Limestone Canyons   -   Cacti   -   16-foot Tandem Canoes   -   Slot Canyon Scrambling   -   Huge Vistas  -  Dark Sky Stargazing   -   Stunning Sunsets   -   International Border   -   Paddling All Day   -   Camping by the Rio   -   Sick Rapids   -   Sandy Tortillas

 

 

Every spring break the SOP takes a group of students to canoe the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande (aka El Rio Bravo del Norte!), an 83-mile section along the national border in southwest Texas. Canoeing between 1500-foot limestone canyon walls just downriver from Big Bend National Park, the group spends seven days running rapids, sleeping under the stars, exploring slot canyons, and taking in the beauty of the west Texas desert. This trip fully immerses you in the life of the river! 

 

 

Beginners as well as seasoned paddlers are encouraged to join the SOP on this trip. Regardless of your skill level, training sessions at Lake Dimmick will help prepare you for the class II and III whitewater you'll encounter within the canyon walls.

 

 

Each morning on the Rio Grande brings a new adventure. Some days feature mostly flat water, while others are filled with comparatively technical rapids. Along the way, we'll soak in some hot springs, explore stunning slot canyons, hike to a jaw-dropping clifftop vista, and likely encounter some iconic Texas wildlife. This trip has a little bit of everything! 

 

SOP Rio Adventures over the Years

How's the water?

Put those whitewater skills to the test! Brand-new paddlers are welcome on the Rio, but you can be sure you'll return home a stronger paddler!

After acclimating to life on the lovely Rio, it can be hard to leave and head home!

After a week together on the river, it's hard not to emerge with new best buds.

No gunnel grabbing!!

Meet the locals!

The spectacular Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande represent one of the most sought-after paddling expeditions in the southern U.S.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the float...

With dark skies, towering limestone walls, and scarce human sightings, the Rio has some of the most stunning campsites you're likely to find anywhere in the states.

Teamwork is essential when navigating whitewater. Build your paddling skills with 7 days of practice.

There's nothing like kicking back at the edge of the river after a long day's paddle.

SOP paddlers, seasoned after a week on the river, celebrate successfully navigating a gnarly rapid.

Paddling is fun, but what makes the Rio Grande so unique is its natural splendor.

Rainbow over night three campsite.

Paddling downriver, It's hard not to be struck by a sense of awe as the canyon walls rise higher and higher. 

Spending full days on the river with your paddling partner is a great way to get to know new friends.

The Rio team celebrates another successful expedition down the Lower Canyons.

Silent sunset over the Rio Grande.

Lower Canyons, here we come!