trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
Note: We were there Jan 2017. Accessibility may change depending on what happens with Trump’s border wall promise.
Santa Elena Canyon is the single most popular spot in Big Bend National Park. Everyone stops here, even those who don’t normally hike.
The nature trail crosses Terlingua Creek, climbs several flights of ramps and stairs and then descends into the canyon along the Rio Grande. At this point the canyon walls loom over 1500 feet above the river below. …
In my haste to get over to the Canyon, I took off my shoes and waded Terlingua Creek.
That turned out to be a mistake. Everyone else found a way to cross keeping their feet dry.
Nobody regrets taking this short hike.
And I did finally get a photo of a desert cottontail. Or is it a small jack rabbit?
The best way to see the canyon is by raft or canoe. Local outfitters offer trips from one to three days in length when conditions allow, and river runners of intermediate or better skill level often go on their own. …
Even better for me would be the difficult Mesa de Anguila hike along the canyon rim. Next time. 🙂
related – Texas GOP congressman slams Trump plan for border wall
“Building a wall is the most expensive and least effective way to secure the border,” Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.) said in a statement …
