting as well as a great offering of very nearby outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Kerrville Hill Country
Kerrville
Hill CountryKerrville's spring-fed creeks make the area a natural paradise filled with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In town you'll find friendly locals and exciting things to do, such as visiting museums or shopping unique boutiques. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Rockport-Fulton Texas Gulf Coast
Rockport-Fulton
Texas Gulf CoastThe charm of the Texas Coast. We love it here on the Texas Gulf Coast and want you to know and love it too. Rockport-Fulton is a state of mind as much as it is a place. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Aransas Pass Texas Gulf Coast
Aransas Pass
Texas Gulf CoastLocated on the coast of Texas, Aransas Pass is the heart of the Coastal Bend. Aransas Pass offers thriving hospitality, community and a variety of recreational activities. Stay a for a weekend or a lifetime! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Sabine County East Texas
Sabine County
East TexasOne of East Texas’ best kept secrets, Sabine County is located along the Texas/Louisiana border and is surrounded by two of the best bass fishing lakes in the nation. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
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New Mexico
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Texas
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