After a couple of failed attempts — one year the Rio Grande ran too low to float a canoe, another year it moved too fast to be safe — we finally made it into Santa Elena Canyon by canoe in … Read More

Anyone who has ever been to Big Bend National Park has probably hiked into Santa Elena Canyon — it’s one of the park’s signature trails, and the view is unforgettable. This shot was taken at golden hour, looking out over … Read More

On a December morning in 2021, I stood at the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park, where the Rio Grande slips between limestone walls that rise as much as 1,500 feet (457 m) above the water. … Read More

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 … Read More

Many photos show the Santa Elena Canyon and its massive walls as one approaches the canyon. It is, after all, an iconic site in Big Bend NP. On the other hand, the view from inside the canyon and looking out … Read More

— The whole park was so different when we visited Big Bend NP in September 2018. Because of recent rains in the area, everything was very lush green. Wildflowers were covering the park, and even the cross on the Rio … Read More

— As my husband and I recently celebrated our 30th anniversary, I did a little inventory of previous things we did to celebrate each five-year milestone. For example, for our 20th anniversary, we spent a long weekend in Puerto Rico. … Read More

— One of the most iconic views in Big Bend NP is the Santa Elena Canyon. It can be seen from various parts in the park. No matter how close or far you are to the canyon, the view is … Read More

— When we went rafting in the Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon (Big Bend NP), we spent a day exploring the sites along the river. After our lunch break, it was time to do a little hike in an … Read More

— Canoeing on the Rio Grande River at Big Bend National Park can offer peaceful moments such as the one above. Discovering what lies ahead in each curve at the Santa Elena Canyon is a very rewarding experience for the … Read More