NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS

Big Bend National Park: Santa Elena Canyon

Paddle the Rio Grande through massive gorges on this exciting overnight. This 22-mile trip is easily done in 2 days.

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Author:	Backpacker Magazine
Activity:	Paddling ActivitySearchPaddling
State:	Texas (TX)
Distance:	22 mi
Difficulty:	6 / 10
Rating:	1 rating(s)

TO TRAILHEAD: Launch from the riverside park in Lajitas on TX 170 and take out 1 mile below the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook, 7 miles west of Big Bend National Park's Castolon Visitor Center. Pick up a permit at Panther Junction or Big Bend Ranch State Park's Barton Warnock Center in Lajitas. For shuttles, rentals, and guided trips, contact Big Bend River Tours (800-545-4240; www.bigbendrivertours.com).

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

SEC01

Dist: 22.46 mi	Points: 1953	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Santa Elena Canyon

Points of Interest

SEC001

Location: 29.264534°, -103.783020°
Boat Launch: From its start at Lajitas, the Santa Elena winds through 12.5 miles of open country and short, swift rapids before hitting the half-mile-long Entrance Rapid, a massive cobble pile left by floods from Mexico's Arroyo San Antonio.

SEC002

Location: 29.181086°, -103.715744°
Begin Entrance Rapid; stay far L..

SEC004

Location: 29.178234°, -103.688431°
Just inside, the gorge deepens, and after several tight turns, you reach Rock Slide Rapid (mile 13.7). At high river flows, the house-sized boulders here make for dangerous Class IV whitewater. When the river is low (about 350-700cfs), Rock Slide can be negotiated by a combination of wading, lining, and paddling.

SEC005

Location: 29.175484°, -103.687080°
Small, secluded campsites are located on cobble bars and rock ledges just below Rock Slide.

SEC006

Location: 29.156464°, -103.649330°
Arch and Fern Canyons: Two striking gorges that angle in from the Mexican side and are separated by a large bench with fine camping. As you paddle, keep an eye peeled for peregrine falcons soaring the cliffs.