packrafting the rio grande

[houseguest]

Hey all,
I have never been to Big Bend and rarely to Texas, so I don't know much about the area.
I want to do a packrafting trip in the 2nd week of February. My plan is to put in at Talley and raft down to Gravel Pit and then backpack back to Talley.
Are there any concerns I should have about this plan?
What can I expect for weather and water temperature?

Also, what kind of permits/reservation will I need for this?

Thanks!

[Raoul Duke]

Your biggest concern will be the lack of water.  This part of the country is in the midst of a severe drought, and water flows on the Rio Grande are very low. Generally there is not much seasonal rainfall in the region between now and February, so things are not looking good for increased flow.  Occasionally there are releases of water from the Rio Conchos, which can increase the flow dramatically, but they are sporadic and don't last very long.

Other than that, sounds like a great trip.  Most people who float Mariscal Canyon go from Talley to Solis (the first take-out after the Canyon), but you could certainly float down a ways and take out at Gravel Pit.

Much of the hike back from Gravel Pit to Talley will be along River Road until you get to Solis.  From Solis, you can take the Cross Canyon Trail/Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail back to Talley.  A guy who posts on this site floated from Talley to Solis, spent the night at Solis, and then hiked back to Talley via those trails.  If you search, you can find his excellent trip report (sorry, his names escapes me).

I would plan for at least 2 days of floating and 2 days of hiking back to Talley.

As for permits, you will need a back country permit and a river permit, which you can get at the Visitor Center at Panther Junction.

Weather at that time should be nice.  On the river, daytime highs will be anywhere between 70 and 90, with chilly nights.  However, if a cold front comes through, it could get much colder.  The water temp shouldn't be too bad--many folks float that time of year.

Enjoy your trip.

[houseguest]

Thanks for the info!

[fartymarty]

  A guy who posts on this site floated from Talley to Solis, spent the night at Solis, and then hiked back to Talley via those trails.  If you search, you can find his excellent trip report (sorry, his names escapes me).

I think this is it, from DJ.

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/3-days-in-january-mariscal-canyon-cross-canyon-trail-mariscal-rim-trail/msg86234/#msg86234

[Schooler]

If you are interested in a buddy, there is a guy who lives here named Billy Miller.  Packrafter who works at Far Flung, just ask around town and you will soon find him, really great guy and easy to get along with.