Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most iconic and accessible landmarks in Big Bend National Park, featuring towering limestone cliffs up to 1,500 feet high that frame the Rio Grande in a dramatic, narrow gorge. A short 1.6-mile round-trip trail offers an easy hike with river views, mild elevation, and a sandy beach at the canyon’s end. Visitors can also enjoy paddling day trips or longer river expeditions through the canyon. The contrast between desert terrain and lush riverside vegetation makes it a stunning natural feature year-round, especially from November to April. It's a must-see for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most iconic and accessible landmarks in Big Bend National Park, featuring towering limestone cliffs up to 1,500 feet high that frame the Rio Grande in a dramatic, narrow gorge. A short 1.6-mile round-trip trail offers an easy hike with river views, mild elevation, and a sandy beach at the canyon’s end. Visitors can also enjoy paddling day trips or longer river expeditions through the canyon. The contrast between desert terrain and lush riverside vegetation makes it a stunning natural feature year-round, especially from November to April. It's a must-see for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most iconic and accessible landmarks in Big Bend National Park, featuring towering limestone cliffs up to 1,500 feet high that frame the Rio Grande in a dramatic, narrow gorge. A short 1.6-mile round-trip trail offers an easy hike with river views, mild elevation, and a sandy beach at the canyon’s end. Visitors can also enjoy paddling day trips or longer river expeditions through the canyon. The contrast between desert terrain and lush riverside vegetation makes it a stunning natural feature year-round, especially from November to April. It's a must-see for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.