Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River was established in 1978 to protect a 196-mile (315 km) portion of the Rio Grande in Texas. Parts of Brewster, Terrell, and Val Verde counties are included in this section of the river.

Approximately 69 mi (111 km) of the Wild and Scenic River is within Big Bend National Park; the remainder is downstream of Big Bend. Three rugged canyons are preserved under this designation. Boquillas Canyon is the most accessible, as it can be reached via a popular RV campground. Mariscal Canyon can only be entered via a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle, while, due to rapid size, entrance to the Lower Canyon is only possible by signing an NPS liability waiver. The wild and scenic river designation does not apply to Santa Elana Canyon, which is the most popular recreational area in Big Bend.