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Paddling the Rio Grande

Kayaking or canoeing down the stretch the Rio Grande is a preferred way for tourists to beat the heat while catching the majestic views of Big Bend National park, although there are plenty of hiking and biking trails as well.

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Cynta de Narvaez paddles as canoe guide Patrick Harris, left, with Far Flung Adventures, takes John Volpe and Thomas Volpe, 12, of San Antonio down the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex. The park gets its name from a sharp curve in the Rio Grande.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Far Flung Adventures’ guided canoe trip stops at a natural hot spring while paddling down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. About 350,000 people visit Big Bend annually, mainly during the high seasons of spring and fall.

Far Flung Adventures’ guided canoe trip stops at a natural hot spring while paddling down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. About 350,000 people visit Big Bend annually, mainly during the high seasons of spring and fall.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Far Flung Adventures canoe guide Patrick Harris takes Cynta de Narvaez along with John and Thomas Volpe of San Antonio on a canoe trip down the Rio Grande. Although most adventurers hike the park’s trails, roughly 15,000 folks a year navigate the area by river.

Far Flung Adventures canoe guide Patrick Harris takes Cynta de Narvaez along with John and Thomas Volpe of San Antonio on a canoe trip down the Rio Grande. Although most adventurers hike the park’s trails, roughly 15,000 folks a year navigate the area by river.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Cynta de Narvaez, left, and canoe guide Patrick Harris with Far Flung Adventures paddle down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Far Flung Outdoor Center has been sending guided boats down the river since 1976.

Cynta de Narvaez, left, and canoe guide Patrick Harris with Far Flung Adventures paddle down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Far Flung Outdoor Center has been sending guided boats down the river since 1976.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Cynta de Narvaez, paddles down the Rio Grande. The company runs trips lasting from a half-day to five days, including easy outings for those clumsy with paddles and tent poles.

Cynta de Narvaez, paddles down the Rio Grande. The company runs trips lasting from a half-day to five days, including easy outings for those clumsy with paddles and tent poles.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Cynta de Narvaez soaks in the Big Bend National Park hot springs on a Far Flung Adventures canoe trip down the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex.

Cynta de Narvaez soaks in the Big Bend National Park hot springs on a Far Flung Adventures canoe trip down the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Cynta de Narvaez soaks in a natural hot spring with Far Flung Adventures canoe guide Patrick Harris while paddling down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex.

Cynta de Narvaez soaks in a natural hot spring with Far Flung Adventures canoe guide Patrick Harris while paddling down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Families take in the hike into Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex. Extreme drought has caused the river level to fall precipitously. After peaking at 40,000 cubic feet per second in 2008, it now flows at about 70 cubic feet per second.

Families take in the hike into Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park near Terlingua, Tex. Extreme drought has caused the river level to fall precipitously. After peaking at 40,000 cubic feet per second in 2008, it now flows at about 70 cubic feet per second.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Kyle Crabtree and Cassidy McCaferry from Midland, Tex., take in the majesty of the canyon walls as the Rio Grande flows through Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park.

Kyle Crabtree and Cassidy McCaferry from Midland, Tex., take in the majesty of the canyon walls as the Rio Grande flows through Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

A group of mountain bikers from Desert Sports prepare to hit the trails at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

A group of mountain bikers from Desert Sports prepare to hit the trails at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

A group of mountain bikers from Desert Sports prepare to hit the trails at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

A group of mountain bikers from Desert Sports prepare to hit the trails at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

An afternoon scene of music and beer drinking on the porch of the Terlingua Trading Co. in Terlingua, Tex. Terlingua is the largest town closest to the park entrance.

An afternoon scene of music and beer drinking on the porch of the Terlingua Trading Co. in Terlingua, Tex. Terlingua is the largest town closest to the park entrance.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Entrance to La Kiva Bar in Terlingua, Tex.

Entrance to La Kiva Bar in Terlingua, Tex.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

La Posada Milagro cafe scene in Terlingua, Tex.

La Posada Milagro cafe scene in Terlingua, Tex.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

The Starlight Theatre restaurant and bar in Terlingua, Tex.

The Starlight Theatre restaurant and bar in Terlingua, Tex.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Vanessa Boyd plays her ukulele at the Starlight Theatre restaurant and bar in Terlingua, Tex.

Vanessa Boyd plays her ukulele at the Starlight Theatre restaurant and bar in Terlingua, Tex.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

Kaci Fullwood takes in the view of the Chisos Mountains on the porch of the Terlingua, Tex., boutique hotel, Upstairs at the Mansion.

Kaci Fullwood takes in the view of the Chisos Mountains on the porch of the Terlingua, Tex., boutique hotel, Upstairs at the Mansion.

Erich Schlegel / For The Washington Post

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