Hike Into Santa Elena Canyon

Santa Elena Canyon Trail

NPS PHOTO

After crossing Terlingua Creek the trail enters between the walls of spectacular Santa Elena Canyon. 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 Rio Grande. The walls of the Canyon rise 1500 feet from the banks of the Rio Grande, making this one of the most dramatic and popular places to view the river. The sheer face of this canyon was formed by the Terlingua Fault, which is mostly covered in gravel. Calcite crystals filled in cracks formed by this fault and can be seen along the trail. The deepest channel of the Rio Grande is the international boundary, with each half of this canyon protected by a national park. The southern side belongs to the Area Protegida del Cañón de Santa Elena (Mexico) and the northern side is within Big Bend National Park (USA). Be prepared for mud. During wet times, abrupt rises to Terlingua Creek can make this trail impassable. Always watch for distant rainfall that could lead to flash flooding to avoid becoming stranded within the canyon.

Trail Safety:

Bring Plenty of water; a minimum of 1-2 liters per person

Wear protective clothing, like sun hats and long sleeves

Be aware of wildlife, such as snakes and mountain lions; maintain a safe distance

Watch for water level rises. Do not cross flowing water.

Trail Rules:

No pets or bicycles on any trails

No collecting or possessing plants, animals, minerals, or artifacts

Do not feed or approach wildlife

Pack out your trashAll boating/rafting requires a permit

Drone/UAV use prohibited within the park

Details

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

Recommended for ages 10 and up, children should always be accompanied with adults for safety reasons along the water

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Your pet can only go where your car can go.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Hiking Into Santa Elena Trail

Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead

The trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon. The trail crosses Terlingua Creek, takes you to the river’s edge inside the canyon and continues farther winding among large boulders until it ends abruptly where the canyon wall meets the river.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Visitors have access to the trailhead area at all hours, but for safety please hike when there is daylight due to proximity to the river.

Accessibility Information

The parking lot and trailhead are not paved. Muddy conditions along the banks of the Rio Grande and Terlingua Creek, and elevation gains at the start of the canyon make this trail inaccessible to wheelchairs. There are vault toilets and a picnic area at the trailhead. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

1.6 miles round trip (2.6 km)

80 feet elevation gain (26m)