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Rio Grandes Lower Canyons
Location: Southwestern Texas, on the Mexican border (about 275 miles southeast of El Paso). Steeped in desert solitude, the Rio Grande loops through the canyons below Big Bend National Park. Length of trips: 83 to 119 miles in five to ten days. Season: All year, although summer is hot; spring and fall are best. The water flow usually peaks in August, September, and October, when thunderstorms are common. Weather: Although runnable year-round, the Rio Grande below Big Bend National Park is renowned for its capricious climate. Summer heat is blistering (100°F and above) in the desert canyons, and winter days can change from dry heat to cold, wet rain in just a few hours. Winter days are cool (50s and 60s), nights chilly. Milder temperatures in March, April, October, and November (40° to 60° at night, 80° to 95° during the day) make for a comfortable ride, although water levels are low. Thunderstorms often spark flash floods from May through October. Lodging: First-rate desert campsites on sandy beaches and beneath limestone cliffs. Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts. Rapids: Class I to IV. The temperature of the silty water fluctuates from below 50° in winter to above 80° in summer. Special features:
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