santa elena canyon

TheGlobeANDi

This was one of the most amazing things I have done in my life. I want to do it again. It is a rare and unique experience. We even climbed it, and there were natural water pools between the rocks.

IJ_Sammamish

This canyon must be seen at first light. It glows orange at sunrise with a beautiful reflection also in the Rio Grande. Great for photographers.

dcolumbus3

Great views of the Rio Grande and SE Canyon. A bit steep if you're out of shape, and no railings so not good if you have young children who tend to run off (like my son always did).

X-NYr

This hike is pitched as Easy with a great view deep into the Canyon beside the Rio Grande. The canyon walls soar above you at 1500 feet, with Mexico on the other side of the narrow canyon. But the hike involves a mile of uphill switchbacks, first paved and then very rocky. You need proper shoes for hiking, and be warned, if you have vertigo, this can be a bit scary. Worth doing, but don't go expecting a stroll down the beach.

ianj752

The Rio Grande was a powerful river which has scoured 3 1500 feet deep canyons through the mountains. The hike into the Santa Elena Canyon is easy, safe and allows almost anyone to experience a natural phenomenon up close…and marvel. Sadly most (? all) the water in the Big Bend portion of the Rio Grande is actually from the Conchos since most of the Rio Grande water is siphoned off before the river gets past El Paso. Further erosion will continue but at a much slower rate in the Park.

802PaulM802

We drove to the western terminus of the park to Santa Elena Canyon along the Rio Grande River. As far as I'm concerned this is the "Old Faithful" of Big Bend national park. Nice hike with an awesome view of the canyon!!!!

AlanH850

This was a fairly easy hike that gave great views of the Rio Grande and a sense of the river as the border between the US and Mexico. The closeness of the water changed the ecosystem from the desert to something much more lush, and that was very interesting.

cajrt

A must while visiting Big Bend National Park. It's a long drive from either Rio Grande Village (61 miles one way)or the Panther Junction Visitor Center (20 miles less) but is well worth the trip. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to get there is beautiful with lots of turnouts for photos, etc. and Santa Elena Canyon is stunning. If you can, go early as the scenery changes as the angles of the sun change throughout the day. If time permits take the hike of 1.4 miles RT through the mouth of the canyon. At the end of the trail take in the quiet and enjoy.

RitaR778

We drove through the canyon. We stayed 2 nights at the lodge and that was essential. You will want your camera. The area is breath taking

PatB630

We drove the scenic drive from Santa Elena junction to Santa Elena Canyon- 32 miles (about an hour without stops) about 8 miles from Castolon the canyon overlook offered views down on the narrow Rio Grande flowing through 1,500 feet of lime stone wall. This drive ends half a mile further at the Santa Elena Canyon. There is a lovely 1.5 mile round trip hike that begins here and leads you into the mouth of the canyon. We saw kids playing on the waters edge and fishing.

SrvDutta

Right at the end of the Ross-Maxwell scenic drive is the gorgeous Santa Elena Canyon. There is a overlook point which is easily accessible to those with mobility problems and offers equally stunning views. A little down the road is the river access area with picnic tables. Further down the road is the trailhead for the small trail that enters inside the canyon. It is a short 45 min walk into the Canyon with some initial uphill climb and is fairly easy for everyone to try. The sheer feeling of walking inside the canyon with the towering cliffs slowly closing in and the river coming closer and becoming deeper is something not to be missed. We started very late in the afternoon and had some sandwiches packed with us. When we finally reached the end of the trail it was a treat to enjoy the snack sitting on a ledge over the river and enjoying our whispers get thunderously echoed into the canyon. By the time we were on our return journey, the Sun was setting and the distant mountains were a riot of colors. No wonder it took us almost double the time to get back, due to the numerous times we stopped to gaze in wonder.

941lesah

What a wonder of nature! Beautiful area. Nice hiking trail and overlook. easy to navigate and get to. lots to see. Unbelievably beautiful canyon. picnic area and beach area. This is a must see in Big Bend area. If you don't want to hike you can drive up to the overlook area which is great for those with mobility problems.

311noelj

This is where the iconic picture was taken and there is an excellent hike up the canyon if you have time. I am not sure if there have been many changes since this part of Big Bend was first inhabited.

highrez

Love Santa Elena Canyon. Do the hike up the side. The drive to the canyon is breathtaking. Don't miss this area of Big Bend.

aberanda

Fabulous hike that goes up the cliff and down to the river - echoes, badgers and roadrunners - what's not to like!