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This is likely the most impressive sights in Big Bend National Park, up to 1000-foot-high vertical cliffs, there are not too many places like that in the rest of the US. The trail is less than a mile long and the views are gorgeous. You may have to cross a small muddy stream to get to the cliffs depending on the time of the year. These massive limestone cliffs are the sedimentary remains of an ancient shallow sea, and they were carved by the Rio Grande over the last 60 million years (they call it Rio Bravo in Mexico).
Couldn’t wait to check Santa Elena canyon in person. Love canyons and had seen so many pictures of it. It was on top of my “must visit list” of this trip to Big Bend. It’s a long drive in a beautiful scenic road to get there. We parked and used the restroom, before heading to the trail head. There was a lot of traffic since was late morning. Very beautiful views and a unique experience on the Texas border.
Good place to visit, hike and kayak. We can cross river by walk. Depth is around 2-3 ft when we visited. One side is USA and other side of the river is Mexico.
Half day and full day River tours are available. Plan ahead.
This is a short hike with a spectacular view at the end. It is not a difficult hike and there are lovely views along the way. However when you get to the end of the trail, The views of the canyon are stunning! They are all some areas at the start of the hike which are a little steep.
Busy trail, but worth it. A fairly easy hike except for the switchbacks. The sheer size of the canyon walls definitely do not translate in pictures. A great place to get some shade and cool off in the water during the summer months.
