Santa Elena Canyon
Big Bend, TX
The Rio Grande leaves a 450 m deep limestone gorge at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park. A 2.5 km trail leads into the canyon; wading Terlingua Creek is needed after rain.
In Santa Elena Canyon, the Rio Grande has carved a sheer gorge about 460 m (1,500 feet) deep through pure limestone. Here the river forms the border between the United States and Mexico. The canyon lies at the end of the roughly 48 km (30-mile) Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which passes Sotol Vista, the Mule Ears, Tuff Canyon and historic Castolon along the way; allow half a day for the drive with stops.
The trail into the canyon is about 2.7 km (1.7 miles) round trip. First you cross Terlingua Creek, which can flood after rain and block access; the path then follows the river into the gorge. The walls are best lit in the morning, while the entrance lies in shadow in the afternoon. You can also reach the canyon via the unpaved Old Maverick Road, about 23 km (14 miles) long. Cottonwood Campground is near Castolon.
- Nearest town
- Big Bend, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 29.1672, -103.6097
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May–June, September and December–February. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Terlingua AbajoCampsite2 mi from Santa Elena Canyon
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Santa Elena Canyon · 22 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Lost Gringo RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Santa Elena CanyonMotorhomes
- Maverick Ranch RV ParkMotorhome stopover12 mi from Santa Elena CanyonMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Chisos Basin Group CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Santa Elena CanyonTents
- Chisos Basin CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Santa Elena CanyonTentsCaravans
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Santa Elena Canyon?
Santa Elena Canyon is in Big Bend, TX, at GPS 29.1672, -103.6097. It is about 11 mi from Terlingua.
Can you camp near Santa Elena Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Terlingua Abajo, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 74 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Santa Elena Canyon?
Santa Elena Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena and Maple canyons, rock art and desert mountains – by camper from Austin through the Hill Country to Big Bend.
What is there to see near Santa Elena Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Big Bend Ranch State Park (Barton Warnock Visitor Center) (11 mi), Chisos Basin Campground (20 mi), Big Bend National Park (22 mi) and Big Bend Hot Springs (37 mi).
When is the best time to visit Santa Elena Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May–June, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)