Santa Elena Canyon
Big Bend National Park, TX
Few of Big Bend National Park’s must-see natural features are as majestic as the Santa Elena Canyon—a deep, narrow gorge, which the Rio Grande has cut through the mountains inside the national park. Reach the canyon floor beside the river via a short hiking trail across Terlingua Creek and a series of stairs, then continue your adventure up or down the stream on rafts or canoes.
The basics
The Santa Elena Trailhead lies at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, roughly a 1-hour drive from Panther Junction Visitor Center. You can easily park at the trailhead, check out scenic views, and hike the trail to the canyon floor throughout the year—it’s under 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to a sandbank beside the river without much elevation change. River trips are available on the Rio Grande—by kayak, canoe, or raft—either as private guided tours or shared group excursions.
Things to know before you go
Muddy conditions and elevation gains make the trail inaccessible to wheelchairs.
Find vault toilets and a picnic area at the trailhead.
Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters).
Reserve backcountry permits at the Panther Junction and Chisos Basin Visitor Centers up to 7 days in advance of your trip—permits are required for camping and river trips.
View all the park regulations on the Big Bend National Park website.
How to get there
The Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead lies at the end of Ross the Maxwell Scenic Drive, a 30-mile (48-kilometer) paved road through the western side of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. It’s a roughly 1-hour drive from Panther Junction Visitor Center near the northern entrance to the national park and there’s parking at the trailhead.
When to get there
The trail is open year-round, but Terlingua Creek can flood during the rainy months of May to September, which can make access challenging. Plan your Big Bend trip for late fall to early spring—around November to April—when temperatures are mild. Summer’s high temperatures and thunderstorms can limit outdoor options and services.
Santa Elena Canyon overnight river trips
Santa Elena Canyon is a popular starting point for overnight river trips, thanks to its stunning beauty and easy access. Before heading out, you'll need a backcountry permit and must follow a series of regulations that can be found on the national park’s website. Alternatively, book one of the many river tours available, which typically include equipment and organise permits.
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