All in shade too! The following day we made small adjustments to the raft rig (photo 5) and set off early in the morning. Raft through Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park- a 21 mile stretch of the most beautiful part of the world. i have heard that rafting trips are the best for exploring it. Highly recommended. There are other rental shops in town, but we felt these guys had the most extensive equipment for an overnight trip vs. just a day trip. the trail to the santa elena canyon is short - only 1.7 miles round-trip. The drive down River Road is pretty slow moving (relative to the highway) and took us close to an hour to drop the car off and drive back to the put-in. Little did I know that the trip was for ulterior motives. The 3 of us had canoed this stretch before- some of us multiple times. Upon arrival at Entrance Camp we set camp and took off on a hike to an overlook of the canyon (photo 3). Canoe, Kayak or Rafting day trip: $150 per person, 2 person minimum. The trip included a 3 mile paddle into the canyon, a refreshing lunch (included with the trip) and then a really adventurous hike into Fern Canyon. Youth 12 and under is $120 per person. 800-545-4240, local 371-3033. Return to Top. This time it was to a be a one night trip. No other Rio Grande canyon has higher cliffs either - these walls can rise up 1,500 feet above the water. 1983 Press Photo Man kayaks on river rapids - pia10759. the trail was still nice, but if you are just wanting to sit on the beach or wade in the rio grande, the best spot is right at the beginning of the trail. not much of a beach or good wading area at the end … Beginning at Lajitas, this 21-mile trip is the most popular run on the river. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The water level was high enough on this part of the Rio Grande that the rapids weren't that bad. Enjoy spectacular Canyon views along this mostly shaded hike in Big Bend. Be the first to leave a review! Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback It also allowed for me to take a stab at steering the raft. Runs March, April & … adventures and follow local regulations. Santa Elena Canyon is also accessible by car on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which has helped to make it the most popular canyon in Big Bend. Hike Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend. Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company, LLC , Terlingua, TX 79852 469-607-9869. Rancho Topanga also pairs well with dinner at the Starlight Theater. I was at Santa Elena Canyon Overlook in late October of 2008. Location: Santa Elena canyon Category: Big Bend National Park BOQUILLAS CANYON. Travelers interested in rafting at Big Bend National Park can explore the Rio Grande with a guided trip. was great. This would be a monumental day as we still had yet to experience the biggest rapid of this stretch- Rockslide. Several small rapids come into play in the approximately 11 miles between … Santa Elena Canyon presents a test of skill and preparation because of the increased difficulty of the rapids. Big Bend National Park Santa Elena Canyon Upstream. Our Santa Elena Canyon upstream canoe trip is a low-water opportunity to visit one of the major limestone canyons in the Big Bend National Park. Looking to either side of the canyon, you can see both the Mexican … Rafting Santa Elena Canyon. When you’re on a rafting trip on the Rio Grande, you’re absolutely nowhere else but on the Rio Grande. Talley put-in: $325. The river becomes more technical in the last seven miles when you have entered the actual canyon. With a healthy blend of calm and choppy waters, you will get the chance to appreciate all types of river rafting. Easy access, and strikingly beautiful. We travel with backpacking gear & bikes, but we don’t have our own boats. This was much harder than it looked and I totally have way more respect for my raft-guide-amazon-woman-friend now. Then "rigging the raft" also took about an hour. I would never have agreed to this trip had our friend who's guided on multiple rivers not come with us. This is an excellent trip for learning to hard shell kayak, inflatable kayaks or SUP’s with full raft support. For a sample itinerary of the one day raft trip,or one day canoe trip Santa Elena Canyon. 1972 Press Photo Writers and guide rafting in Big Bend National Park. This is an original press photo. With plenty of off-river side canyons to explore it is a true wilderness trip. Depending on the river it may be in Big Bend National Park or it may be in Big Bend Ranch State Park. It is a relatively easy hike and the end result is totally worth it! Rockslide is usually a boulder garden, making it a super technical rapid with many sharp turns and eddies that can suck you in quick. The drive is approximately 30 miles in length. The water was flowing so quick that we barely paddled at all- giving us a nice, relaxed ride to enjoy the horses and other wildlife along the banks. 28 reviews of Big Bend River Tours "A friend and I went on a tour the other day. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Usually the water is slow and low and the boats drag through some sections. Santa Elena Canyon rafting trips generally take two days to complete which never seems like enough time. Floating through this spectacular canyon allows you to fall into the rhythm of a multi-day river trip and affords access to places far from the beaten path. The majestic Santa Elena Canyon is the most impressive in Big Bend National Park - it is visible for over 10 miles away, as the Rio Grande changes direction abruptly after following beneath the straight Sierra Ponce cliffs for several miles and heads due west, cutting through the mountains via …