Spectacular in its beauty and scenery, isolated, untouched and unspoiled, the Bavispe River is an advenure that remains unknown to the general public. Emanating from the placid water of Lake Angostura and its dam, the river slithers and winds its way south for dozens of miles, hugging the contours of the scenic, and extensive, boxed canyon that envelops it. This magical river offers visitors scenery rarely seen anywhere, with canyon walls hundreds of feet high, vertical mountain sides surrounding it, rock formations caved by the elements, terrain that is unique to the region and, together with great weather, an ecosystem full of energy and life.

On its shores lies an extensive riparian habitat, full of sycamores, cottonwoods, mesquites and other such lush vegetation, helping to make the Bavispe a birding and fly-fishing paradise. Combined with shallow, calm and temperate water, with a few thrills along the way, the river allows for pleasant sightseeing, birding, camping, trekking and fishing. The Bavispe, a class one and two whitewater river, is an outdoorsmen and nature lover’s dream, an opportunity to explore a hidden jewel, a river of impeccable natural beauty and a wonder untouched by man.

The Bavispe, a mere kilometer away from the borders of Rancho Los Baños , can be said to be one of the last remaining unspoiled rivers in the entire Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert region. In fact, access to the mouth of this body of water, which begins from the south end of Lake Angostura, lies within the property encompassing the Rancho Los Baños reserve. Its entrance is exclusive to the ranch and reserved for use only by Rancho Los Baños and its guests, making the river and its canyon, already free of people, an even more remote, private and unspoiled paradise.

Yet the wonder and beauty of the river does not start when you reach the water. The exclusive access the ranch has includes a half-mile hike through an amazing wet canyon predictably called Cajon Mojado, with crystal-clear, ankle-deep water gently flowing into the Bavispe year-round. This canyon, with 90 degree vertical walls that soar hundreds of feet, with a habitat full of bamboo, with large riparian trees and semi-tropical flora, with large and small boulders strewn about, and with a scenery unparalleled anywhere, is a great way to introduce guests to the majesty of the Bavispe. The hike, which is the only way to the river since vehicles can only go so far, is part of the adventure and part of the natural beauty of the river’s environment. Hiking through this wet canyon will leave you in awe, and that is even before you see and explore the Bavispe itself!

Tierra Chamahua EcoAdventures at Rancho Los Baños offers guests the chance to explore this amazing river system in its full splendor. Our diverse set of adventures guarantees that no matter what your interests or passions are, they can be fully satisfied. We have built our adventures with our guests in mind, cognizant of the fact that everybody has different tastes and interests, and that by offering different adventures our guests can experience the best river adventure possible.

We realize the river offers us a virtual playground for river, outdoors and nature enthusiasts of all kinds. We also want to respect and take great care of this wonderful land, making sure the footprint we leave behind is minimal and making sure the river can be enjoyed for many years to come in its pristine and unspoiled condition. With this in mind, we offer guided tours on canoes and kayaks, both for sightseeing and for birding, offering full day excursions that enable us to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the river, allowing ourselves various stops along the way, as we journey south for 14 miles (22 kilometers) to the town of San Juan, where a vehicle awaits to take us back to Rancho Los Baños.

Tierra Chamahua EcoAdventures also proudly offers Rio Bavispe Trekking expeditions that follow the river’s edge all the way south to San Juan. These two and three night camping adventures allow for great trekking along this majestic waterway and an opportunity to absorb amazing sights and vistas. Our trekking adventures offer a chance to feel the energy of the river ecosystem and to get a complete “boots on the ground” feeling, with hiking, jumping, sweating, getting wet and challenging yourself being the ultimate rewards. Fourteen miles of hiking never felt so good. And, of course, you will get to enjoy overnight camping experiences inside a canyon-enveloped river, with its darkness, sounds and mesmerizing stargazing accompanying great food and company. All supplies, food, and water are provided as part of the trekking package.

For fishing enthusiasts, Tierra Chamahua EcoAdventures offers excellent fly fishing along the river’s edge. You will have the opportunity to bass fish in a serene and undisturbed waterway, devoid of fellow fishermen, in a setting that is unmatched. Calm pools abound here, as do tree and plant-full edges and pools. Enjoy the spectacular beauty and isolation of fishing the Bavispe River, in true calmness and tranquility. Enjoy hours fishing, contemplating life, reinvigorating your mind, and relaxing in this stress free environment. Tierra Chamahua provides all equipment, supplies and paperwork, or feel free to bring your own. Of course, for fishing enthusiasts, a Lake Angostura and Bavispe River package is available.

Please see the Rates/Accomodations category of the website for prices, packages and available tours. Please see Availability for availability and reservations. And, as always, feel free to contact one of our Adventure Consultants via telephone or email for questions as well as for additional information.

We hope to see you soon! The Bavispe River and Rancho Los Baños await your arrival. Your river adventure is just around the corner.