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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Permit: Pick up a permit at Panther Junction or Big Bend Ranch State Park’s Barton Warnock Center in Lajitas.
Info: For shuttles, rentals, and guided trips, contact Big Bend River Tours (800-545-4240; www.bigbendrivertours.com).
Trail Facts
- Distance: 36.2
Waypoints
SEC001
Location: 29.264534, -103.78302
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.
SEC005
Location: 29.175484, -103.68708
Small, secluded campsites are located on cobble bars and rock ledges just below Rock Slide.
SEC007
Location: 29.165583, -103.609718
Possible takeout point.
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.
SEC008
Location: 29.157194, -103.599915
Second optional takeout point
SEC002
Location: 29.181086, -103.715744
Begin Entrance Rapid; stay far L..
SEC006
Location: 29.156464, -103.64933
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.
