1.7 Miles Round Trip Out & Back

Moderate Hike

Incredible Hike Across A Creek, Up A Canyon, & Back Down To The Rio Grande

This incredible hike to the banks of the Rio Grande River in the giant Santa Elena Canyon was the highlight of my visit to Big Bend National Park. It was an absolutely beautiful hike on level ground and across the Terlingua Creek with both sides of the canyon rising as you get closer. And then after crossing Terlingua Creek, you climb up a steep incline with a few switchbacks to a stand of prickly pear and an astounding view of Santa Elena Canyon, the Rio Grande River, and the desert mountains behind you. You can then descend back to the river, stick in your toes, or do what I did, and wade out to this awesome solo rock in the center of the river. On the rock were ancient marine fossils! And in the parking lot I ran into that very desert of animals, the Roadrunner!

This hike can be very muddy if the creek has recently flooded and be careful not to illegally cross into Mexico! You’ll need your passport if you are returning back to the US side (I'm being facetious). My wife and I went in May of 2024 and much to our surprise, the river was dry! There was no water in the canyon and people were walking down the path of the river in the canyon. A ranger told me it was because of the recent lack of rain. But, springs and other rivers feed the Rio Grande at the other end of the park which refills it.