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Canyon · Terlingua, Texas
Santa Elena Canyon
Canyon of the Rio Grande in the western part of Big Bend National Park, with limestone cliffs about 450 meters high, one side in the United States and the other in Mexico.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Santa Elena Canyon
Santa Elena Canyon is the best-known landscape in Big Bend National Park. There the Rio Grande cuts through a limestone plateau and forms a narrow canyon with cliffs about 450 meters high. The north cliff is in Texas and the south cliff is in Mexico.
The canyon trail, about 2.5 km round trip, crosses the Terlingua creek and climbs steps before following the riverbank between the cliffs until the bank ends. The viewpoint on the road before the entrance shows the canyon’s opening in the rock.
When the river is high, the Terlingua creek may require wading or make the trail impassable. Local companies organize canoe trips through the canyon depending on river levels.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the trail.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when light enters the canyon; October to April for milder temperatures.
How to get there
At the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in the western park, about 55 km from the Panther Junction visitor center. From the west entrance near Terlingua it’s about 20 km.
Tip
Check river and Terlingua creek levels at the visitor center before you go: the trail may be wet or closed.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santa Elena Canyon
How high are the cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon?
About 450 meters.
Is the Santa Elena Canyon trail difficult?
It’s short, about 2.5 km round trip, with a climb up steps at the start and a crossing of a stream that can be wet.
Can you descend Santa Elena Canyon by canoe?
Yes — with local outfitters, depending on the river level, which varies throughout the year.