Many photos show the Santa Elena Canyon and its massive walls as one approaches the canyon. It is, after all, an iconic site in Big Bend NP. On the other hand, the view from inside the canyon and looking out is just as impressive. It provides a magnificent view of the multi-layered tower of Castolon, not to mention the majestic view of the Chisos Mountains. You can see both of those in the photo above.
The Santa Elena Canyon trail is an easy hike into the canyon. It is a short 1.6-mile (2.5-km) round trip. Besides the stunning views, the trail offers peaceful moments if you get there at the right time. When one reaches the top of the trail and looks back, the view above is what one sees. It is a sight worth lingering on and appreciating the beauty before one’s eyes. Of course, the land on the right side of the photo above is in Mexico.
The Rio Grande (or El Rio Bravo del Norte, as it is known in Mexico) carved the seven-mile-long (11.25-km) canyon and created towering walls. Those are some of Santa Elena Canyon‘s most impressive features. They reach up to 1,500 feet (457 meters) high. With enough water in the river, a canoeing or rafting trip is an unforgettable experience. Depending on the time of year or the amount of rain, the canyon can be shallow and wadeable or higher depending on recent rainfall.
When we canoed the Rio Grande in 2017, just enough water gave us a peaceful experience on a day’s journey. You can check with several outdoor outfitters in the area and inquire whether a canoe trip in the Santa Elena Canyon is viable. It is also possible to canoe on the Rio Grande starting at the Colorado Canyon. You won’t have those towering cliff walls, but the experience is also rewarding.
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Toonsarah
Wow, really stunning landscapes!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Sarah. The Big Bend area really has stunning landscape.
Writing to Freedom
It looks like a beautiful place to visit, hike, and canoe. Kudos for how much exploring you do Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Brad. Big Bend is a great park with plenty of space and a stunning landscape.
Ingrid
Beautiful landscape and photos. I wish we would’ve made it a priority to visit Big Bend during our RV travels, but it never quite fit into our schedule during our Texas Gulf Coast excursions.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Ingrid. Big Bend is a wonderful park, but it is very remote. I’m not surprised you couldn’t fit it in your itinerary.