Big Bend’s Santa Elena Canyon: Trail Guide
Explore one of Big Bend’s most popular attractions with this trail guide to the Santa Elena Canyon. In this trail guide we are sharing how to get to Santa Elena Canyon, when to go, what to bring, amenities nearby, and all about the 1.4 mile trail.
If you have only one day in Big Bend National Park then a stop at the Santa Elena Canyon is a must do! Sliced by the power of the Rio Grand River this canyon is a part of Mexico and America with walls towering 1600 feet high.
A few great ways to experience the canyon are the 1.4 mile trail that takes you into the Santa Elena Canyon, the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook and probably one of the best ways to experience the canyon a canoe or raft trip. Whether you have just one day or a few days to spare Big Bend National Park is worth a visit!
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 1.4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 157 FT. | Time: 30 Minutes | Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
GETTING THERE
WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 40 miles or about an hour drive to the Santa Elena Canyon. Once you enter the park take Panther Junction Rd east for 9 miles until you get to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Make a right onto Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and head south for 30 miles until you get to the Santa Elena Canyon parking lot.
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the north entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 70 miles or about an hour and a half drive to the Santa Elena Canyon. Once you enter the park head south on Main Park Rd for 28 miles until you get to the Panther Junction Visitor Center on Gano Springs Rd. Make a right on to Gano Springs Rd and head west for 13 miles. Make a left on to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and head south or 30 miles until you get to the Santa Elena Canyon parking lot.
ENTRANCE FEE
$15 per person or $30 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful National Park Pass to enter.
TIP | There are tons of overlooks and trails to do along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive making this a great day adventure.
WHEN TO GO
ANYTIME BUT THE SUMMER. Big Bend National Park is a BEAUITFUL place worth exploring but choosing the right time is crucial. By April temperatures were already reaching 100 degrees which makes hiking in Big Bend a little dangerous.
We recommend researching average monthly temperatures and choose when would be comfortable for you to enjoy being outdoors. We found winter and early spring to be ideal hiking weather in Big Bend National Park.
Always check for current conditions before planning a trip out to Big Bend.
WHAT TO BRING
Big Bend National carries two qualities, it’s massive size ( over 800,000 acres ) and it’s dry and sunny climate. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert so carrying all your necessary supplies is important. After hiking Big Bend during the winter, spring, and summer these are the items we recommend having.
Plenty of water
( in a insulated bottle preferred ) at least 32 oz per hour you plan on hiking. Big Bend can get VERY hot during late spring to early fall so you want to make sure you have a enough water with you on the trail. It is a dry heat which to us felt like an oven and sucked out any moisture our bodies had.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Many trails in Big Bend are rocky, sandy, and steep. Having supportive hiking shoes has been so helpful in being able to enjoy the trails and avoid any injuries.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Sun Protectant
One of the best ways we’ve found to protect our skin is simply by covering it with hats and sun protectant clothing. To finish it off putting a sun screen on my face and any remaining exposed skin is what we find works for us.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while hiking in Big Bend. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Energizing Snacks
Whatever your version of an energizing snack is, bring plenty. There’s not a lot of food options in the park and you don’t want to be left with chips and soda.
AMENITIES
CASTOLON
Open November through April. Camping options are available at the Cottonwood Campground located near the Santa Elena Canyon. Restrooms, water filling station, park information, camp store, and river permits can be picked up here. There is no cell service at the Castolon Visitor Center area.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 1.4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 157 FT. | Time: 30 Minutes | Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
The Santa Elena Canyon Trail starts on a flat path toward the Rio Grande River. Depending on the time of year the beginning of the trail may be flooded but don’t let that stop you. Barefoot water crossings are common ways to get to this trail.
Once you get on the trail you’ll start to climb up switchbacks (zigzag) as you make your way into the canyon. Look closely at the walls you may notice fossilized sea shells from this once sea floor.
Once you make it to the top of the switchbacks glance behind you and take in the three parts that make up Big Bend National Park, the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande River.
The trail doesn’t lead far after that. It will take you past huge fallen boulders and right down to the river shore. If it is hot feel free to cool off between the US and Mexico. If time allows look closely at all the formations in the canyon walls that nature has created. Maybe see if you can hear an echo from your voice or the wind howling. Stay for sunset and enjoy the days last glow shine through the canyon walls.
Let us know about your experience at the Santa Elena Canyon in the comments below!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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