Santa Elena Canyon Tours and Activities

View from the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend
View from the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend
The Rio Grande River winds 12 miles down Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park, Texas. When the water is high you can come down the 1,500 foot walled canyon. With less water flowing, guides take you 3 to 4 miles up the canyon with some spots having to portage. But take it all in stride because the views are breathtaking. I recommend Big Bend River Tours. You might get lucky and have the guides that take you a half mile up a side canyon. An excellent day excursion in the out of the way national park.
Santa Elena Canyon 05-17-2017
Depending on the water level, you might need to wade thru or step over a relatively narrow creek to get to the best viewing spot overlooking Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. In the picture, the left side of the river is Mexico; USA is on the right side.

Popular places to visit

Many Colors Cliffs

Many Stones

4/5(1 review)

Enjoy an outing to Many Stones during your stay in Terlingua. Discover the area's stargazing spots and desert landscape.

Many Stones
View of a flat rock in the forground situated high above a sloping away valley and snow covered mountain with a skyline in the distance and clouds overhead, Emory Peak, Big Bend National Park, Texas

Emory Peak

5/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Emory Peak during your travels in Big Bend National Park. Discover the area's mountain views and desert landscape.

Emory Peak

Mesa de Anguilla

You can take time to visit Mesa de Anguilla during your travels to Terlingua. Amble around this relaxing area's parks, or seek out the golf courses.

Mesa de Anguilla

Castolon Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Castolon Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Big Bend National Park. Discover the area's desert landscape and mountain views.

Castolon Visitor Center

Mule Ears Overlook

Learn about the local history of Big Bend National Park when you take a trip to Mule Ears Overlook. Discover the area's desert landscape and mountain views.

Mule Ears Overlook

Starlight Theatre

You can find out about the history of Terlingua with a trip to Starlight Theatre. Wander the gardens or discover the area's stargazing spots.

Starlight Theatre

Best Lodging Options Near Santa Elena Canyon

Big Bend Station

Big Bend Station

2 out of 5
53623 Texas 118 Terlingua TX
Big Bend Station
Chisos Mining Co Motel

Chisos Mining Co Motel

23280 FM170 Terlingua TX
Chisos Mining Co Motel
Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa

Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa

4 out of 5
21701 FM 170 Terlingua TX
Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
Off-Grid, Modern Cliff House

Off-Grid, Modern Cliff House

Terlingua TX
Off-Grid, Modern Cliff House
Southern Boho inspired Geodesic Dome nestled up next to Big Bend National Park.

Southern Boho inspired Geodesic Dome nestled up next to Big Bend National Park.

2 out of 5
Terlingua TX
Southern Boho inspired Geodesic Dome nestled up next to Big Bend National Park.
Short Drive from Big Bend ⁠— Casa Piedra

Short Drive from Big Bend ⁠— Casa Piedra

Terlingua TX
Short Drive from Big Bend ⁠— Casa Piedra
Big Bend Lodging at Ten Bits Ranch | Room #3 (The Gun Shop)

Big Bend Lodging at Ten Bits Ranch | Room #3 (The Gun Shop)

Terlingua TX
Big Bend Lodging at Ten Bits Ranch | Room #3 (The Gun Shop)
Ten Bits Ranch - Room #13 Jail

Ten Bits Ranch - Room #13 Jail

Terlingua TX
Ten Bits Ranch - Room #13 Jail
Lorna’s Ghost Town Cabin: Located in Ghost Town

Lorna’s Ghost Town Cabin: Located in Ghost Town

Terlingua TX
Lorna’s Ghost Town Cabin: Located in Ghost Town
See all 187 properties in Santa Elena Canyon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now