Santa Elena Canyon

Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend National Park
Peaceful Reflections

One of my favorite destinations in Texas, Big Bend National Park, offers isolation from large cities. A hike along the Santa Elena Canyon will even augment the quietness one can find in the park. Just try to go there when there are fewer people.

Every time we go to Big Bend, we find time to do that hike. It is always one of our visit highlights to experience the canyon’s quiet. We go as far as the trail allows it to get close to the Rio Grande and hear the sound of silence and canyon wrens.

Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend National Park
Optical Illusion

One of the most intriguing things about the canyon is the optical illusion created by the Rio Grande reflecting the canyon walls. Just take a look at the image above. Although the Rio Grande flows from right to left, the impression one gets at this location is precisely the opposite. It’s fascinating! Incidentally, if the quality of these images here appears inferior, these photos were made in 2002 with a 1.3-megapixel camera. Thanks to new technology, I was able to improve on the original files.


Happy New Year, and thanks for your support in 2024!


Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

8 Responses

  1. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    Beautiful images Egidio, especially the Optical Illusion. Wishing you many more hikes in 2025.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you, Anne. My mind is currently spending a lot of time thinking of that location in the photo. It’s so peaceful there.

  2. André
    | Reply

    wonderful reflections. Escpecially in the first one! Love it!

  3. Amy
    | Reply

    Magnificent photos of this canyon!

  4. boromax
    | Reply

    Wow! Just… super wow. ~Ed.

I'd love hearing back from you. Let me know if you have any questions or something is not working on the site.