Big Bend National Park Boomerang Floats Review

Big Bend National Park Boomerang Floats Review
If you want to see towering canyons and have a real wilderness adventure on the Rio Grande River, go to Big Bend National Park in Southwest Texas. Take a boomerang float trip. Boomerang float trips involve paddling up the river and floating back down. Less crowded by far than other popular national parks, it offers a quiet respite from the cares of daily life. Three companies offer river trips on white water or smooth water; the trips last from several hours to 21 days. As of 2009, all float trip passengers must carry passports.

Wows and Woes

The spectacular scenery will astound you. Friendly guides tell great stories and know the history of the area.

However, all is not perfect. Cell phone coverage is non-existent. Food at the dining room of the lodge is mediocre.

Insider Tips

You should be in excellent physical condition for this adventure. Leave your young children at home. Should you care to extend your trip before and/or after traveling on the river, lodging is available at the Chisos Mountains Lodge in the park. There are also campsites. Take a hike to the hot springs area for a relaxing soak after your journey. If you camp, take everything you need; stores are not nearby.

Bottom Line

Boomerang float trips at Big Bend National Park tax your endurance, but they offer a real adventure through amazing pristine wilderness.

Author's Most Memorable Moment

My most memorable moment on the float trip occurred when I spotted a rare golden eagle swooping down into the river to catch its dinner. I also enjoyed seeing some black bears and one mountain lion.

Article Written By Ellen Kendall

Ellen Kendall has 15 years of writing and editing experience. Her travel and insurance articles have appeared in national magazines. Her book contributions include biographies and multi-cultural and Holocaust lesson plans. She has previously served as a real estate broker and interior designer and taught ESL in Korea and at Duke.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword