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Araft trip through one of the canyons is an experience wholly separate from the mountains and the desert. Most trips are run by the three large outfitters west of the park: Far Flung Adventures in Terlingua (371-2489, 800-359-4138), Big Bend River Tours in Lajitas (424-3219, 800-545-4240), and Outback Expeditions in Study Butte (371-2490, 800-343-1640). All offer guided trips that average $100 per person per day; half-day trips are offered by Big Bend River Tours ($59) and Outback Expeditions ($50). Far Flung Adventures and Big Bend Rivers Tours are especially creative at putting together special trips that emphasize food, photography, survival training, and music, such as Far Flung's floats with troubadours Steve Fromholz, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock. Texas River Expeditions of Houston (1-800-839-7238) also provides a variety of one-three day tours, many of which have themes and experts.
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The narrow, vertical-walled Mariscal, at the southern extreme of the river's big bend, can be done in a day via Outback Expeditions but requires several hours of driving on unimproved dirt roads; it is best attempted as an overnighter. Boquillas, the most visually spectacular canyon, as well as the easiest to float and to get to, takes a minimum of two days by canoe and three days by raft. Not suprisingly, it is also the most congested canyon during spring break. The remote Lower Canyons trip, downstream from the park, takes a week minimum. All river runners not traveling with an outfitter must have a permit (no reservation is necessary)..
