This is a must do in Big Bend. Created for free using WordPress and. Atop the trail's crest, stop at the walled viewpoint to take in spectacular views of the canyon stretching out before you, before descending gently on dirt-treaded singletrack to the trail's end where the canyon walls meet the river. As you make your way there on the drive, you’ll see the canyon in the distance . Starts with a water crossing about 2.5ft deep followed by a steep stair climb and gradual descent to a lush river bank and awesome view. You’ll want to at least hike to the large rock you can see from the top of the trail. If anything, it makes the hike more fun. Very steep inclines, narrow trail. Santa Elena Canyon Trail ist ein 1.5 Meilen langer, stark besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Terlingua, Texas. The muddy area was not bad today and was easily navigable. The views were spectacular! It is just a few steps to the other side. The elevation map seems wrong. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. Weather Information Hotline Once you’re past the creek, you’ll hike through what seems like a big brushy mess. Before you reach the end of the trail, take a look to your left and climb one of the boulders there - the view of the canyon is amazing ! 432-477-1183, Directions from Castolon, TX: Travel 8 miles west along the unpaved road. One wall is the US and the other is Mexico. They say this is a great sunrise hike so if you can get there early, you should. It’s like the center piece of the park. Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 You’ll be stepping further into the canyon at this point and you’ll notice a bit of a temperature change so you might want to bring a light jacket. On Santa Elena Canyon Trail after crossing some water, run off from the Rio Grande. Tampa, Florida 217 contributions 88 helpful votes. An easy walk with a beautiful mix of rocks, trees and river. Santa Elena has the tallest cliffs forming the canyon wall—up to 1,500 feet. The hiking trail started with easy walk on the sand and leads you to the river. This is one of the view sections of shade along the trail so enjoy it while it lasts. Cold but lot unbearable. After the switchbacks, you’ll make your way down the canyon for as far as you’d like or at least as far as the trail can go. Did the climb then waded the creek on the way back. This path leads down to the Rio Grande River where you can get a distant view down into the canyon. P.O. Although a short trail, it is one of the grandest spectacles in the park. NEXT » Mark Doiron's Image Gallery « PREV: Viewing #534 of 585 GALLERY. This trail leads into the mouth of stunning Santa Elena Canyon. Got some great photos of the shore birds along the Rio Grande. The path is nice and wide, but if you fall there is only concrete to greet you. Starting off, you will walk across a sandy area to the river banks of the Rio Grande. Santa Elena Canyon, downstream, is the most popular overnight or three day trip, not only because the put-in and take-out are easily accessed by car, but because it is often considered the most dramatically beautiful. We weren’t wearing water appropriate clothing, but I wish we had because it seems like a lot of people do get in the water. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. Another fun day-trip option is to rent or bring a canoe to paddle upstream on the river. The canyon is so large that it is visible from almost anywhere on the drive. The National Park Service rates this trail as moderate and I would agree and maybe even lean toward difficult. You can hike to the river and take in the awe-inspiring view of the canyon, but you can also cross Terlingua creek and hike deep into the canyon. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a moderate, 1.7 mile, round trip hike along the bend of the Rio Grande River into the Santa Elena Canyon. Worth it anyways to see the sheer size and beauty of the canyon. There are a few little paths that go out to the river from this trail. Our favorite hike of the trip. (When we came back to the parking lot the lot was full). There’s a short hike in Big Bend National Park that offers incredible views. Incredible views of Santa Elena Canyon. Once you get out to the river, you can stop there. That’s relatively short by hiking standards. Big Bend National Park charges a fee to enter. If you want to hike this trail when there isn’t a crowd of people around, my recommendation is to get to the trailhead at daybreak. Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Big Bend National Park or the National Park Service. Take a few and grab a picture or two. The trail head begins at the Santa Elena Canyon entrance at the end of the Ross Maxwell scenic drive. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke für alle Leistungsniveaus geeignet. The Rio Grande, Mexico, sheer cliffs, don't miss this easy hike. The trail is extemely easy to navigate and the rock walls are beautiful, raising as high as 1500 feet on each side. After you park your vehicle in the parking area, you’ll start the trail on the boardwalk. We chose the dry route which really wasn’t bad. Great hike. Die Route ist am besten von September bis Mai zugänglich. Then after the zig zag continue up the trail. Pros: A truly impressive canyon. Worth the mud. There’s not a step incline at the end. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is only about 1.5 miles long. This is a hike for the whole family. Beginning at Lajitas, this 21-mile trip is the most popular run on the river. Nov. 2020. Unfortunately, this means that Santa Elena Canyon Trail is also one of the busiest trails in the entire park. This short but sweet hike should be on everyone’s bucket list! Hikers are surrounded by lush riparian vegetation and 1,500-foot towering vertical cliffs of solid limestone. What an amazing hike! Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 1.7 miles round trip Begins at terminus of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Lost Mine Trail Santa Elena Canyon Balanced Rock Windows Dagger Flats Auto Roads ( giant yucca) Tuff Canyon It’s hard to judge because we truly enjoyed everything we did in Big Bend and the uniqueness of each trail was the captivating part of going to this Park. Take a lunch and enjoy the scene. By closing this banner or interacting with our site, you acknowledge and agree to this. This canyon is a 1500-foot gash that runs for eight miles in the uplift that forms the Sierra Ponce Mountains in the southwestern corner of the park. Location. Very enjoyable. There are railings at some spots, but watch your step, especially if you are passing others going in the opposite direction. The nature trail crosses Terlingua Creek, climbs several flights of ramps and stairs and then descends into the canyon along the Rio Grande. With canyon walls up to 1500 feet tall it has the tallest cliffs of all the canyons in Big Bend. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. The trail ends where canyon walls meet the river. This trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Upon emerging from the brush, you’re met with concrete switchbacks. Santa Elena Canyon is one of the best-known natural features in Big Bend National Park. It’s not difficult though and is a very small amount. As others have mentioned there are two options. Unlike most trails at Big Bend, this canyon trail has quite a lot of variety. Raft through Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park- a 21 mile stretch of the most beautiful part of the world. Rocks provide a hold coming down. Video from my short excursion up the Santa Elena Canyon, along the Rio Grande. The impressive canyon is visible for miles across the desert while driving to the entrance. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. 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 a deep, narrow gorge. Santa Elena Canyon is one of my favorite places to visit. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Some of the switchbacks and paths are even paved and have handrails. Santa Elena Canyon is a very scenic place to visit with amazing views at the top. From there, the trail goes up with steps. 1) go through the creek and come out on the other side to get to the canyon walls - we didn’t do this because the water was about thigh deep and we didn’t have the right shoes. Big Bend National Park Tourism; Big Bend National Park Hotels; Big Bend National Park Holiday Rentals; Big Bend National Park Packages; Flights to Big Bend National Park The Santa Elena Canyon Trail leads to one of the narrowest areas of Big Bend National Park where the Rio Grande River meets the walls of the canyon. Brought my Chaco sandals and it worked fine. These take you high along the side of the canyon so that you can walk next to the Rio Grande and down into the canyon more. The water crossing can get slippery if you choose to leave your shoes on. This trail is located at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive in the western part of Big Bend National Park. We did this and it was fine but if you’re afraid of heights I don’t recommend. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail winds itself along until meeting up with the Terlingua Creek at the base of 1,500-foot vertical limestone cliffs. Santa Elena was a fun hike. 2) take a really steep and intense hike around the creek involving going up the canyon walls. Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most breathtaking sights in Big Bend National Park. It’s also mostly shaded, making it a nice choice on a hot Texas day, but the area still gets hot in the summer, so make sure you bring plenty of water. In rare instances during high water events, during the rainy summer season, the entire 21 miles can be floated in a single day. Santa Elena Canyon Trail Is A 1.5-Mile Hike In Texas That Leads You To 1,500-Foot Vertical Cliffs. Went in mid November and the weather was great. Afterward, head down the Santa Elena Canyon Trail to the sandy shore of the river at its junction with Terlingua Creek. 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. Easy when water levels are high, canoeing is recommended when water is lower. Starting at the Santa Elena Canyon Trail Parking Area, head east across Terlingua Creek and up the paved steps to a midpoint along the canyon wall. It is the ascent up the switchbacks that is the most strenuous part of the hike, but the good news is that it didn’t take that long. Easy crossing. Hotter at the start and cooler down by the water. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The Santa Elena Canyon trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Big Bend National Park. Easy hike, with amazing views! As you make your way there on the drive, you’ll see the canyon in the distance. Once you’ve taken in the view, head back the way you came and return to the parking lot. Came back the same way and didn’t have a problem. Must do. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. After crossing Terlingua Creek, the trail ascends on paved steps to a vista, then descends back to the water's edge, continuing into the canyon until the canyon walls meet the water. As the river meanders toward the canyon entrance, you will see high mesas and beautiful side canyons that have abundant cactus and Chihuahuan Desert vegetation. This creek is typically dry or very low, but after heavy rainfall, it can cause the trail to close due to dangerous conditions. This trail is located at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive in the western part of Big Bend National Park. Gorgeous scenery, highly recommend. Head past the facilities and toward the beautiful sheer walls of Santa Elena Canyon and the Rio Grande River. Santa Elena Canyon Trip Options At most levels a 2-3 day trip, 21 miles of river start to finish, launching in Lajitas and finishing in the National Park just downstream from the canyon hiking trail. Er führt entlang eines Flusses, vorbei an herrlichen Aussichtspunkten und es gibt schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. It is one of the best-known natural features of Big Bend National Park and one of the most popular and crowded places in the entire national park. All reviews the river rio grande short hike small creek easy hike hiking trail water level santa elena canoe trip the ross maxwell scenic drive main trail great hike visit to big bend gorgeous views national park trail starts miles round trip trail head canyon mud mexico shoes. If you choose this option, it’s time to cross the creek. The beginning was a little steep and rocky but once you were past that spot it was good. If you are feeling more adventurous, go barefoot through the cool water. Pace yourself because it’s no easy hike up. Big Bend National Park A short nature trail enters its shady depths, 8 miles west of Castolon, accessible by either Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or the Old Maverick Road. Big Bend IMBA Epic: Lajitas to Sauceda Segment, Buena Suerte, Dome Trail and Camino Viejo, 2020 AllTrails, LLC Alle Rechte vorbehalten. From here on, the trail continued through a short stretch covered with trees, before reaching a series of switchbacks leading into the canyon. Santa Elena Canyon is one of the best-known features of Big Bend National Park. The way back using this section can be confusing because it’s not well marked. East for our 3 kiddis(4, 3, 2). Thread Time; Personal Websites: 10:53: Report Bugs Here: 5:37: Best peak near Lompoc/Vandenberg to... 9:02: BALLOON DOME: 6:18: Nevada, Missing Paraglider Pilot: 12:42: SummitPost. Headquarters & Visitor Information 432-477-2251 Since the Santa Elena Canyon is one of the few places inside of Big Bend National Park to find shade, this hike is fairly easy and a peaceful way to spend 90 minutes while you explore the unexpected landscape of southwest Texas. Er führt entlang eines Flusses, vorbei an herrlichen Aussichtspunkten und es gibt schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. Was able to park immediately. Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most iconic spots in Big Bend National Park. Rio Grande River as it leaves Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park, situated on the remote Texas-Mexico border. Not sure if crossing the River or hiking the rocks was better but enjoyed both! The Santa Elena Canyon Trail leads to one of the narrowest areas of Big Bend National Park where the Rio Grande River meets the walls of the canyon. The canyon walls are formed of sheer cliffs that rise 1,500′ straight up from the river below. It’s a little hidden but you go back down into the canyon. The difficulty level of this trail is moderate. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is 1.5 miles and an easy hike. It's great for families. Enjoy the view and then return to your vehicle. FAQ; About; Terms … Trips can be arranged for one to three days. Don’t let this boardwalk lead you to believe this trail will be a breeze because IT IS NOT. It’s short and relatively easy. Box 129 Had to decide to wade across the creek (easy, knee deep, calm water) or hike up about 200 yards to a dry crossing but required a short climb. The road ends at Santa Elena Canyon Overlook which is where you will find access to the 1.7 mile out and back trail that takes you into the canyon. Really a fun hike. Saw lots of people who just went bare foot. Santa Elena Canyon is a very scenic place to visit with amazing views at the top. © 2020 Consider the Wonders. The hiking trail started with easy walk on the sand and leads you to the river. CharliefromTampa wrote a review Oct 2020. It is 1.7miles out and back and you’ll be crossing creeks and climbing canyon walls. We decided to cross Terligua Creek instead of going up stream to find a dry spot. At their full height, the walls of Santa Elena tower 1500 feet above the Rio Grande and are truly a sight to behold. You may want to bring wind breakers just in case it becomes windy at the Arrived around 8:45am. You may have to walk a bit before you can cross, but it’s very obvious that several others have had to do it in the past so just follow in their steps. The canyon is gorgeous and the hike is super easy. Beautiful trail! At times this creek may be impassable if there has been heavy rain. Santa Elena Canyon is known for the famous Rock Slide Rapid, as well as its sheer limestone walls. From there, the trail goes up with steps. Note: Following rains, flash floods, or periods of high water, Terlingua creek can be impassable, effectively closing the trail. Santa Elena Canyon Trail(Route) « PREV: Viewing #19 of 20 GALLERY. There is a clearly marked pathway to the trail, complete with an old west boardwalk. The entrance to Santa Elena Canyon in the Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA, circa 1960. Santa Elena Canyon Trail. Wasn't slippery or too steep. The only thing to note is the dry route does require a bit of “climbing”, loosely, to get up to the trail. You have two options of crossing the river, wading (depending on water depth), or a longer and much more difficult hike/climb to get back to the main trail. Find a low water flow area and make your way across to the trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/santa-elena-canyon-trail Santa Elena Canyon Trail. After crossing Terlingua Creek, the trail climbs several short switchbacks and then gradually descends along the banks of the Rio Grande. Santa Elena Canyon, a majestic limestone grotto nestled deep within the mountains, provides a Rio Grande kayaking adventure that’s like a dream come true. It has changed a bit since the flood and you can't go as far in the canyon on foot because huge boulders block the path now. 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