Santa Elena Canyon

View from the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend
View from the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend
The Rio Grande River winds 12 miles down Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park, Texas. When the water is high you can come down the 1,500 foot walled canyon. With less water flowing, guides take you 3 to 4 miles up the canyon with some spots having to portage. But take it all in stride because the views are breathtaking. I recommend Big Bend River Tours. You might get lucky and have the guides that take you a half mile up a side canyon. An excellent day excursion in the out of the way national park.
Santa Elena Canyon 05-17-2017
Depending on the water level, you might need to wade thru or step over a relatively narrow creek to get to the best viewing spot overlooking Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. In the picture, the left side of the river is Mexico; USA is on the right side.

Reviews of Santa Elena Canyon

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
60
5 - Excellent 87%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 12%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Even if you are not going to raft the canyon, get up close to an amazing phenomon of nature.

5/5 - Excellent

CoryK

Santa Elena Canyon is one of the main attractions in Big Bend National Park, if not the main attraction. As others have stated, you have to cross a shallow, but muddy creek, to enter the canyon trail. The stunning views are worth muddying up your precious hiking boots. Just do it. You'll be glad you did.

5/5 - Excellent

Carter

A short wade across the river, great

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Ten Bits Ranch - Room #13 Jail

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Southern Boho inspired Geodesic Dome nestled up next to Big Bend National Park.

Southern Boho inspired Geodesic Dome nestled up next to Big Bend National Park.

2 out of 5
Terlingua TX
Southern Boho inspired Geodesic Dome nestled up next to Big Bend National Park.
Short Drive from Big Bend ⁠— Casa Piedra

Short Drive from Big Bend ⁠— Casa Piedra

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Ten Bits Ranch - Room # 17 - Post Office

Ten Bits Ranch - Room # 17 - Post Office

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Ten Bits Ranch - Room # 17 - Post Office
Ten Bits Ranch - Room # 20 - Law Office

Ten Bits Ranch - Room # 20 - Law Office

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Ten Bits Ranch - Room # 20 - Law Office
See all 182 properties in Santa Elena Canyon
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