Dramatic river canyon featuring soaring limestone cliffs, a scenic riverside trail, and some of the most iconic desert vistas in the national park.
Daylight hiking is recommended
Trail access may be affected by weather or river conditions
Motorcycle Entrance Pass (7 days): $25
Individual Entrance Pass (7 days): $15
America the Beautiful Pass accepted
How to Get There
From Study Butte / Terlingua (20 mi): Take TX-118 east into Big Bend National Park, continue to Maverick Junction, follow Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive south to its terminus, and proceed to the Santa Elena Canyon parking area at the trailhead.
Overview
The Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in Big Bend National Park and among the most spectacular river canyons in North America. Carved over millions of years by the Rio Grande, the canyon slices through massive limestone formations, creating sheer rock walls that rise approximately 1,500 feet above the river. Visitors approaching along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive are greeted by a dramatic scene where the river disappears between towering cliffs, creating one of the park's most iconic and photographed views. The short trail begins with a climb above the river before descending into the canyon, offering increasingly impressive perspectives of the immense rock walls.
Within the canyon, the Rio Grande forms the international boundary between the United States and Mexico, flowing through a narrow corridor surrounded by ancient geology and desert wilderness. The contrast between the river, lush vegetation along its banks, and the towering limestone cliffs creates a landscape unlike any other in Texas. Wildlife including hawks, vultures, and songbirds are commonly seen in the area, while changing light throughout the day transforms the canyon's colors and textures. Whether explored on foot, photographed from nearby overlooks, or admired from the river itself, Santa Elena Canyon stands as one of the defining experiences of Big Bend National Park.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Santa Elena Canyon, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
