Far Flung

Step 1 - Pre-trip Planning

Because the Rio Grande through the Big Bend country offers so many choices, it is always helpful to do a little research prior to booking your reservation. FFOC's pre-trip checklist (PDF) is a great tool in planning your river adventure! Other resources that might be of help:

• Big Bend National Park (lots of great information!)
• Big Bend Natural History Association (good books and maps)
• Far Flung River Mileage Chart (PDF - river section distances)
• Far Flung Shuttle Mileage Chart - (PDF driving distances and times)

Have questions about which river section to run? Call 800-839-7238 or email us.

Step 2 - Renting Your Equipment

Canoes, Kayaks and Gear - we offer professional, commercial grade canoes and inflatable kayaks as well as a variety of river equipment such as toilet systems, fire pans, first aid kits, waterproof bags, tents, etc.

You can also download a printable PDF file of our suggested equipment list.

Step 3 - Planning Your Shuttle

We can provide round-trip shuttles for your group and gear using your vehicle or ours. We use modern 15 passenger vans and our drivers are hand picked for their positive attitude and attention to safety and details. Select the level of shuttle service that's best for you.

Need shuttle miles and approximate times? Check out Far Flung's Shuttle Mileage Chart.

Step 4 - Permits and Fees

River permits are required in all sections of the Rio Grande from the Tapado put-in to Dryden Crossing take-out.

Big Bend National Park - permits are free and are issued at Far Flung Outdoor Center, Panther Junction. Persimmon Gap and the Barton Warnock Center near Lajitas. River sections from Lajitas to Dryden Crossing require a BBNP permit. Big Bend National Park requires a $20/vehicle entrance fee, which is good for 7 days. NEW! Effective February 1, 2007 Big Bend National Park will require a $10 backcountry use fee on all private river trips.

Big Bend Ranch State Park - entrance fees are $3person/day and are issued at the Barton Warnock Center or Fort Leaton, near Presidio. River sections from Tapado Canyon to Lajitas require a BBRSP permit. An additional camping fee of $8/peson/night is required if the trip camps on BBRSP land. A Texas Parks & Wildlife annual pass will waive the entrance fees for up to 14 people for each day in the state park.

Heath Canyon Ranch - this is the take-out for Boquillas Canyon and the put-in for the Lower Canyons. The landowner charges a $4/person put-in or take-out fee.

Black Gap Wildlife Management Area - managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife ; any river access for put-in or take-outs require each person to have a limited use permit at a cost of $12/permit.

Step - 5 Making Your Reservation

Call 800-839-7238 or email us and we'll set up your trip!

Reservations are strongly encouraged to insure sufficient equipment is on hand and to help streamline the planning process.

Day rentals will be charged a $10 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.

Multi-day rentals will be charge a $50 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.

Cancellation of day rental bookings within 24 hours forfeit one day's rental on equipment.

Cancellation of multi-day rental bookings within 48 hours forfeit one day's rental on equipment.

(Please understand that cancellation policies may vary slightly during high seasonal times)

Inclement weather cancellations within 48 hours of depature will forfeit one day's rental on all reserved equipment.

Final Payment

Final payment for all equipment rentals will be due on the day the equipment is returned. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal checks and cash are accepted.

Security Deposit

A security deposit is required on all rentals to insure the equipment is returned clean, dry and serviceable. Damage to equipment beyond normal wear and tear or lost equipment will be charged at 90% of retail cost or repair cost, whichever is lower. Repair or clean-up is based on actual time and materials used. Shop rate is $30/hour.

Call us at 800-839-7238 with any questions or to reserve your trip!